The Salvia. Years of association with Gaudí coloured council bedding displays the humble Salvia has so much more to offer. From Seasoned sage (Salvia officinalis) to Chia seed (Salvia hispanica) the genus spans from the Americas to Asia.

Two years ago I discovered the garden of Rolando Uria, the man behind Salvia Amistad in Mar del Plata, Argentina during one of my many visits to South America. Everything was organised online, all in Spanish, and a five hour bus journey commenced from Buenos Aires. On arrival and as a suprise, I was introduced also to Robin Middleton who was also there visiting Rolando from the UK. Robin also has a diverse collection of salvias in Bagshot. He raised Salvia × jamensis ‘Peter Vidgeon’ named after his partner Peter.

 

Yesterday I finally got to visit Robins diverse collection of beautiful salvias as seen from the photo galery at this end of the blog, in which I took here. The day was perfect; overcast with a rain free afternoon. Bright sun bleaches the flowers you see.

A bonus was being able to discuss salvias and general life over tea and a good slab of Chocolate cake too. From corona to calyx, old and upcoming, yellow to blue. Here’s to many more years of salvia salivation and ‘Amistad,’ which translates as friendship in Spanish.

Best, Rocky