Spring song

Posted on 4th March 20254th March 2025 by WestcountryNurseries

Hurrah for the sunshine

Finally we have some sunshine. There may still be frost first thing but for the last few days the temperatures have climbed steadily.

We need it after what feels like the longest and wettest winter for a number of years.

The garden is brighter

The garden looks brighter and it is teeming with life. I have a magnificent display of crocuses including one huge circle of purple flowers where a long-dead tree used to stand. It is a mystery why they are there as we never planted them.

Daffodils are out

The first daffodils and narcissus are out. Many more are in bud and just waiting to burst forth. The snowdrops are still providing a carpet of white, nodding heads.

The garden is very wet. The grass is starting to grow and will need a cut soon. But I will have to wait for it to dry out otherwise the lawnmower will sink in the mud.

Time to do some jobs

I have a lot of jobs to do in the garden. There are seeds to sow and seedlings to prick out.

Dahlias need to be planted. I always start mine off in pots where I can keep an eye on them and the slugs which like them for breakfast. Once they are an inch or two high I transfer them to their final spot. One of my favourite dahlias is the red Bishop of Llandaff.

Lupins will be back next month

I am looking forward to the lupins arriving next month. I just adore their glorious spiky flowers. You can grow lupins from seed but if you want to let us do the hard work we have plugs, seedlings and larger lupins in pots.

I love the colours that lupins bring to a garden. Who can resist the rich orange of Towering Inferno? There’s always room for the glorious purple Masterpiece and the red Beefeater. If you want your colours a bit more muted go for Salmon Star or Cashmere Cream. Whatever the colour scheme in your garden we have a lupin which will fit right in.

Welcome winter colour

Despite the rain there have been patches of winter colour. This year I have been particularly grateful for my winter-flowering clematis. Clematis Armandii is covered in highly-perfumed white flowers. Clematis Armandii Appleblossom also has beautiful flowers with a lovely scent. Looking ahead to the summer there will be Chevalier and Crystal Fountain to look forward to.

Wildlife is buzzing

Spring is being welcomed by the wildlife. Every morning I wake to the most glorious birdsong. There are big fat bumble bees on the epimediums and the robins and wrens are busy collecting nesting material. My bird feeders are mobbed, particularly by long tailed tits which arrive en masse.

Epimedium ‘Frohnleiten’

Let’s hope this warm spring sunshine lasts.

Gardening tips

Let the foliage of spring bulbs die back naturally to allow them to store up energy for next year. Clean greenhouses if you didn’t do so in the autumn. Continue watering plants which have been dormant in the greenhouse over winter. Start sewing vegetable and annual seeds indoors.

#winter #sunshine #narcissus #daffodils #snowdrops #seeds #dahlia #bishopofllandaff #lupins #plugs #seedlings #toweringinferno #masterpiece #beefeater #cashmerecream #salmonstar #clematis #chevalier #crystalfountain #epimediums #clematisarmandii #appleblossom

Autumn lovelies

Posted on 17th September 202417th September 2024 by WestcountryNurseries

Busy summer at the nursery

What a busy summer I have had here in North Devon. That’s because I have decided to add cut flowers to the plants already in the nursery.

Space required

But, to do so I had to make space for the new arrivals. Two large polytunnels were removed. Dismantling them was only the start of it. Once they were out of the way I was left with a very large, messy space. It all needed clearing and tidying before I could take delivery of the 40 tonnes of topsoil for the new borders.

Tree surgeons needed

I also had to bring in tree surgeons to tackle the invasion of shrubs and brambles. If I hadn’t we would have been back to square one within a month.

Rain and more rain

As if all this hard physical labour hasn’t been enough there has also been torrential rain and the largest slugs I have ever seen. Every time I lift a leaf there is another slug underneath it. They are whoppers and my plants have kept them well fed. Luckily we have also had more frogs and toads who have done their bit to keep the slug population in check.

Constant mowing

The wet weather has meant the grass didn’t stop growing. It always needed cutting but it was difficult to find enough dry days in a row in which to get the mower out.

Sowing seeds and taking cuttings

I am not downhearted though. I like a challenge. Thousands of seeds have been sown. Hundreds of cuttings have been taken. Hopefully it will all be worth it when I start cutting the flowers next spring.

