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Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (Weymouth, England)

After seeing a string of English-style gardens, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens provided a welcome change of pace. Located in a sheltered woodland on the Jurassic Coast, this 30-acre garden is filled with rare semi-tropical plants.   As we entered, we were greeted by this little guy (a golden pheasant) - The entry area included a restaurant with a wrap-around porch and a gift shop - Entering the main gardens - This hill was quite a trek - I was out of breath when I reached the top. Once there, you get an overlook with a view of the ocean - This property was once home to a castle that was once a monastery. This is how it looked in 1890 - The gardens were developed by the Fox-Strangways family. Most notably, William Fox-Strangways, 4th Earl of Ilchester, was a diplomat and botanist, who introduced many exotic species to the garden. The genus Photinia stranvaesia was named after him.  In 1899, Lady Ilchester printed a catalog which documented over 5,000 plants in the garden....
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Planting Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)


I don't believe I have ever grown autumn crocus (colchicum - I love to say that word) -  although we did inherit one when we moved into this house. I moved it, and apparently it did not like that because I never saw it again. I have always wanted to grow it, but I always think about it at the wrong time of year. Plus, I never see it at nurseries (not even at Yard N' Garden Land). When a friend offered me some, I said YES.

She gave me one special one called "Waterlily" and several that I guess we would call the  "average one". 

'Waterlily'

The question then was where on earth would I would plant them. I read that they are nice in grassy areas so I then decided to plant them along the grassy pathway in front. (This pathway is about to become a gravel pathway as I am refusing to water it daily. Michael wins this battle and gets to do the "told you so" dance.)

I decided to tuck the primo one at the corner of the path next to this pot.


Digging the hole and adding some compost. I'm planting these about 4-5 inches deep.





I put the other bulbs in other spots along the path, as well as some in the back garden. 

I expected it would be next year before seeing blooms but I read that they will bloom 4-6 weeks after planting. That is a pleasant surprise!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. AnonymousAugust 14, 2025 at 7:28 AM

    I looked up the Colchicum 'waterlily': apparently it's has the double pink bloooms, while ther others are single pink. I planted mine among black mondo grass. The black and pink looked quite striking together.
    When happy, the bulbs multiply readily.
    Chavli

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  2. tz_gardenAugust 14, 2025 at 8:07 AM

    I love crocus, especially that they show up when not much else is going on. Please let us know if the 6 week info plays out. Chavli's combo sounds gorgeous.

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  3. Kris PetersonAugust 14, 2025 at 9:24 AM

    I used to see the bulbs offered in local garden centers but they haven't been available here for a long time. I hope you get your September surprise!

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  4. AnonymousAugust 14, 2025 at 11:49 AM

    oh good lord, I just dug up and tossed out about 40 of these because they spread by rhizome in addition to bulb multiplication. They were starting to take over. (yes I'm in the couve) If I'd known anyone wanted them, I'd have saved some-they looked a lot better than those you just planted. I took them out because they fall all over everything around them and then the leaves slooowly go yellow, meanwhile, the blooms only last a few days and then collapse. Maybe you'll do better with them.

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    1. AnonymousAugust 14, 2025 at 1:21 PM

      Oh funny! You are the second person who has told me that they are rampant. I may end up with more than I'd like.

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  5. JerryAugust 16, 2025 at 2:28 PM

    Echoing what others have said - the regular ole pink ones bulk up rapidly. Not my favorite, but I am always reminded that fall (and rain) is on its way when they begin to bloom. Tough as nails. Awesome with neglect. That's worth something.

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