Begonia Helen Harmes
Not so long back I posted a profile on the Begonia Flamboyant. Today I am looking at one of the other Royal Renaissance varieties, Helen Harmes (Harms), an excellent tuberous Begonia with small single and semi double flowers.
Helen Harmes (Harms) with its canary yellow flowers makes an excellent partner alongside the showy red flowered Flamboyant.
I wouldn’t be without it, however, in spite of its identical appearance with Flamboyant except of course for the colour, there is a bit of a disappointment which I have now fully gotten over.
Flamboyant starts flowering from the moment it is planted in the border at the beginning of June, sometimes even showing blooms whilst still in the greenhouse, Helen Harmes in our garden does not start to bloom until the end of July, and unlike Flamboyant it will only flower in a position that is out of full sun. In fact it performs best of all in almost full shade. In spite of this it is a lovely plant which at least looks good for three months of the season. Since finding its preference for shade I am actually starting to favour it over flamboyant. At this stage I am going to have to tell you it is very unlikely that you will find this plant. Dont give up on me yet though, please read on.
The Renaissance series of Begonias began in 1902 with the introduction of a semi double flowering canary yellow Begonia named Royal Renaissance Helen Harmes (Harms). Followed in 1911 with RR Flamboyant, bright red with yellow centre, then finally in 1932 the threesome was completed with RR Richard Galle, beautiful semi double apricot flowers.Very strangely this exquisite Begonia almost died out completely, possibly due to the introduction of the non stop variety which has become very popular. Fortunately growers have taken an interest in reintroducing this variety (Vale Royal Horticultural Ltd) have a list of suppliers, contact Dave Wales on 07748 698802.
A new Begonia Lemondrops has been developed and is said to be a match, and in fact an improvement on Helen Harmes.
Unable to find a supplier at the moment.
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One of the links on my site (Aberdeen Gallery) gives a little information on my birth place and pictures which I have taken of the city and surroundings in recent months. I may have previously mentioned that this page once contained photos from flickr members. This is no longer the case, here below is a few of the more recent entries.
Unveiled by Prince Charles on the 15th of October 2011. The statue to commemorate the Gordon Highlanders Regiment The sculpture is the work of Mark Richards FRBS.
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One of the few remaining medieval buildings in Aberdeen, dating from 1545. Sir George Skene was Lord Provost from 1676-1685
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King Robert the Bruce Statue was unveiled in May 2011. In 1319 Robert the Bruce set up the common good fund for the benefit of the Aberdeen people. The fund today is a staggering 30 million pounds plus. The statue was unveiled by direct descendants, Lord Charles Bruce and Master Benedict Bruce.
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In 1686 John Montgomery local mason built Aberdeen’s mercat cross. A unicorn is positioned at the top of the highly decorated structure. The site was used for public punishment and Royal proclamations.
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In 1710 John Ross a successful merchant in Aberdeen became lord provost. Ross purchased this house in 1702, it was built in 1593 by master mason Andrew Jamieson.
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The statue positioned across from His Majesty’s Theatre in 1888 bearing the inscription. I tell you a truth, liberty is the best of all things, my son, never live under any slavish bond.
© 2011 – 2015, Alistair. All rights reserved.
Enjoy your time off Alistair, I did not realize you have been blogging so long. Thank you much for the shout out. If I lived where you live, I would be blogging about architecture. I think I would be in heaven there.
Thanks Donna, but I think I would swap it for a place beside Niagara Falls.
Thanks so much for the kind words Alistair! I too enjoy your blog very much and also the sharing of the architectural gems and local flavors of your corner of the world. Have a great break and here’s wishing you , your wife, and family all the joys of the season. Friends, Larry
Thanks Larry, no more posts from me until after the New Year, Will be looking in on your blog long before that though.
A very happy up-and-coming Christmas to you too, Alistair!
I’m not a begonia fan but yours adds patch of sunlight and I almost like it!
The Gordon Highlander statue bothers me. I wish we had found a form of sculpture that doesn’t glorify soldiering. Maybe it’s necessary . . . though it would be much better if all with weapons simply put them down . . . but, given that there are soldiers (and war) there must be a way of not suggesting it’s something to aspire to.
I like the look of John Ross’s house. (Though it doesn’t look the kind of place with a garden. Is that right?)
Esther, I have sort of fallen out with the big blousy Begonias but the ones which I talk of in my current post are a true asset to the garden. You know this, in spite of adding this statue to my blog, I fully understand what you are saying. Their is no garden in John Ross’s house.
Alastair – I love that you’re not ashamed to be flambouyant in your garden. I think your new blog design looks really professional.
Thanks for the link, it’s an honour, maybe all will be revealed next year …. maybe not.
& Thanks for your encouragement & support through this year, even though we have very different gardens and approachs to gardening.
Wishing you and lovely Myra a Happy Xmas!