Where did summer go?

It doesn’t really feel as if we have had a summer. There were a few warm days. But their memories have been swamped with all the rain. Despite the slow, cold start to summer the flowers have been their usual joyous selves. They might have been late but they were worth the wait. We have had gorgeous displays of Agapanthus Big Blue and Dianthus Deep Red.

Plants have survived the weather

The Dierama have coped well with the weather. Blackbird produced deep purple flowers whilst Guinevere has a much rarer, white flower. Both bloomed for weeks on end.

Crocosmia Golden Fleece always managed to left my spirits with its beautiful yellow flowers. The bees love them nearly as much as me too.

Smiling stars

Other stars have included the moon yellow flowers of the Geum Lisanne. It kept flowering for many months despite the rain. It was almost as if it was smiling at me.

Another smiler was Hemerocallis Big Smile. Its yellow petals have deep maroon centres and it grinned all summer here in Devon.

Hurrah for unfussy plants

Salvia uliginosa is a great plant for any garden. It is not fussy about where it is planted and produces blue flowers for months. Aster ageratoides ‘Ezo Murasaki’ is another star. Its rich purple flowers last all summer.

Europe has had more rain

It might have felt as though we were constantly under water but spare a thought for the inhabitants of central Europe. They have had torrential rain and record flooding twice already this year.

Autumn is coming

Back at home the nights are drawing in. There is a nip in the air in the mornings and we have had our first fire at home. Autumn has arrived. Let’s hope it is not too windy or wet.

Gardening tips . Keep dead heading flowers to prolong displays. Plant bulbs including snowdrops, crocus and daffodils. . Bring tender plants into the greenhouse to overwinter. Remove dead and dying foliage. Water pots sparingly. Plant wood anemones now for a great display in spring.

#flowers #new #borders #shrubs #plants #grass #cuttings #seeds #dianthus #agapanthus #summer #dierama #crocosmia #geum #hemerocallis #salvia #rain #autumn #aster

Wettest year on record

Posted on 14th March 20244th April 2024 by WestcountryNurseries

Fed up with the rain

Is everyone else as fed up with the rain as me? 66″ and counting so far!

I can’t remember when we had our last dry week. Vainly I check the weather forecast each morning only to see the same. Rain and more rain. Every so often the sun comes out and I dash outside thinking spring is here. Then I race back indoors pursued by raindrops.

Unseasonal snow

We even had some unseasonal snow. I had woken up early and was listening to the rain pounding the windows. At 5.15am it all went quiet. Oh good, I thought. It has stopped. Then I wondered what the big white shapes falling from the sky were. Luckily it did not stick around for long.

Everywhere is saturated. Local roads are flooded. The garden is a bog. And every time I venture onto the vegetable patch I leave a trail of puddles behind me.

Spring is not far away

However spring can’t be far away. This year’s magnificent display of snowdrops is over. But they were so good I have bought some more which I plan to propagate this year. Now is the time to divide them and spread them around. You can plant two or three bulbs together and they will bulk up into sizeable clumps within a couple of years.

Daffodils and dashes of colour

The snowdrops have been replaced by daffodils and camelias. Under the trees I have wood anemones, self-seeded cyclamen, primroses and primulas. I love the way they pop up in unexpected places. A dash of purple here or white over there. I am sure if I had planted them there in the first place they would not have done so well.

Glorious birdsong

Every morning I wake to the most glorious birdsong. The mallards have paired up on the pond and tits and robins are busy collecting nesting material. My bird feeders are mobbed.

Busy time for gardeners

It is a really busy time for gardeners. Now is the time to sow seeds, pot up early seedlings and take cuttings. There are so many jobs to do in the nursery I hardly have a moment for a mid-morning cup of coffee.

When I am not busy in the greenhouses I am clearing up the mess left by the rain or catching up with sending out orders.

Grateful for winter-flowering clematis

This year I have been particularly grateful for my winter-flowering clematis. They have given me a welcome splash of colour. I particularly like the pale pink blooms of Clematis armandii ‘Apple Blossom’. They contrast well with the luscious off-white Clematis cirrhosa ‘Wisley Cream’. I think my favourite though has to be Jingle Bells. It has delicate green and white flowers which look just like snowdrops.

