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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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Focus on foliage

In my last post, I shared some photos of camellias and other flowers blooming in our late December garden. The flowers are fantastic this time of year but they are by no means the only areas of interest. Evergreen foliage is most welcome in the winter garden. The temperatures have been rather mild thus far and there are still colorful fall leaves hanging on as well.

Chinese Holly "O'Spring" (Ilex cornuta) -  This variegated holly is beautiful at all times of the year. I've seen very large specimens in books and on television but this ones seems to be happy at a diminutive size of less than 4 feet.

Italian Arum (Arum Italicum) is a member of the philodendron family. It does look like a houseplant during the winter months but it is quite hardy. Greenish white spathes (flowers) will appear in May and are pollinated by insects. The foliage then dies and bright orange berries appear in autumn, followed by new leaves and the process starts again. This plant can be invasive in some areas of the country.

 
The vibrant russet leaves of Mohawk Viburnum (Viburnum x burkwoodii  'Mohawk') are
still clinging to the shrub.

The dramatic blades of a Yucca are contrasted with the branches
from Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis).

The bright yellow leaves in the lower left are those of Spirea (Spirea japonica 'Goldmound'). Rosemary "Arp", right behind it, stays green all winter. We use it frequently in cooking.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowDecember 26, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    This winter hasn't been particularly hard on the garden...yet. That holly is gorgeous. I have an Italian Arum but it doesn't have the varigated leaves. It isn't invasive here.

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  2. David - Pinewood CottageDecember 26, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    i love the Arum

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  3. Pam/DiggingDecember 26, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    Great winter foliage, Phillip. Happy New Year to you and yours!

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  4. LarryDecember 27, 2011 at 5:43 AM

    The holly is quite spectacular! Larry

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  5. RandyDecember 27, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    Phillip, how's your Winter Daphne doing? I lost one of mine. I need to call Petals and see if they have any.

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  6. LesDecember 27, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    I am glad I am not the only gardener to appreciate O'spring.

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  7. JessDecember 27, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    Merry Late Christmas Phillip! We too are having a nearly summer like end of year and since my year 'begins' early February... yet everything is still alive now, I'm starting to wonder what to do. I mean...the hydrangeas still have all their leaves on them!

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  8. UnknownDecember 27, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    Your winter photos demonstrate how much attention you put into the design of your garden. How wonderful to have that beauty all year!

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  9. sweetbayDecember 27, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Love the color of those viburnum leaves!

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  10. Anne BoykinDecember 28, 2011 at 12:48 AM

    Happy Holidays, Phillip. I love arum. I've killed it once but maybe I should try again.

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  11. serial tillerDecember 28, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Where did you get your O'Spring? I have not seen a variegated holly locally but would love one!

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  12. GardentinaDecember 29, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    I like the rosemary!

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  13. Phillip OliverDecember 29, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Jennifer, I can't remember where I found the holly but I know that it was local. I'll see if I can find it in my gardening journal.

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  14. rebeccaDecember 31, 2011 at 6:36 AM

    Love the color of that viburnum.

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  15. scottweberpdxJanuary 2, 2012 at 10:54 AM

    I just love all your winter foliage! That Viburnum is stunning...love that rich, sultry coloring!

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