This is the cover of a new Monograph in the Kew Botanical Monograph Series by Dr. Chris Grey-Wilson. V.M.H.

I should say at once it is very useful with a huge amount of information at all levels. It is however a taxonomist's volume and Dr. Grey-Wilson was a Kew trained taxonomist. It has quite superlative photographs, all in brilliant colour - save a few historic pictures. Each species has a long account - well illustrated - with much very thorough taxonomic information. There is a short chapter on cultivation that is a synthesis of  most of what is known. It is a large format book approx. 12 inches x 10 inches of exactly 400 pages. As one might expect there is a very comprehensive index and full references. Many of the photographs are by the brilliant field taxonomist and photographer Toshio Yoshida  who has not only photographed so many plants in remote and difficult of access places but has also described a number of new species of Meconopsis starting his explorations in 1984.  He talked memorably to the Meconopsis Group in Edinburgh in 2010. 

Many others contributed to the wonderful images including David and Margaret Thorne, Harry Jans, Martin Walsh, Tim Lever and others. I should add that this book has well researched information on cultivation. Proof reading is pretty  faultless. It is certain that real experts who travel in the Himalayas will find things that they disagree with but that is inevitable. Finally who is this book for? The answer to that has to be real enthusiasts who are already familiar with the basic characteristics or new comers who wish to learn. 

I NOW INTEND TO GO THROUGH THE AVAILABLE AND EASILY CULTIVATED SPECIES AND CULTIVARS ON THIS WEBSITE OVER THIS COMING WINTER - ONE WEEK ONE SPECIES. THIS IS  SPECIFICALLY FOR PEOPLE WHO WISH TO START GROWING THESE PLANTS ESPECIALLY AS THERE ARE SO MANY WONDERFUL BLUES - WHICH IS A LESS COMMON COLOUR IN PLANTS.

I recently visited the garden in Wick of my daughter and went through and cleaned and tidied this bed. The message of this is just how easy blue poppies are to grow in cool northern climates and over many years I have not lost a single one of this collection of about 40 variations on blue poppies. There are large clumps for me to divide in spring (best time to do it). The Phormasol between the rows very much helps reduce any weeding and I obtain a great deal of seed from these plants. I have a reserve collection of all the species I grow in dry east coast Fife up here. 

I intend to start a weekly write up of all the more common and relatively easily grown species for people who would like to start to grow some. This is the time of year when groups like the Alpine Garden Society, The Scottish Rock Garden Club and the Meconopsis Group bring out seed lists where members may choose a small selection of packets and these are only available to members. There can be restrictions on sending plant material to some countries but most allow seed. 

A lovely white flower on a wet old day. Camellias are very good plants in with Meconopsis since they like an acid soil, are evergreen and can flower well in winter. This is Camellia japonica Nobilissimum. It says a lot for the modern digital camera that an image can be produced on a deep grey day with heavy rain in shade. It also shows how very weather proof Camellias are!

I added a second white image in error. This is another very attractive Glaucidium again from Tetsuo