Elsewhere the red edge of Epimedium grandiflorum ‘Bandit’ catches my eye as I walk by. It is an excellent groundcover plant and its white blooms light up the woodland floor. They contrast well with the ruby marbled leaves and yellow flowers of Epimedium x perralchicum ‘Frohnleiten’.

Lupins are on their way

The lupins will be arriving soon. They are a sure sign that summer is coming. I can’t wait to see the magnificent displays of Beefeater, Blacksmith, Blossom and Gladiator. I can guarantee they will cheer up any garden and make you forget about all the rain we have had.

Good to catch up with other growers

When I can I like to get out to visit other nurseries. It is always good to catch up with fellow growers. I also try to get to as many local flower shows as I can. They are a continuing source of inspiration.

Gardening tips

Let the foliage of spring bulbs die back naturally to allow them to store up energy for next year. Sow vegetable and annual seeds in your greenhouse. Clean greenhouses if you didn’t do so in the autumn. Continue watering plants which have been dormant in the greenhouse over winter, to stimulate new growth.

#clematis #appleblossom #wisleycream #jinglebells #frohnleiten #dry #rain #spring #sun #snow #daffodils #woodanemones #cyclamen #purple #seeds #seedlings #orders #lupins #beefeater #blacksmith #blossom #gladiator

Winter jobs in the polytunnels and greenhouse

Posted on 3rd December 20233rd December 2023 by WestcountryNurseries

Winter jobs

Much tidying in the tunnels this month has produced packets of discarded seed so I have now sown them all and optimistically hope some at least will be viable and productive. Our lupins will be available in spring next year with which we have won gold medals at Chelsea. I love winter flowering clematis – the cirrhosa types like Freckles and Guernsey Cream and of course Clematis armandii ‘Appleblossom’ and Clematis armandii ‘Snowdrift’ are perfect clematis for flowers in late winter, evergreen too. Winter Beauty is still my favourite.

Eryngiums are great for vivid splashes of blue in your garden such as Big Blue. Spring flowering Pulmonaria are also ready to plant out and make great groundcover.

We have lots of new flowering grasses always useful for architectural impact and Astrantias such as Florence. Dierama also do well if planted now and given plenty of time to establish.

Summer flowering clematis can be planted now along with Angelica gigas an interesting plant for late summer flower

We have plenty of flowering perennials available to fill those awkward spaces including our famous Lupins

Horticultural Hygiene

Plants We need to keep things clean and weeded more – such a lot of pests and diseases can be kept at bay by simple horticultural cleanliness.

Repotting

Many of the plants need repotting and fresh compost to improve their chances of flowering well next year. Some hardwood cuttings are also possible of Buddleja, Lonicera and Cissus. Longwinded but worth it.

Enjoying the great outdoors

Despite the chilly temperatures I have enjoyed the peace and solitude of being in the polytunnels. Even on the bleakest days I am conscious of the birds singing in the willows. I still get a thrill from seeing seeds germinate and seedlings grow into young plants.

New post and rail fencing and enclosing the cherry and apple trees from nibbling donkeys!

Compost trials

I have been trying some green manures for my lupins. I am optimistic this will also be beneficial for clematis, the dieramas and thalictrum.

It seems sieving the compost is even good for seeds.

It is a lot of work!

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all the jobs to do but I am getting there and find I have not lost my love of plants. This, at aged 61 is a great comfort. Even now the flowers of Schizostylis Major are still going strong.

Agapanthus

Agapanthus Big Blue is still doing well and has plenty of chunky roots. I find they quite enjoy being pot bound!

The gauras such as Belleza has unusual cerise flowers which are still blooming now

Sculptural plants

Stipa gigantea or ponytails will continue well into the winter and look marvellous if frosted. All grasses come into their own in winter even when the flowers have turned beige.

Christmas wreaths

Everyone seems to be offering courses in wreath making.. I have had a go at a few myself and as we have so much willow here perhaps it might be something to offer next year.

Clematis flowering now

All the winter clematis are now in bud or flowering – clematis . Winter Beauty now has waxy white bell-shaped flowers either out or in bud.

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas

Once the year is out the long winter will be upon us but hopefully your seed catalogues will fill you with optimism and my seedling lupins will throw up some new colours.

Gardening tips. Cover any greenhouse solonoids with agrifleece to protect from frost.

