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 thought the same thing Phillip and then surprise it was gorgeous. Your photos make me Autumn happy! Have a delightful holiday. gail
ReplyDeleteSo so so pretty. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeletePhillip,
ReplyDeleteThey are just gorgeous. The two I planted in the front yard are suppose to get 20 feet. One is 'Atropurpureum' and I'm not sure of the other. Each year they struggle thru the summer and I wonder will they live. This is the third year so they should take off I hope. My 'Virdis' turned orange this year for the very first time!
On the other coast, we too thought there would be little color this year, but patience is rewarded! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThey look beautiful Phillip - both colour and the trunk form of the bloodgood.
ReplyDeleteThere is really nothing quite like them for that amazingly intense color during autumn...I totally look forward to them every year.
ReplyDeletePhillip, those colors are just lovely! We haven't got a leaf left, well, maybe one or two. Enjoy the beauty around you and Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, Beautiful! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteAre Japanese maples ever ugly?
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, I can only echo what you said in your post: Your Japanese maples are spectacular! Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!
ReplyDeleteChristina
Oh Phillip, they are lovely. You know what a weakness I have for Japanese maples. Alas, all of mine have now lost their leaves. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteI have several varieties of Japanese Maples. One at the end of the driveway I dug up as a seedling that came up under a large one at my old house. Which I knew the variety. I have 3 young Bloodgood's I purchased on close out this year. One is still full with leaves. I think they are going to be nice when they get established.
ReplyDeleteJap maples live up to their billing as beautiful all season especially during the fall. Your images are da bomb are very much appreciated by me.
ReplyDeleteOh, Phillip, how I would love to have a Japanese maple. I remember them from my previous life up north, but apparently they can't tolerate our heat. I wonder if one would enjoy life as an understory tree in a vacant spot under my oaks in total shade. How I wish...
ReplyDeleteOh my, I'm so jealous of all that color. I do have 'Bloodgood' and count on it being the last one to show some great color. It's looking good now. I remember when you put that gravel down around the maple. I think it looks great now!
ReplyDeleteFabulous!!! My favorite season to garden, not many bugs, sun on my back not beating down on my head, weeds are slower growing.....
ReplyDeleteAre you going to be on tour this spring? would love advanced notice so I could make arrangements.
xoxox
So so so pretty. Happy Thanksgiving!
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