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....
A gorgeous color and form for the garden.
ReplyDeleteI bought one of these in May, and have yet to figure out where to put it, but I had to have it.
ReplyDeleteGreat plant, Phillip. I spent ten minutes trying to figure out why the genus Aralia sounds so familiar to me, but I can't. Do you know if it's hardy to Zone 5?
ReplyDeleteSome sources say zone 3, most say zone 4. So it should work for you!
DeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to grow native Aralia racemosa this year for the 1st time.
So far, it's been a steady if not spectacular performer, but I have a feeling it's just settling in for the long haul...
(At least, I hope so!) :)
I just planted some a few weeks ago and they still have a way to go before reaching that size, thanks for the timely inspiration!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I really love these. Ya gotta love a bright plant for shade. :o)
ReplyDeleteThat really lights up a shady spot! Wonderful. The three leaf textures in the foreground, so simple and elegant. It is interesting that while that lovely plant is not appropriate to my climate, we have a golden Duranta that provides the same effect.
ReplyDeletePhillip, this is beautiful a beautiful aralia. I love the color! I must do some research to see what growing conditions it likes, but I suspect if it will grow for you, it will grow for me too!
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