Now is the time of year when the greater periwinkle, Vinca major, flowers in profusion in the ground cover under the trees and shrubs in our garden. We have a couple of varieties but the one I prefer is the most common, the example in the photograph. At the moment its pale purple flowers are showing like little stars in the shade of its surroundings. Though it is currently at its best the greater periwinkle can flower at any time of year, even duringa mild spell in winter.
