Skip to main content

Featured

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....
1 comment
Read more

The life

 




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Email Post

Comments

  1. meemsnycJanuary 30, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    I wonder if any birds are brave enough to go into the birdhouse with kitty so near!

    ReplyDelete
  2. KellyJanuary 30, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    My old yellow tom packed his bags and left home. His mama the "kitten machine" is still here. I miss old tom. I like your pics.

    ReplyDelete
  3. DarlaJanuary 30, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    What animal abuse! How dare you make life so hard on the kitty!!...

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJanuary 30, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    Looks like what each of us wishes he had spent this weekend doing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. sweetbayJanuary 30, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    Yeah, that's the life. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. EveJanuary 31, 2011 at 3:17 AM

    I bet that fella really enjoyed this warm spring weather this weekend! Love the photo!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jill of All TradesJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    Oh that makes me miss my sweet Mackie.

    ReplyDelete
  8. GailJanuary 31, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    Every garden needs a cat! He's a beauty. gail

    ReplyDelete
  9. compost in my shoeJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    We all need a spot just like it. Lay down and relax!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lisa at GreenbowJanuary 31, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    What a handsome kitty. He knows just where to relax and let the birds come to him.

    ReplyDelete
  11. scottweberpdxFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    awww...so cute...to be a cat!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Tallulah's Antique ClosetFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    What a relaxed and pretty kitty! Just enjoying the day in the garden. Thank You for the Birthday greeting. Have a great week....Ray

    ReplyDelete
  13. debsgardenFebruary 1, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    Are you sure you didn't pose that kitty? Maybe bribe him with some catnip? His color matches so perfectly with the wall ornament above.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment