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....
I've heard of people making their own, but never tried it for myself. I think it's great that you can save some money for yourselves. Maybe my wife will be encouraged to try it? Nah.....
ReplyDeleteHmmm, can you use this in those Energy Efficient washing machines? Our machines require you to use those laundry detergents that have the HE label.
ReplyDeleteHmmm I'm going to have to try this
ReplyDeleteI have read about people doing this but have never seen the recipe. Interesting. How do your clothes feel?
ReplyDeleteYou can get Fels Naptha soap on Amazon with free shipping.
ReplyDeleteI have the question about the HE machines as well. In general, I've found powder doesn't work well in them with cold water. I've gone to eco friendly liquid detergents. They cost more but are safer and I use just a little so I am saving. Good luck saving to retire soon!
ReplyDeleteMeemsync, I'm not sure about the energy efficient machines question.
ReplyDeleteLisa, to me they feel the same. Sometimes I use fabric softener but I haven't bought any in a while.
Brilliant idea, bookmarked the page, soon as I've got the time/money I'm going to try making a batch!
ReplyDeleteSoap making recipe is a simple science meets art concept.Your article gives light to many people regarding this topic.Thanks a lot.
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to make this detergent ever since you posted it, and just never got around to it. Well my mom got a recipe from someone at an Ace Hardware store in Tenn, and she made some today. She found the Nels Naptha soap, Borax, and Arm & Hammer washing powder at Peck Ace Hardware at 7 Points in North Florence. We "cooked" ours, so that it would be a liquid detergent (you melt the Nels Naptha soap and add it with the other ingredients and some water), and our whole house smells very soapy.
ReplyDelete