Welcome to my website. All photos belong to me (unless credit is given to someone else) and copyright infringement is strongly prohibited. They are for viewing purposes only, not for taking without permission.
This is a link to the prize-pelargoniums facebook page, why not check it out. www.facebook.com/prizepelargoniums65
If you are impressed please feel free to like the facebook page or my website.
Talks given to local Horticultural Societies and Gardening Clubs on Hostas and Pelargoniums. contact me on
Pelargoniums Explained 5th October 2022 for Diggers & Planters Group
of the North Norfolk U3A venue Bodham Village Hall NR25 6AD.
Hi, my name is Ken Abel and I live in Carlton Colville, Suffolk in the UK. I have been growing and showing Pelargoniums nationally since 1999.
PLEASE NOTE I DO NOT SELL PLANTS.
All the ideas and tips on my website, relate to how I grow and exhibit show plants. (they work for me)
Most of the plants you see on this site were grown by me unless
stated otherwise.
If you like Hostas check out the new album with photos of plants from my collection.
I hope 2022 will see us have a better growing season for our Pelargoniums and for those like me who exhibit their plants good luck on the show bench.
From January 2014, I started writing the Pelargonium column in the "Garden News".
Some angels standing in the coolness of our study before being loaded into the van for the show bench at the Yorkshire show 2017. Back row from left to right. Berkswell Fiesta in 6" pot, Berkswell Fiesta in 4.5" pot, Berkswell Rosetta in a 6" pot. In the middle is a young plant of Carlton Tinker in a 5.5" pot. Front row Rockwell Sophie in a 6" pot, Oldbury Duet in a 6" pot and Sarah Don in a 6" pot.
Sharia (Sharee) Elouise Scott
You're my no. 1 inspiration in the Pelargonium growing/showing world. Appreciation abundance, plus some! Your site has taught me more in a short period of time, than any other source or outlet.
Adrienne Nield
Wow I love your plants ,beautiful ,I wish I could grow them that well in Australia
Cathy
Is it possible to send you a photo to help identify a pelargonium? It has leaves similar to Oldbury Duet but seems to be a deeper purple. Thank you!
Ken
Hi Cathy There are links on website that you can use to send a photo.
Jacqueline Connell
I’ve just read your column in GN 6th March issue) - absolutely brilliant! So informative; l always end up with leggy cuttings and now l know how to avoid this. You mention p. australe which l love.
Ken
Thanks for the kind words unfortunately GN have reduced the input from experts this year so I will have only 2 more to do. Ken
Kay Gentry
Hi! Ken I'm an old face from the then Bradwell Fuchsia club we always read your articles in garden news, but it always results in me spending money hope you and Babs are well
John Bradbury
fabulous new seedling of Carlton Mystique Ken.
many congratulations. Any tips on hybridisation? I will look out for such varieties with the prefix 'Carlton' if you can say where they will be on sale.
Ken
Pleased to hear that you like the look of Carlton Mystique, it holds the flowers well. I will answer the rest of your comment by email.
Ted Kennison
Where can I get Berkswill pelagoniums please?
I am an avid gardener and love angel pelagoniums but have tried in vain to find a supplier.
Ted tedandpamkennison@sky.com
ken
Hi Ted You could try Fibrex or Trecott nursery for Berkswell Angels. Ken
Magi Delahay
This page is brilliant and I will be saving to "favourites"... gives so much inspiration💗💗💗
Ken
Hi Brian I will answer your question by email. Ken
Brian Moorhead
What is the best pelargonium/geranium catalogues to get for showing and also what are the best varieties to show?
Ken
Hi Mark sorry to say that I have not written a book on Pelargoniums, the nearest I get to it is writing a column now and then for the Garden News. regards Ken
mark bateman
Good morning!
Have you by any chance written a book on the subject and, if so, how can I get my hands on a copy/
Janet
Hi Ken. I have entered a geranium in the local show. However, there is plenty of foliage but hardly any flowers. I have been deadheading regularly. How can I get more flowers on a geranium? Janet
Mary-Anne Blades
Hello Ken.
