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Special Plants Nursery (Chippenham, England)

Our third day was a busy one as we left our first hotel in Bath and traveled to Wells. There were several stops along the way, the first being Special Plants Nursery in Chippenham, England. It was a warm day. The nursery is owned by former Oregonian Derry Watkins, who moved to England decades ago when she married an Englishman. She is a plant collector and has traveled all over the world, her favorite place being South Africa.  That is Derry in the above photos talking to our group. The house and garden are located on a steep hill with idyllic countryside surrounding it. She says the garden was designed by her architect husband and she has filled it with her favorite plants, mostly tender perennials that she has collected from her plant-hunting expeditions. Most of the beds are terraced and many plants are grown in gravel. The garden is also enhanced with some striking ornaments - Lower island beds proceed downhill - A bog garden - At the bottom of the property is a woodland walk....
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Gardens of the Shoals

Tonight I will be doing a presentation to the Shoals Wildflower Society about local gardens that I have written about in Alabama Gardener magazine. This will mainly be a slide show of photos I've taken. Here is a sample:

Margie Anderton's beautiful wildflower paradise in Killen, Alabama (the article is in the current edition)



Leon Perry's azalea wonderland in Muscle Shoals



Dee Hubbert's garden here in Florence (this article hasn't been published yet)



and Charles Moore's magnificent waterfall garden (also in Florence)



There are other gardens as well. Their meetings are held at the Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Florence and their is tons of food and usually door prizes. Wish me luck!
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  1. CarolSeptember 11, 2009 at 2:34 AM

    Lucky! Lucky! Shoals Wildflower Society members! What gorgeous gardens! Your photos are beautiful Phillip... I particularly love the first two gardens. I am happy to wish you luck ... but I do not believe you need it. I am certain they will all be delighted!

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  2. FrancesSeptember 11, 2009 at 3:36 AM

    Here's a giant good luck wish and a big hug too! I wish I could see your slide show and hear the talk. Those gardens are amazing, but the azalea wonderland really caught my azalea fairy attention! BTW, I bought that cast iron half urn, just because you said I needed it! I am too easy! :-)
    Frances

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  3. Roses and LilacsSeptember 11, 2009 at 5:58 AM

    Wonderful photos Phillip. Love the rustic log arbor. Wish I lived closer, would love to see your presentation.
    Marnie

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  4. Tatyana@MySecretGardenSeptember 11, 2009 at 6:01 AM

    Good luck Phillip! I wish I could be there! I love the pictures. The wooden arbor is stunning!
    PS. I hope you received foxglove and poppy seeds!

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  5. How It GrowsSeptember 11, 2009 at 6:20 AM

    Break a leg!

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  6. GailSeptember 11, 2009 at 7:44 AM

    Phillip... These gardens are dream gardens and you've captured them so beautifully. I know that you will do your usual wonderful best! Wish we could be there! gail

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  7. Sweet Home and Garden CarolinaSeptember 11, 2009 at 8:04 AM

    Wish I could be there for your presentation as well, Phillip. What amazing gardens you've captured.

    Wishing you luck and a good turnout.

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  8. Monica the Garden FaerieSeptember 11, 2009 at 8:54 AM

    Ooh, nice! There's nothing better than looking at photos of beautiful gardens you don't also have to weed! :)

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  9. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)September 11, 2009 at 12:13 PM

    Hi Phillip

    Beautiful shots.

    I really like Dee Hubbert's garden. That structure is terrific.

    Good luck for the talk!

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  10. Lisa at GreenbowSeptember 11, 2009 at 12:50 PM

    So much lovely inspiration, I know you will do a great job. Best of luck.

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  11. F CameronSeptember 11, 2009 at 1:20 PM

    You must live in gardening heaven! What beautiful gardens in your photos!

    Cameron

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  12. sweetbaySeptember 11, 2009 at 5:26 PM

    What beautiful gardens and lovely photos. I'm sure the audience will enjoy your presentation!

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