Take hardwood cuttings and sow some annuals directly into the soil.

Make some leaf compost with all those fallen leaves.

When sowing seed – try covering the finished trays with holly leaves as the mice don’t like the prickles!

#goldmedals #chelsea #plants #garden #seeds #seedlings #lupins #clematis #dierama #thalictrum #schizostylis #agapanthus #gaura #stipa #autumn #spring #anemones #colour

New beginnings

Posted on 25th September 202325th September 2023 by WestcountryNurseries

Getting my hands dirty again

Over the last few months I have been thinking about West Country Nurseries’ future. Since I started the business the nursery has expanded beyond my wildest dreams. We have extended our range of plants. We have exhibited at shows all over the country. Our lupins have won four gold medals at Chelsea. We have employed local people as we have grown. And I have met hundreds of customers who love our plants.

There have been challenges

However, we have also faced challenges. Covid put an end to all the exhibitions. Rising fuel costs made us reassess how many plants we need to nurture with artificial heat. And, I have spent more and more time on admin.

It is time for a change

It is time for a change. I want to get back to basics. Get out of the office. Get my hands dirty again. It has been a hard decision. It was particularly difficult to let people who have worked with me go. I wish them well.

I have always wanted to work outside

When I changed career from music to horticulture it was because I wanted work outside. I love being in the garden. The warm sun on my face. Wind in my hair. Dirt beneath my nails. The satisfaction of seeing seeds germinate and seedlings grow into healthy plants.

Getting back to basics

I need to run every bit of the nursery. I want to be the one to propagate all my own lupins. Raise clematis from seed. Tend the dieramas. Nurture the thalictrum.

I can only do that by going back to basics and being my own labourer.

A big step, but worth it

It is a big step and quite daunting. But so far it has been good.

I love being outside with my plants. There is so much variety and colour in nature. The cherry red, silky flowers of Schizostylis Major make my heart sing every time I spy them.

Colourful agapanthus

Agapanthus Big Blue also provides a welcome splash of colour. Beautiful extra-large blue and white flowers, above dark green strappy foliage. What’s not to like?

The gauras are flowering abundantly. Belleza is a rich cerise pink. The Bride is pure white. Everywhere I look the colourful flowers confirm I have made the right decision.

Moving grass sculpture

It is always good to have different shapes and textures in the garden. This week I have enjoyed watching the golden wands of the Stipa tenuissima sway in the breeze. They are so silky and have an inflorescent shimmer and gleam. It is like having a moving sculpture in the border when the wind blows.

Starting to think about spring

As we move further into autumn I always start to think about spring. This year I will be planting wood anemones to give me some early colour. They are also good ground cover.

We’ll have clematis soon

I am looking forward to the first clematis flowers. Winter Beauty will be out in a month or so. It has beautiful Evergreen foliage and small nodding white bell-shaped flowers.

Business as usual

Despite the changes at the nursery you should not notice any difference. We will still have high quality plants. The mail order business will continue as normal. And we will still have the best lupins in the country. Thank you for continuing to support us.

Gardening tips Plant bulbs including snowdrops, crocus and daffodils. Remove dead and dying foliage. Keep dead heading flowers to prolong displays. Water pots sparingly. Bring tender plants into the greenhouse to overwinter. Plant wood anemones.

#goldmedals #chelsea #plants #garden #seeds #seedlings #lupins #clematis #dierama #thalictrum #schizostylis #agapanthus #gaura #stipa #autumn #spring #anemones #colour

Women in horticulture at Chelsea flower Show

Posted on 30th April 202330th April 2023 by WestcountryNurseries

Our lupins will be at Chelsea

Westcountry Nurseries won’t be exhibiting at Chelsea this year but our lupins will be there. We are delighted that Pollyanna Wilkinson will be using our lupins in her tribute to women in horticulture.

Her tribute will be at The Monument and Masterpiece and Salmon Star will be on display. I can’t wait to find out how she is going to use them. I am confident they will not let her down.

I will miss meeting you at Chelsea this year but my lupins look forward to seeing you there.

Spring has been a disappointment

Spring has been a disappointment. We’ve had frosts, rain and endless cold weather. Thank heavens for the glorious early flowers which have helped keep everyone cheerful. Daffodils put on a wonderful display and the tulips are still blooming.

