tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48884483762486661612024-03-13T18:10:17.813-03:00English gardenBeautiful pictures of English gardens and cottages!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-4231913600841930972016-03-03T20:14:00.002-04:002016-03-03T20:14:30.450-04:00STEP BY STEP FORMATIVE PRUNING<h2>
STEP BY STEP<br />FORMATIVE PRUNING</h2>
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Garden tips from Head Gardener Dave Bouch</div>
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Raising a tree's crown encourages top growth and creates an attractive shape. So, here are our garden tips on formative pruning which is good to do in early spring, starting from March.<br />
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1 Start by removing lower branches with a handsaw.<br />
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2 To ensure a clean cut, it helps to undercut each branch first.<br />
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3 For higher branches, use an extendable pole saw - it's much safer than a ladder.<br />
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Top traditional techniques</h3>
Always make sure you cut hazel branches while in their dormant<br />
phase (December or January is best). If cut too late, they’ll start<br />
growing when put in the soil.<br />
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SWEET PEA SUPPORTS</h4>
Create attractive structures using just a few hazel branches and twigs.<br />
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2 Push the hazel branches into the ground, then tie them together at the top to create a wigwam shape.<br />
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3 Thread small hazel branches through the structure to create a 'climbing frame'. Select four previously cut hazel branches and smaller hazel twigs.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-76756806021810430082014-09-27T13:43:00.000-03:002014-09-27T13:43:02.196-03:00Garden tips for September<h2>
Fall Garden Tips</h2>
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The fall garden tips for the month of September, the most beautiful of all. In the fall garden, a final fling of colour, saturated and intense, is in stark contrast to the mellow parchment shades of surrounding meadows.The hard light of summer is replaced by soft warm rays, and the low sun pulls and rakes shadows across the garden.<br />
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September also brings the first frosts, caught in the layers of flowers and foliage, so fall garden tips are based on this too. The effect can be magical on any English garden.Without doubt September’s floral stars are the asters, and the brightest star in the firmament is A. x frikartii ‘Mönch’, a hybrid of A. thomsonii and A. amellus. Its single large lavender blue flowers provide up to three months of display, and it associates effortlessly with many of the month’s other blooming beauties. Of these, I wouldn’t be without Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’, its silky white petals surround golden stamens, which in turn surround a green knob. Equally hard to resist are the sedums - the butterflies and hoverflies think so too - from fleshy stems and leaves, wide flat heads made up of a myriad of tiny stars persist until felled in spring.<br />
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FALL LAWNWORK IN THE GARDEN </h3>
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With up to 160,000 pairs of feet treading on the tiny grass plants, it is only with intensive fall maintenance that the lawns not only survive, but thrive here at Bodnant. Even in domestic gardens,<br />
however, lawns will look better with some attention now. <b>The first garden tip</b> is to rake out the<br />
build up of dead grass (thatch) that lies in the sward and collect it up. <b>Next of our garden tips</b>, we need to improve surface aeration and drainage using a mechanical spiker; however, on a domestic<br />
scale, a border fork will be just as effective. Creating these slots will enable air to get in,<br />
relieving compaction and improving drainage.<br />
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Here is another very useful garden tip. Every two to three years we use hollow spikes to remove cores of soil, and then the holes are filled by brushing in a top dressing of 60% sand and 40% loam.<br />
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PLANTING BULBS IN THE MEADOW</h4>
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We start our bulb-planting campaign this month. Narcissus start forming roots earlier than most bulbs and so should be planted no later than September, but it can be physically difficult making planting holes, particularly if the summer was hot and dry. A solution that I find preferable is to pot up the bulbs into 9cm pots and place them into an open coldframe covered with 7cm of chipped bark.<br />
Here they can remain until early spring, when with ease they can be lifted from the pots and planted into the short grass. If the ground is workable then plant them directly into the ground, making holes with a trowel.<br />
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Hope these fall garden tips will help you to maintain your garden at the best!<br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-6287129295096244372014-05-27T20:22:00.001-03:002014-05-27T20:27:50.022-03:00Garden Tips from English garden expert<h2>
Garden Tips from English garden expert</h2>
