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....
Angel indeed! The horse manure is clearly making your garden happy. I've never seen that lavender before, dang that foliage is beautiful. The Magnolia doesn't even look real, it's so perfect. :). So happy for Spring!
ReplyDeleteYes,! "Angel" smells better than manure! But, your garden will love it! Our pink dogwood did well this year, as well. Beats the spring when the blossoms never came out because it was too cold. I love watching your garden unfold each year, Phillip! Debbie
ReplyDeleteYour April garden is doing you proud, Phillip! I love that dogwood tree.
ReplyDeleteViburnum davidii... Maybe it's over-used but only because it is so very hardy. Although ordinary in our region I love the cool fruit.
ReplyDeleteThe shot up the steps is great. It seems to go on forever.
Chavli
And the fact that it is a nice-looking shrub. I'm always surprised that many dismiss it.
Delete