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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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March Treasures

Camellia 'Magnoliaflora' and Pieris 'Valley Rose'

Buds are budding, flowers are emerging, and the garden is getting greener. Excitement builds! It seems like it is all happening too soon and that is probably the case since the winter has been so mild. There are also mutterings about a "false spring" which is certainly understandable. It is not uncommon here to get a big snow in April. It has happened many times since we've lived here. 

Proceed with caution...

I would not dream of putting any delicate plants out yet so they will remain in the garage. However, there is a flurry of activities that needs to be done. Rose pruning, cutting back perennials and grasses, transplanting, etc. etc. 

It is all worth it - the garden rewards -

Crocus


Daffodils


Anenome

Hellebore

Camellia 'Donation'

Euphorbia wulfenii

Tree Heath (Erica arborea)

Hebe 'Pretty in Pink'

Pieris 'Valley Rose'

Pieris 'Passion Frost'

And last, but certainly not least, is the Azara which is just spectacular this year. I've never seen so many blooms. The garden is filled with the fragrance, which to me, smells like cigars. Some describe it as vanilla or a cake baking in the oven. However you describe it, it is divine.

Azara microphylla



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonMarch 13, 2025 at 8:01 AM

    Your garden is looking lovely, Phillip! Your Camellia 'Magnoliaflora' looks a lot like my 'Taylor's Perfection'; however, mine is already nearing the end of its bloom cycle. I wish I could grow Pieris - that's a perfect companion for the Camellia. Fingers crossed you don't get a snowstorm in April!

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  2. HBMarch 13, 2025 at 2:03 PM

    The garden rewards--yours especially! Beautiful Azara--without fragrance a garden seems incomplete--and the Camellias, Pieris, and the Hebes, and the Hellebores. Happy close-to-spring!

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  3. tz_gardenMarch 13, 2025 at 2:42 PM

    Like you, I love this time of year. Your Pieris 'Valley Rose' is gorgeous, with and without the Camellia. Looking forward to more spring posts.

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  4. AnonymousMarch 19, 2025 at 8:23 AM

    Your Azara blooms appear orange in the photo. Is that truly their color? Because mine are definitely yellow (and smelling like chocolate cake!)
    Chavi

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