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The ornamental garden plants are growing just as fast as the crops in the kitchen garden. In the Japanese garden, I am now ready to cut back the tips of the pine branches, as I am happy with the size and form they are now - this allows the trees to mature and not lose form. Elsewhere in the garden. Clematis</div>
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montana also needs a little controlling. Although it does not require pruning for flowers, we thin the plants and</div>
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feed and water each one. Doing this can reduce the chance of a top heavy mess that we so often associate</div>
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with these plants. We cut back akebia (the chocolate vine) at this time as it responds so well, especially if it</div>
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has been left for a few years. Now is also the time to tie in the new growth of all climbers.</div>
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<b>More garden tips: </b>Another group of plants that needs a feed now in order to put on the best show arc the agapanthus in pots, and the best feed for them is tomato feed. In the herbaceous borders, delphinuims and lupins need tying in to supports; and while you are in the borders, remove suckers from roses and lilacs.</div>
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Our secateurs are constantly at the ready, with the laurel hedges needing to be cut back and forsylhia and</div>
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spiraea appreciating a prune after flowering. Our garden tips on it: we don't cut back all of the plant, but cut back hard one in four of the mature stems by a third. Choisya benefits from a light prune after flowering as this promotes good growth and in some cases another flush of flowers.</div>
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If the soil in your English garden is moist, then I'd put great value in mulching beds and borders. Choosing the right time to apply a mulch is essential, as if the soil is dry and cold it will be of no benefit. The main reason for doing this is to control the weeds around perennials, fruit canes and brassicas. Over time, the mulch will break down thanks to help from the worms and micro-organisms. This will improve the soil, and a yearly application will show great improvement in plant growth. Here are another great garden tips: we also practice</div>
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another method of mulching by placing down black malting and planting pumpkins and squash through it.</div>
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The matting conserves moisture and prevent weeds, and also keeps the fruit clean. This is one way to</div>
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provide the best quality vegetables for the kitchen. The gardening tasks are quite varied this month,</div>
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but one of my most exciting tasks is to place new aquatic plants in the ponds. This is a good way to</div>
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add shade for the fish, and a great excuse for me to put on a pair of waders.</div>
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<i>Anne Marie Owens from The English Garden</i></div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-78260790173127590362014-02-07T20:59:00.001-04:002014-02-07T21:03:57.226-04:00Important Garden Tips<h2>
GARDEN TIPS FOR YOUR GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE</h2>
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Here are some important garden tips to keep your garden beautiful and blooming. </div>
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<li><b>Re-potting </b>must be done once a year and the pot
should not be bound by roots</li>
<li><b>Keep the soil</b> light and aerated and moist. To It,
add manure, peal moss, bone meal, pieces of bricks.</li>
<li><b>Pruning</b> your plants keeps them in shape and
encourages growth - another important garden tips. A few basic pruning cuts will help you rejuvenate and control the size of your shrubs and trees. For most plants, annual pruning should be done before monsoon to control the shape and size of the growth. Regular pruning throughout the growing season is done to harvest flowers, remove dead or diseased foliage or branches, and to create light penetration and airflow to the interior of the plant in order to increase bloom and overall plant health. Using these garden tips will keep your garden safe and healthy.</li>
<li><b>Spray pesticides</b> regularly</li>
<li>If you don't have space outdoors, <b>try indoor plants</b>
like Aglonema, Ferns, Diffenbachia.</li>
<li>Always buy the right <b>gardening tools</b> - lawn mowers,
good hoes, spades, rakes, pruners, and a sturdy wheelbarrow. Garden tools with steel blades are strong enough to last for years without bending. Stainless steel is even better, because it won't rust. Keep hand tools in a basket on the garage or pantry shelf so they are always easy to find. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing a branch in need of a quick trim but having to search all over the house and garage for a pair of pruning shears. If all your garden tools are kept together -- and returned to their proper basket after each use. Using these simple garden tips will keep you well organized in your garden.</li>
<li> Most plants thrive in some degree of <b>bright sun
exposure</b>. While the intensity of light required by outdoor plants varies, with the exception of shade-loving plants like tropical or woodland plants, all other plants require light for photosynthesis and bloom.</li>