The garden is full of blossom. Cherry and crab apple trees have put on a magnificent show. Lilac is in full bloom and the air is heady with fragrance.

Promise of more to come

There’s the promise of more to come. Dahlia shoots have appeared. Rose bushes are budding. And, the peonies are now well over a foot tall.

Clematis is best in show

But it is the clematis which has put on the best show of all. Empress has been particularly spectacular. It has beautiful double flowers. Pink outer petals with gorgeous, creamy, pompom-like centres. It keeps on flowering from now until well into the summer. It is a winner.

Avalanche Blavaal is also a great performer. Its creamy-white flowers sit on top of dark evergreen leaves.

Flowers from spring to autumn

If you choose your clematis carefully you can have flowers from spring to autumn. Armandii is flowering now. Diana’s Delight will bloom from early summer. Abundance will produce claret flowers well into the autumn.

Rainbow colours

Clematis come in a rainbow of colours. There’s purple Jan Lindmark and red Nubia. Michiko has striking yellow centres. Blue Dancer lives up to its name. There is a colour for everyone.

Warm weather is needed

We must be due some warm weather soon. Everywhere I look there are signs of better days to come. Seeds in the greenhouse were slower than normal to germinate, but the trays are now full of bright green shoots. We just need a couple of weeks of warm sunshine to bring everything on.

It is not too late to plant for summer colour. Although you can sow lupins as seeds. You can also get them as plugs. Plugs cost a little more but they are much easier to handle and give great results.

Gardening tips Water seedlings daily. Once the danger of frost is over transplant vegetables and flowers from the cold frame or greenhouse into their final spots in the garden. Dead head spring bulbs once they have stopped flowering but do not cut back their leaves. Harden off tender plants.

#lupins #chelsea #spring #flowers #fragrance #bulbs #dahlia #clematis #colours #warm #summer #plugs #seeds #Masterpiece #SalmonStar

Winter blues

Posted on 4th January 20234th January 2023 by WestcountryNurseries

Cold weather at last

At last we have had cold weather. It was unnatural to have such high temperatures in November although I appreciated the warmth. Flowers like dahlias which should have been long-dormant were still providing gorgeous colour. That is until winter swept in with a vengeance.

Winter arrived suddenly

Ice, snow and temperatures of -10 arrived in a chilly blast. They killed off the whitefly and other pests. The cold weather put a stop to the last of my summer blooms. And it encouraged the final leaves to fall off the trees.

But then they outstayed their welcome. It continued to be cold and icy. With the cost of living crisis many felt unable to put their heating on and it was a shivery run up to Christmas.

It is British to moan about the weather

But, we’re British. We like to moan about the weather. As long as you are in the right clothes cold weather is fine. I love walking in the snow under cloudless skies. I prefer cold and crisp to damp and wet any day.

Hope 2023 will be good

Here we are in 2023. I hope it is going to be a good year. Hopefully we won’t lose another monarch or have three different prime ministers but I am not making any predictions.

New Year Resolutions

I have however made some resolutions.

I will try to make time to enjoy my garden. Sometimes it seems we are so busy we don’t have the luxury of just sitting and admiring all our hard work. This year I want you to join in me in taking time out. Sit back and appreciate your garden.

Grow my own

One of my resolutions last year was to grow more of my garden flowers from seeds I had harvested. I carefully collected seeds from astrantias and placed them in envelopes. In the spring I planted Roma which has large, silvery pink flowers. They germinated well and gave me a fabulous display. The butterflies loved them.

In the spring I took cuttings of Campsis radicans ‘Flamenco’. I grew them on and now have vigorous new plants which gave me brilliant red flowers from July to September.

Plan for the future

In these winter evenings I like poring over catalogues, planning future planting. This year I want to plant some new clematis. I fancy Empress. It is an early large flowered pink clematis. I will also go for Michiko which is one of the earliest varieties and has almost pure white flowers.

I will plant more lupins too. Pale pink Blossom, purple Blacksmith and white Polar Princess will all look lovely together.

Signs of spring

As I write this it is dark and cold but there are signs of spring. Bulb tips are poking through. A cherry has started flowering, the earliest it has ever done so. I bet it was shocked by the freezing weather.