I am wanting to make my own compost for growing pelargoniums for showing.what do you recommend
Joe Connah
Hi Ken do you know of a plant named Dramsden, cannot see it on any listings of Pelargoniums or Geraniums. Thanks .JOE
Ken
Hi Joe I know of an angel Darmsden bred by Ray Bidwell with royal velvet, pale mauve flowers, if that is any help. Ken
Vicky Green
Hello Ken, I don't want to be too boring, and say as everyone must that I've never seen plants as perfect and totally beautiful as yours. My message is please tell me that you are writing a book.
Ken
Hi Vicky thanks for your kind comments, this website and writing in Garden News is the nearest I will get to a book for now. Ken
Vanessa
Hi Ken have just bought some regal peligoniums can you tell me what I should do with them regarding feeding and General looking after. They're beautiful plants and want to get a great display for my g
Earth MINEO
Woow love that Madame Salleron Pelargonium
Brian Medhurst
Hi Ken! Thank you for the most interesting talk and amazing pics, you gave at Halesworth Gardeners' Society last evening. It our first evening of the "new term" and it went very well. Brian Medhurst
Ken Abel
Thanks Brian and also for making us feel welcome. Glad my talk was well received. Ken
Janet
Hi Ken Could you suggest some good named varieties of Zonal pelargoniums for a show in early September. thanks.
Janet
Hello Ken. Unfortunately I did not get the email answer you sent me. I am sending my email address again.
ken
Hello Janet I have resent using the email address provided. If that does not work maybe you would like to try getting in touch by the link on this site. Ken
Janet
Hi Ken. Our local flower show is quite late. This year it is on 8th September. My pelargoniums have flowered their heads off all summer now have very few flowers on. How can I prolong the season?
Ken
Hi Janet I have answered this by the email address you provided hope it arrived safely. Ken
Jill Lawson
Can you ever grow pelargoniums as standards?
ken
Hi Jill the answer to your question is yes they make good standards. I have put 2 examples on my homepage, hope you approve. Ken
Magi Delahay
I really love pelargoniums. .. but have difficulty overwintering them...
This site is wonderful...how do I join??? Is there a "follow" option???
Jean
Hi Ken,
I live in the U.S. just east of Chicago, and have fallen in love with Pellies. Trouble is, I can't find sources for them beyond geraniaceae.com--great but I still envy you and love your site!
Aleeza Khaauuff
Hey Ken, Verily I Loveth the planplants t
Val
I have several angel and regal,that seem to think autumn is here.ie lots of yellow brown leaves.it seemed to start on a cold snap followed by cloud cover.I have feed and watered b u t still very sad .
Ray Leppard
Hi Ken,
Splendid site. Two questions- what is the cutting compost and how ,on average,do they take to strike.
Ray Leppard
Hi Ken,
I never realised you could take cuttings so big. I have many questions but my pressing ones are - what compost do you use for cuttings and how long, on average, do they take.
A splendid site
John Geraghty
Hi Ken,
An excellent site! I've a query that doesn't seem to be covered by you - callusing. Prior to sticking, do you let the cut ends dry out and start callusing? And if so, for how long?
Ken
Hi John I do not find the need to let end of cutting dry out by laying on bench.I just insert into the pot & find they root quicker for me that way. Glad you approve of site.Ken
Pauline Scrace
how do you revive a flowering pelagarium for an exhibitions end of July, would it be best to cut flowers off now.
Sue Howard
Stunning plants .. :)
Frances Lazenby
Ken, amazing Pelargoniums and thank you so much for giving us your tips and feeding suggestions. I have a greenhouse full but have so learn much more from you. Thank you.
Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Lori in Denver
Hi ... Wonderful geraniums of all types. WOW! I will check to see if there is a club in Denver, Colorado usa. ;)
Kaz Forecast
WOW! WOW! WOW! What a fabulous collection - such love and care have rewarded you. I am just starting out! Any idea where I can buy cuttings/plugs/ seeds of 'marbacka' the so called Swedish geranium.
Ken
Hi Thanks for the WOWs, Sorry to say that I Do not know where you can get Marbacka maybe it would be worth trying one of the Swedish Sites. Ken
sonia rose
I am so impressed Ken wow love what you have achieved
Ken
Hi Sonia thanks for the kind words much appreciated. Ken
Cecily Ellies
Impressive work Ken!
Agwet
Hi ken , words can't express yr Geranium collection. Its a heaven in the earth.
