With a long and varied history including accreditation by the Ancient Greeks, the many varieties of Dianthus would take an age to discuss so instead we will look at one of the most popular and well loved varieties, Dianthus Barbatus or Sweet William. Typical of a Dianthus species the Sweet William has grass like leaves and is a reasonably hardy garden plant that prefers a well drained soil and a sunny position.
Recognisable for its dense and flattened shaped flowers the Sweet William is available in most garden centres where a choice of single colour or ‘eyed’ varieties are available. Typical flowering period is around June and July with the one major drawback for most gardeners being that the Sweet William is biennial. This means that you will have to plant it one year but wait until the following season for it to flower but for many it is also worth the wait.
Traditionally native to the mountains of Southern Europe, the Dianthus Barbatus can also be found in north-eastern China, Korea and Russia. The flowers are produced in a dense cluster at the top of each stem and are widely recognisable. Sweet William traditionally has been used in landscaping and in cut flower displays as its height makes it perfect for flower arranging.
The walnut is the fruit of the Black Walnut tree. Walnuts are harvested in autumn, and must be removed from a shell and a very strong husk. The husk secretes a strong-smelling juice that creates very difficult stains, so be sure to wear gloves when harvesting from a Black Walnut tree. Black Walnut has been prized for centuries as a fine furniture hardwood. It is also commonly used in gunstocks. Black Walnut is enjoyed by craftsmen because it is strong but easily worked.
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