Stay warm and keep the bugs at bay. There is a nasty cold going round which has knocked out me and my neighbours. Still at least it is the first cold we have had for three years.

Gardening tips

Keep an eye out for the tips of spring bulbs which will soon be emerging. Water overwintering pots in the greenhouse sparingly once a week. Plan next summer’s purchases with our 2023 catalogue. Rake up any fallen leaves.

#cold #warmth #dahlia #colour #chilly #blooms #trees #christmas #damp #garden #flowers #seeds #astrantia #Roma #campsis #clematis #lupins #bulbs

Warm winters

Posted on 24th November 202224th November 2022 by WestcountryNurseries

My garden is confused

My garden doesn’t know what season it is in.

Summer flowers are blooming

Summer flowers are still blooming. Leaves have turned every shade of orange and red. Some have dropped but others are clinging on. Tips of bulbs are peeping up in the flower beds. At the same time there are still clouds of white flies on my brassicas. What is going on?

I’m not complaining. I am delighted I still have dahlias. I know they will only last until the first frost which surely can’t be far away. Until then, Bishop of Llandaff continues to show off its resplendent, red blooms. Roxy still has luscious magenta flowers.

Salvias still flowering

Salvias and verbena are also flowering. Verbena Lollipop has clusters of lilac flowers. The velvet red flowers of Salvia confertiflora continue to provide much-needed colour. We are really in a topsy turvy world.

Some winter flowers are also out. Clematis urophylla winter beauty is putting on a fantastic display. It has evergreen foliage and white bell-like flowers which nod delightfully in the wind.

The cyclamen are in full flow. We have carpets of pink, Ruby Strain and white Album.

Christmas preparations have started

Cyclamen in full flow

I’ve started my Christmas preparations already. An enormous box of fat balls has been bought. They will soon be filling the bird-feeder wreath on my gate. I will decorate it with pyracanthus berries too.

I’m already eyeing up ivy, bergenia and euonymus for the wreath for my front door. The scarlet leaves of euonymus Red Cascade will be fabulous.

Plants are on my present list

My Christmas present list consists of plants. I have enough socks and smellies. Plants are a much better gift. And they will last a lot longer. This year I want Santa to bring campsis, brunnera and melianthus.

I will also be giving plants. Lupins will feature heavily. This year my nearest and dearest will be receiving Blossom, Blacksmith and Melody.

Gift vouchers suit everyone

If I can’t think of the perfect plant, I will give gift vouchers. That way they can choose whatever they want.

Getting ready for winter

I have been getting everything ready for winter. Tender plants have been brought into the greenhouses for protection from frost. Perennials have been pruned. There is only spinach, sprouts and parsnips left in the vegetable patch. The lawn has hopefully had its final cut for 2022.

Wishing you a happy Christmas and a successful New Year.

Gardening tips –Order seeds and plants for next year. Open greenhouse doors on dry days to encourage air circulation. Continue to rake up leaves and store to provide a free mulch for next year.

#season #summer #bulbs #dahlia #salvia #verbena #winter #clematis #cyclamen #Christmas #bergenia #euonymus #campsis #brunnera #melianthus #lupins #gift vouchers #perennials

Autumn colour

Posted on 24th October 202219th November 2022 by WestcountryNurseries

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness

It really is the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. I woke up this morning to find the valley shrouded in mist. It was almost magical as the sun slowly started to burn its way through.

The birds and squirrels were mobbing the feeders. They are stocking up for winter. And there was a definite nip in the air.

Dried flowers and grasses from the summer.

Harvest is finished

Harvest festival has been and gone. The porch of our church was packed with apples. The sweet scent hit you as you approached. Inside, all the window ledges were crammed with produce. It all goes to our local foodbank.

Bumper year for apples

It has been a bumper year for apples. I have never had so many. I feel guilty that we can’t consume them all. But I know the birds and animals will enjoy them.

Are we in for a hard winter?

The pyracanthus is covered in bright orange berries. Is this a sign of a hard winter to come?

Warm days and welcome rain

The garden has enjoyed the warm days and the welcome rain. The grass is growing vigorously. I hope each cut will be the last, but it never is. The dahlias have been magnificent. They started slow but are wonderful now. I am enjoying their vivid colours as I know as soon as there is a frost they will be gone. The gorgeous red Bishop of Llandaff has been a particular star. It has been flowering for months.