Jean Grundy
I'm very inspired to grow these fabulous plants after watching great British gardens on BBC 2 this morning, where can I buy your book ? Thanks Jean
Rachel Hawkridge
I was at the talk you gave to Brightlingsea garden club yesterday evening. Thankyou for a most interesting and enjoyable time.
ken
Hi Rachel thanks for your kind words and to you and the rest of the members for making us feel welcome a big thankyou . Ken
Екатерина
Очень красивые пеларгонии! Сказка!
Ann - Marie Lindblom
Such a beautiful Web side! We are going to have a show in Sweden this august. I hope that my plants can get some flowers!
EVA
AMAZING HOUSE!!!!!!
THESE FLOWERS ARE GREAT!!!!!!!!!
Sandra Bullock
Hello Ken, I look after the scented pelargoniums in the new conservatory Scampston Walled Garden as a volunteer.
Would like to grow some more flowers to make a good show next year. Help!!
Aimal Khan Kasi
Hello Ken,
I am Aimal from Quetta, Pakistan. Growing geraniums for the last 20 years. I often visit your website and the information and pics therein are really good.
Pamela Lelean
I love your website.WE have trouble finding Angels In New Zealand.Dont suppose you have any contacts here.
Ken
Hi Pamela so glad that you approve of my website. Sorry to say that I do not have any contacts in N.Z. , maybe someone who visits this site will know where you can acquire angels in N.Z.. KEN.
Ingrid
thank you for sharing your amazing plants! I found your site looking 4 advice on regals) Lord Bute, have not had success in the past. I bought 3 small plants this year.
Ken
Hi Ingrid, did you find the advice you were looking for on my website? If you want more help feel free to get in touch. Ken
Kay Gentry
have a query for your help?
Rose Whisson
I am the events coordinator of a garden club in Suffolk and am planning our 2016 programme. We would love to hear your talk on Pelargoniums and would be grateful for details of your charges etc
Chris Kealey
I am a committee member of a gardening club and we have an annual sale and competition day in early August. This year we would like to try Pelargonium (previously Fuchsia). We would need about 50 plants. Can you recommend a small growing variety that w
Dave Warwick
beautiful plants but where can I purchase some ?
I have never grown them before but have a fancy to try.
Dave Warwick
Hi ken,
Hi ,much obliged for the very prompt reply and information, I shall certainly give them a go.
Cheers,
Dave
Ken
Hi Dave Fibrex Nursery do mail order there is a link to them on the links page on this website.
Mick Scott MBE
Just when you thought it was safe to watch BBC2 who should turn up. Well done Ken.
and those people who banned you from their show should think ashamed of themselves.
Mick S
Bob Sawyer
Hi Ken can you please resolve the issue of the timing for the final stop before the show date some people say 18 weeks others 12 weeks which do prefer. Love the web site and your choice of music
Mick Collins
Nicely grown Ken
jean sekhose
Awesome!
Ken
Nice one Pest! It will seem strange dressing my plants next weekend without Norman's cheery smile and banter he will be greatly missed R.I.P. dear friend.
Ken
Hi I hope you all approve of the upgrade.
Ken
Hi April stellar Millmore Medway is not one I have heard of. Can anyone help April with this? Ken
April
Hi Ken Have you heard of pelargonium Millmore Medway. It is a Stellar but I don't know if it is a dwarf or regular size. Thanks April.
Cynthia Mann
Hi Ken ,
I am writing from Australia and I really wish we lived closer when I see all the beautiful pellies you have . They don't grow as well here .
Cynthia
Jeanne Hambridge
Dear Ken,
thanks for your message ,around 19990 I bought a few pelargoniums, one had a label in Ted ?Day, it didn't say Harlequin .i live in Essex.
Jeanne.
Elizabeth Tansley
I hadn't heard the music before. So soothing and beautiful like your pictures.
Marina Tan
Hi Ken
The prize winning Pelargonium episodes on the front page is simply amazing - an accolade of success. Congratulations! You're unarguably a "Shining Star".
Kari M. Knutsen
Beautiful as well as interesting, Ken! Thank you so much for sharing so much joy! All the very best to you from Granny Kari.
http://www.omikari1.com
BRIAN JONES
Hi Ken.It's Brian Jones from North Wales.We have met at recent Yorkshire society Shows. Could you please email me. Questions about compost for you??