Hi b-a-g, I did use the word Flamboyant a helluva lot in my current post. It is of course in reference to the Begonia and perhaps my writing style leans a little in that direction, I hope not too much, look out for macho ally next year. I wonder if your anonymity is part of your success? Have a terrific Christmas and New Year.
if I ever get to Scotland, I will be making a trip to Aberdeen…I love your birthplace…history is fascinating and you bring it to life…another lovely flower to want but I may not find…I still love your profile of it….I will be busy blogging my friend so I hope you stop by. I wish you and the family the very Merriest Christmas and here’s to an amazing New Year. Sending much love your way!!!
Hi Donna, I have enjoyed your company over the last year, I will definitely be stopping by in my few weeks of leisure. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I think my activities in the cyberworld gives the impression most of the time that I am a much nicer person than the reality. Sweet! oh no! it makes me cringe with embarrassment, just had to edit.
no problem…I will still think of you that way…perhaps a bit gruff on the outside but we know…take care!!
Mums the word Donna.
So much history. I love seeing and reading about it all. The new statues are amazing Alistair. Your begonia is a beauty but I have no luck with them. I think I drown the poor things. Have a nice time off and Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Lona, I also have to take care with my watering regime. Thanks for the visits and have a great Christmas.
I love seeing pictures of your city. To have a building from 1545 is truly amazing! I also love all the statues. There must be a wonderful sense of pride when you live in such a lovely and historical place. Have a Merry Christmas!
Thanks for the visit Holley, but dont we just take things for granted. Have a great Christmas
What a wonderful blooming note to end on. The fact that Helen Harmes flowers in shade is a big bonus for me and my how she lights up with her golden locks. Thanks for introducing us to the Renaissance begonias and for all your helpful and informative plant postings. Wishing you Happy Christmas Alistair and look forward to more from AG in the New Year.
p.s. appreciate being in the auld lang syne link line-up 🙂
Thanks Laura, I will look in on you again quite soon.
Alistair have a wonderful break with your family and friends,
I really like the words on the statue across from His Majesty’s, Aberdeen looks to have a wonderful old town when ever I hear about Aberdeen they talk of tower blocks and oil expansion, glad to see it still has it’s heart, the photos reminded me of Edinburgh,
was thinking of you Thursday night as the storm headed your way hope you were alright,
thanks for the friendly link ;o) Frances
Frances, everything is fine here, a bit of damage here and there around the town, nothing too serious. I must say, many people think the centre of Aberdeen desperately needs attention, getting a bit run down looking. Have a great Christmas
I am very complimented to be in your list and realized when I read through it that it contains many of my best blogging friends, including you of course. Many of us started in 2010. I think it is so funny that you mentioned the “mysterious B-a-g”. I have been thinking B-a-g mysterious for quite some time but thought it was just me. I am intrigued by B-a-g’s comment that all may be revealed—something to look forward to in 2012.
The more I see of Aberdeen, the more I love it. Interesting that in 2011, two statues of historical figures (I guess the regiment continues today but the statue portrays them historically) were erected. Robert the Bruce was a great fighter for Scottish independence, and Laura at Patio Patch has mentioned current Scottish independence. Is this all connected somehow?
Wishing you and Myra a wonderful Christmas and very Happy New Year, Carolyn
Hi Carolyn, the regiment was disbanded in 1994. Talk of independence for Scotland is high on the agenda at the moment and there will probably be a referendum within the next couple of years. The opinion seems to be if the referendum was to go ahead at this moment the continuation of the union would be more likely. However in these strange times all could change very quickly. Yes I will also look forward to seeing if bag reveals all. Of course some people prefer to remain a bit anonymous. I am a bit of an open book myself and at times I think hmm, shouldn’t get as personal as all that. Have a great Christmas.
Superb monuments and architecture, we really must make an effort to visit the city 🙂
Enjoy your brake Alistair, see you in January! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Mark and Gaz, its been a treat visiting your amazing blog in the last year. May you both have a great Christmas and New Year also.
Loving the beautiful, vibrant blooms of your begonia. So nice to see on a dreary day here in Wales. Have a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to your posts in the new year.
Thanks wellywoman, turned very cold here.
Hi Alistair, I’m not in the ‘begonia team’ too but I always enjoy your experience with plants and your deep knowledge as much as your pictures! Your city looks very scottish and interesting! 🙂 I must pay a visit to Scotland sooner or later!!
That blue ball you have in your garden is terrific, I want one of those too!!!
I wish you both a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Alberto.
Alberto I can understand why the Begonia is not on everyone’s wishlist, but I am quite fond of these ones and they do play only a very small part in our scheme of things. Looking forward to seeing what will be going on in Altroverde in 2012, have a great Christmas.
Dear Alistair – I don’t know how you do it, but your Begonias are pretty as a picture and mine look,… well, kinda “just there”. I will keep trying – hopefully one day mine will look as lovely as your photographs.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the advice and inspiration you have shared with us over this past year – you’ve helped us so much and made this “Online Gardening” experience very special! Thank you!