Late flowers

Other stars have been the agapanthus and thalictrum. I am really enjoying the very pretty white petals of agapanthus Twister. They have a touch of blue on the outside which is just gorgeous.

Schizostylis is still flowering. Viscountess Byng is a delicate pink.

Campsis and salvia are also providing late colour. I am growing campsis Flava against a south facing wall and love its yellow trumpet flowers. Salvia Confertiflora has unusual velvety red flowers which should last throughout November.

Campsis x tagliabuana ‘Madame Galen’ AGM

Meeting with Alan Titchmarsh

I was privileged to meet Alan Titchmarsh in September. He was appearing at the Appledore Book Festival and it was marvellous to hear his anecdotes about gardening, and much more. I enjoyed being a volunteer for the first time this year.

New assistant is causing havoc

Monty Don has made great reference to his new assistant, Ned, the Labrador puppy. He is not the only one causing havoc in the garden. We have Teddy, a bichon frise, who is also keen to help by digging. Teddy might be creating extra work but he is adorable.

Gardening tips – Take advantage of dry days to give your lawn a last cut (hopefully!) but remember to raise the blades. Prune hedges. Lift tender bulbs and plants and put them in a frost free area for the winter. Mulch dormant perennials. Prune roses. Dig over vegetable plots. Collect seeds from annuals and vegetables.

#agapanthus #dahlia #thalictrum #schizostylis #campsis #salvia #perennials #garden

Our Queen

Posted on 22nd September 202219th November 2022 by WestcountryNurseries

Memories of Her Majesty the Queen

Watching the funeral of Her Majesty the Queen brought back memories. I never had the privilege of meeting her but my flowers did.

I exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show many times when she visited over the years. But, to my knowledge, she never came to our lupin stand.

Lupins for a Queen

However, my lupins though went to her. Beefeater and Masterpiece were used by Rachel du Thame to decorate the Royal Barge for the Diamond Jubilee in 2002. It was an enormous honour and a source of great pride to all of us.

Although I didn’t meet her I did see her at Chelsea. She always wore brightly coloured outfits so that she would stand out. She was a constant at Chelsea and she will be greatly missed.

Beautiful garden flowers

It was lovely to see flowers from Royal gardens bedecking her coffin. I particularly liked the dahlias, pelargoniums and Sedum. Most of the nation I was transfixed by the little spider that had stowed away in the greenery.

Plenty of colour still

Gardens at this time of the year still have lots of colour. Another very reliable autumn flower is crocosmia. Rosea has delicate pink flowers. If you want a dash of red, plant Lucifer.

Preparing for Harvest Festival

Like many others our village is getting ready for harvest festival. We are no longer asked to provide fresh produce. It’s a shame as it has always been a good way to send some marrows to a new home. Instead, we are asked for tinned and dried goods for the local foodbank.

Room for flowers too

There will be flower displays too. I will contribute Echinacea. I have some very beautiful Hot Papaya which has orange pompom-like flowers on dark stems. Southern Belle’s dark magenta flowers are also striking. I will also throw in a few squashes, pumpkins and courgettes from the vegetable garden. After all it is a celebration of harvest. If the food bank doesn’t want them, I can always bring them home again.

Glorious year for apples

It has been a glorious year for apples. All varieties have thrived. I have never seen so many crab apples in every colour from pale yellow to deep purple. The cooking apple trees are groaning with fruit. And, I have more eating apples than I have ever had before. There are too many to eat, stew or press into juice or cider.

Fabulous penstemons

Penstemons are fabulous plants. They are easily cultivated and flower for months on end. They don’t mind drought, although this summer was a challenge. And they are not bothered by pests. As an added bonus they are robust enough to stand on their own without needing staking. What more could you want? The flowers resemble foxgloves and are from the same family. My favourites are the purple and white Charles Rudd and the scarlet King George V.

Gardening tips – Keep dead heading flowers to prolong displays. Plant bulbs including snowdrops, crocus and daffodils. Keep mowing the lawn. You never know when it will be too wet to mow until next spring. Water pots sparingly. Remove dead and dying foliage. Bring tender plants into the greenhouse or a cold frame to overwinter.

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