Ken
Hi Reg Carlton Supreme is one of my seedlings and not released and I have no desire to do so at the moment. Ken
berrywood2@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Ken
Can you pllease advise me where to get Carlton Supreme
Reg Woodberry
Mick collins
Hi Ken cracking picture of Mister Lot I hope it does well for you around the shows, Mick
Dorothy Charging Hawk
Hii! I have an orange pelargonium that I bought for a penny some 15+ years ago. Stella Birdbush Chloe!? It roots vigourously, and can survive a light frost.
ccamille
beautiful flowers i also have a blog check mine out noone is liking and only like 8 people like my page how do you get so many to your page
gina
hey cool flowers, why dont you sell them... also check out my website : ginalaish.simplesite.comthx
Satisfashion!!!
Great flowers!!! anyway, come visit my website at www.dreamy yellow. simplesite.com. Hope to see U there!!!
Ken
18 to 12 weeks depending on what the cultivar is, this year due to weather plants have been 3 weeks late where I live. For more info use get in touch page.
ken
how long before flowers when you have done cutting and stopping ???
Christina Johansson
Thank you so much for this very fine and interesting site!
jules
Love flowers takes me back to when I use to go along with my dad on his route delivering flowers for a local greenhouse; the smells, the colors, the beauty! :
KC
Love your website and flowers!
Please visit my at www.kcfoong.simplesite.com
Terrena
You have a really nice website, check mines out if you will. www.simplesite.com/Darice
Makofane G
BEAUTIFUL.Like this.
hsh791004
Cochlea ~ you are nice !!
I geranium inside of whether raise almost 2 months become!
See in the picture ...Came out being under sentence brilliantly ...!
Inform on if inform secret method how I raise ^^
I raise so well and I am the best to bogie!
Geoff Porter
Fabulous Website, it has inspired me to try and grow better plants- I thought my Quantock Kirsty looked pretty good until I saw yours!
baby p v
Great website
Baby P V from Kerala, Gods Own Country
neyda
wow estan muy hermosas, lastima que en mi pais no las pueda conseguir todas, sobre todo mi favorita, angel enano
Carol Benedict Russell
Thank you for sharing your lovely pelargoniums
I teach the Youth Division of The Shelter Island Garden Club.
Permanent collections; flowers to grow and share.
cyk-Ken
Stunning!!! Spectacular presentation. Thanks for the inspirational tips.
Fawn
Great website, i love it. I will surely visite again
Annelie Carlsson
my first time here, but not my last!! I just have to say WOW!!
Andy Harper
Great Website Ken,complimented by the background music, Nice for you to share your growing ideas and experiences, an inspiration to us all.
phoenix michaelis
wow those are some lovely flower displays.
Joy
Love your well awarded display - congratulations!
Am seeking to obtain Quantock Shirley to give as rememberance for lost family member in Melbourne Australia
Dr Rezvi
My favourite is carlton supreme, so beautiful, attractive pink color. You have done such a good job.
sonu nampalli
great flowers aase garstad
Aase Garstad (Norway)
It`s so amazing to look at Your fantastic Pelargoniums. I realize mine look like "refugees". I took notice of Your tips for repotting and cutting plants!
shirley perriss
at last i have found your website, fantastic, keep up the good work, shirley from moulton nursery
YAQOOB ALI CHANGEZI
OH VERY WELLL SO NICE WEBSITE BUEATIFUL AMAZING PICTURS WELL WELL WELLL YAQOOB ALI CHANGEZI FROM QUETTA PAKISTAN
Linda Brown
Great photos. Does anyone have a reference for whether Captain Starlight flowers/ petals are edible? Thanks. Linda Brown Victoria BC
Rita
have just found this website through a e-mail from vernon nursery and what a find.loved the site and all the tips thank you ken.
Judy McCracken in Auckland New Zealand
Beautifully staged plants. Loved the colours and health of your exhibits.
Well done for showing us superb, lovely specimens.
Guy Filby
Well done Ken I like it
Best Wishes
Guy
Clive
Fantastic site Ken, really enjoyed it, know how much work you have put into getting where you have, well done from the Bernese Oberland. Switzerland.
Michael
Ken, thank you, for a most informative evening and website. There were quite a few pointers that I have taken on board. Best wishes for 2010. Clean Pots ! !
lavender
welldone !! really like it, geat job
Irina
SUPERBE SITE !!! Grand merci!