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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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Another snow day




I can't recall a winter with this much snow. Last night we got another inch or two and the roads are very icy this morning. Michael called within five minutes after leaving for his salon and said that he slid really badly and almost hit another car when he pulled off of our street onto Dr.Hicks Blvd. UNA had initially planned to open at 9:30 but after reviewing the road conditions they decided to stay closed all day.


I just went outside to take these photos and to fill the birdfeeders. The birds were out in full force this morning. There were several red-winged blackbirds and another huge group of black birds that I didn't recognize. We rarely see them at the feeders. 




The sun is out but it is very cold outside. My fingers felt like they were getting frostbit while I was out there. I'm glad to be back inside.


But look at these little daffodils coming up. A sign that spring is surely on the way!




Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. MashaFebruary 10, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    I am so glad I found your blog! Your pictures of snow are lovely, I miss snow... I read your rose post on the sidebar, and how great to meet another rosarian! Your rose collection is beautiful and unusual. I have a few of the same roses, Buff Beauty and Lyda (such wonderful fragrance!).

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  2. GailFebruary 10, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    What a winter~I feel like a broken record, but it sure has been a winter we won't forget! Gorgeous shots Phillip~Love the structure and bones in your garden...They do show fantastically in the snow. gail

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  3. chuck b.February 10, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Beautiful!!! It's almost like you garden the rest of the year with snow in mind for winter! :)

    More pictures please!

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  4. scottweberpdxFebruary 10, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    Is there anything better in the world than a Snow Day!

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  5. serial tillerFebruary 10, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    Well our school was set to open 2 hours late but I knew this mess wasn't thawing with temps in the 20s all day. Glen tested the roads and advised me to stay put..so I called in. I hope this is the last one. They are forecasting more normal weather for us next week. 50s & 60s. That's more my speed.

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  6. DarlaFebruary 10, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    Way to much snow going on in this country right now....your photos are beautiful...go bake something I guess, lol.

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  7. Becca's DirtFebruary 10, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    It has certainly been a winter to remember. It is pretty to look at though of course from indoors. The 7 day forecast for us here on the coast is sun and warming into the mid and upper 60's next week.

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  8. DarlaFebruary 10, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Does your statue lady in the first photo have a veil on?

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  9. Annie in AustinFebruary 10, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    Are those snow-puffballs in the lower left corner dried hydrangea heads, Phillip? Your garden looks beautiful and serene with enough snow to be pretty but not so much as to look dangerous ;-]

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

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  10. Phillip OliverFebruary 10, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Hi Masha, welcome!

    Darla, she is wearing a plastic bag! lol

    Annie, those are indeed hydrangea heads.

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  11. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    I got 3 inches at my house. It was dark when I left for work. I couldn't get over the number of vehicles going off the road at the cotton flats south of Tuscumbia. The million dollar de-icer on ONeal Bridge didn't work again. I think the only time it's worked is the hot summer day they tested it. I had my camera with me to take pictures in Tuscumbia on the way home. It was all gone. I have daffodils with blooms ready to open. Can't wait. May have good working weather next week. Mary

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  12. Lisa at GreenbowFebruary 10, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    That ice and snow is treacherous. Be careful out there.

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  13. Jill of All TradesFebruary 11, 2011 at 5:13 AM

    Oh daffodils! I'm so happy to see that. I need to rush out to the cabine and see if mine are up. How exciting! Spring, Spring, Spring!

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  14. EveFebruary 11, 2011 at 6:18 AM

    We had the same post title yesterday Phillip!! hahaha! And yes it was! Ok we're done with it now...think SPRING!!

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  15. MashaFebruary 11, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    Phillip, your garden site is a treasure. Are you writing your own encyclopedia of roses? I am glad to have met someone who knows so much about roses.

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  16. LesFebruary 11, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    We are "enjoying" the same winter here as well.

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  17. sweetbayFebruary 11, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    Your garden with its thin veil of snow looks beautiful.

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  18. Sharon LovejoyFebruary 12, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    Your place is enchanting. The house, the landscape (even under snow), the wall...absolutely great taste and execution and I can't wait to tune in again.

    Sending warm wishes your way,

    Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

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  19. GingerFebruary 12, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    The snow is a hassle, but it sure makes for beautiful photographs! Your property looks like something out of a movie. So peaceful.

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  20. JanFebruary 13, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    It looks gorgeous, but then I am where it hasn't snowed all winter. I know so many people that are sick of the snow, cold, ice, and slippery streets. Thank goodness Michael was unhurt. I just keep thinking of the daffodils, a sure sign all this cold will be leaving us.

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  21. DFebruary 14, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    Phillip, we are sending warmer temperatures east. :) Even though they are of snow, lovely photos!
    Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours.

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