This is a tale about the contrasting fortunes of two plants that should be casting a golden glow over the garden right now.
I am talking about winter flowering jasmine which readers will recognise as a plant that I recommend for every garden no matter its size or situation for no flower will give you more joy at this time of year. They have always lifted my spirits but this year is different for whilst the jasmine that nets the wall with its acid yellow stars in the back yard fills me with joy the jasmine on the other side of the house it is a different story.
For many years this jasmine has twined itself around the pergola and its green stems have been covered in the same bright yellow flowers as its cousin in the back yard. That cheerful sight is now muted and only a bud remains here and there. By the time you read this I imagine that even those few survivors will be gone.
So what has caused the jasmine on the pergola to lose its flowers? The good news for all those who possess this lovely thing is that it is completely disease free and the damage has nothing to…
