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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....

Leaves to Remember (Michael's Concrete Art)

Michael teaching our friends Geoff and Masako how to make and paint concrete leaves

Michael has been busy making concrete leaves, saucers, bird baths and other objects. This is a process that takes 24-36 hours for forming and drying the cement mixture (sand and mortar mix).




After the objects are finished, they are then painted and glazed.


My favorites are the bowls and bird baths. I have a small one on my desk and the larger ones will be used throughout the garden.












Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Fun! My favorites are those in the 6th and 13th photos.

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  2. I adore these. Especially the birdbaths. I hope Michael sets up an online shop.

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  3. How very creative. It'd be fun to place them throughout the garden.
    chavli

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