Across from the bridge, alongside the entrance to the garden stands a solitary Ribes Sanguineum, a shrub introduced into cultivation in Britain in 1826 by Scottish botanist David Douglas.

Our first real encounter with a flowering current was inheriting one in this garden. It was smaller in size back then and over the past couple of years it has put down roots and settled, its prolific display of pendulous crimson flowers come April a moment to enjoy. It is something we wouldn’t have necessarily considered for its position, an important spot travelled daily, but to be honest it has grown on us. Its flowers although showy and bold compared to the ‘white icicle’ have character, reaching an acme of fullness, at times a bit loud, but the subtleties of the flower buds as they arise and the faded tone as they pass are the most beautiful part of this process. It has a distinctive vase shaped habit, an open structure that provides a relaxed and informal manner allowing it to sit comfortably within the garden. The leaves, palmately lobed and delicate are a favourite quality, said to give off an odour but one that yet doesn’t concern us.

Initially the shrub had a busy and congested centre. The new growth obscured the moss covered stems and made it too heavy in appearance. We thinned it out, creating a shape that allowed it to become lighter on its feet, opening up views through it and emphasising the bowed nature of its branches that when wet arc over the path requiring a slight negotiation to pass. Going forwards we will look to maintain this openness, although to appreciate its flowers we will prune only lightly and when necessary as not to encourage more bloom. We feel it has now reached its mature height of nearly 4 metres, its character something we enjoy with the anticipation of its moment in the garden.