I wish you and Myra a wonderful Christmas and happy holidays with your family & friends!
xxx
Thanks Christine, I will look forward to seeing what’s going on in your part of the world next year.
Hi Alistair, i wish you a very enjoyable and restful holiday break. I will be waiting for the next post, as your gardens and photos are always so inspiring and done well. Yours is the best epitome of the English garden, which some people in the tropics are trying so much to emulate, of course with different plants. And it is further funny how some people in the temperate countries really take pains and efforts to make their garden looks like a tropical one. We people are so contentment-less and that’s what makes living fun! Merry Christmas to you and Myra.
Thanks Andrea, seems like we always want what others have.
The holiday season and spending it with loved ones is a wonderful, wonderful reason to take a leave from the blogosphere. Making more precious memories should always be a priority.
We will be content with images of begonias and Aberdeen until your return next year.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family, Alistair.
Festive Festiveness to You n’ Yours xx
Alistair, I thought I was no fan of the begonia family. You make me reconsider also cool to get a free virtual tour of Aberdeen.
Yes Catharine, many gardeners who are not so fond of Begonias find themselves attracted to this one.
Thankyou so much Alistair for the mention and I hope you have a lovely break from blogging. I love begonias and if lemondrop loves shade as much as its ancestor then it’s a winner for me. Your photos from Aberdeen are wonderful – I especially like that first one as those 2 coloured doorways really pop out of the image against so much granite. You should join Redbubble and even if you didn’t sell many prints, postcards or greetings cards the architectural groups I’m sure would love to feature some of them as sometimes they feature some of my scottish photography scenes.
Thanks Rosie, I will take a look.
Hi Alistair,
A guid new year to you, and I look forward to seeing you back in Spring.
Have a merry holiday Alistair! And keep warm.
Hi Alistair,
Another beautiful begonia! I think you have inspired me to try a few this spring. Happy Holidays to you and all the best for the new year! I look forward to your posts in January.
Thanks Jennifer, will drop by in the New Year.
Hey Alistair,
I’ve been gone two months and glad to back to view inspiring sites like yours. The begonias look grand but particularly so in your garden image
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Thanks for sharing a little bit of your surroundings. I’m often blown away when seeing such grand buildings that harken back as late as the 1500s. They remind me how relatively young this grand country of ours really is.
My Grandad was Scottish and I love this type of historically charged post that helps me draw closer to my storied past. Thanks for sharing, my friend.
Thanks Patrick, I will drop by your site in the New year
Dear Alastair, have a good break, and thanks for sharing the sights of Aberdeen as well as begonias and such. cheers, catmint
Wonderful to see these great pictures of Aberdeen. It’s a great city, and after 20 years living away from it, I’m really pleased to see things like the beautifully cleaned facade of Marischal College, and the new statues you featured in your photo gallery. Love your blog and your wonderful garden!
Dear Alistair, I hope you and Myra are having a lovely holiday! I love the golden yellow of this begonia — pink and white predominate in my garden usually, but next spring I must look for a yellow one. Aberdeen is a magnificent city! Thanks for the tour. And so good to see you pay tribute to some of our mutual blogger friends. Wishing you a Happy and Healthy 2012! Pamela x
Thanks Pam, all is well here. Having a good break but looking forward to getting back to the usual routine.
What a bright treat for the eyes this gray January day! I hope you’re enjoying your blogging break and special times with family and friends. Wishing you a year filled with hope!
Hello From the Other side Of The World Down In The City Of Christchurch New Zealand. I have just read that you have problems growing The Begonia Helen Harmes in the sun. This really is a surprise as mine grow each year in full sun in the garden. Yes the Red Flamboyants produce blooms earlier than Helen Harmes but the variety that I have trouble with late flowering is the White Flamboyants bred by the late Merv Cox of Christchurch. They are normally about three weeks later than the Red Flamboyants. I have tried them in different location but still the same result.
Hi Trevor
When we lived in the cooler North of Scotland (Aberdeen) Helen Harmes did not bloom until the end of August and was at its best in September. I reckon I had a particularly bad year with them when I placed them in full sun. We moved to England where the sun is stronger than it is in Aberdeen and I have to admit Helen Harmes thrived in the sunshine. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, by the way we moved back to Scotland.
Do you no who sells the multiflora begonia lemon drops I would love to buy some.
Try Brookside nurseries they are taking orders for multiflora begonias at the moment. They come as plug plants. I have a trick that makes them develop into corms. Get in touch if you are interested.
Alistair –
I am working with the American Begonia Society and was hoping I might be able to use your image of Begonia ‘Madame Helene Harms’ on our page honoring some of the older surviving cultivars. We would of course be happy to credit the photograph to you! The close up is the one we would like to use, it is a beautiful shot!
Go ahead Rick, no problem