<li><b>Soil condition </b>is also a key factor that varies for
different types of plants. All plants need moisture to grow, even if you are growing a succulent garden with plants adapted to the arid desert.</li>
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Following these garden tips will help you to create your dream English garden!</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-75773071771638496572014-01-21T21:59:00.002-04:002014-01-21T21:59:43.248-04:00Top 3 plants for winter garden fragrant flowers <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Garden tips for winter garden fragrant flowers </h2>
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Head Gardener of Mottisfont David Stone picks the top three plants for fragrant flowers from his winter garden. (From <i>The English Garden</i>)</div>
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<b>Lonicera x purpusii ‘Winter Beauty’</b></div>
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This winter-flowering honeysuckle brings the fragrance of midsummer to enchant and enliven</div>
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the senses on the dullest of mid-winter days. The small, cream-coloured flowers first appear</div>
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among the largely evergreen leaves in early to mid-December, and often last well into April.</div>
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‘Winter Beauty’ will form a large bush in time, with a height and spread of 2-3m, but can be</div>
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confined to a smaller size by judicious pruning in late spring. It seems to be at home in any soil,</div>
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and flowers well at Mottisfont in semi-shade. A lovely plant, whose beguiling fragrance</div>
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seems at odds with her modest blooms.</div>
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<b>Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’</b></div>
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As its name suggests, the young stems of this cultivar and the midribs of its slender evergreen</div>
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foliage are flushed an attractive pinky-purple. Sarcococcas seem to thrive in shade, so are</div>
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perfectly suited to awkward north-facing corners where few other plants will grow. They’re also</div>
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ideal for smaller gardens and will never outgrow their welcome. The tiny white flowers, which</div>
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appear from December to March, may seem insignificant, but what they lack in size, they make</div>
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up for in fragrance. Cut a few stems when the flowers are open, and take indoors - they will fill a</div>
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room with their sweet, almost citrus perfume.</div>
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<b>Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’</b></div>
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‘Jacqueline Postill’ stands at the forefront of winter-flowering fragrant shrubs. I first came</div>
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upon it growing in the garden of a friend. It gave off wave after wave of the most amazing</div>
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fragrance, which penetrated every corner of her garden. A truly unforgettable experience of our garden tips. The apple-blossom pink flowers, which appear in January and February, are exceptionally large and</div>
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showy; and the entire plant, which can reach up to 3m if left un-pruned, is an evergreen delight.</div>
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But I would treasure it for its fragrance alone.</div>
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<b>HELLEBORUS NIGER</b></div>
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The so-called Christmas rose is one of the first to flower in the</div>
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New Year, blooming right up until March. It has white saucers</div>
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and bright-yellow anthers, a perfect contrast. To last as a cut</div>
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flower, sear the stem end in boiling water for 15 seconds before</div>
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arranging. Plant in dappled shade, in neutral to alkaline soil.</div>
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These are three beautiful and fragrant flowers for your winter English garden. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-13960372495303765902013-12-23T15:43:00.003-04:002013-12-23T15:43:55.680-04:00Holly decorations <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Holly decorations from your garden</h2>
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Decorate your outdoor space with our simple holly decorations Christmas festive ideas.<br />
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<b>CHRISTMAS WREATH</b><br />
Decorate a pine wreath with sprigs of holly snipped from the garden, and hang from your door, gate or hedge. This wreath came from Seasons Florists.<br />
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<b>SIMPLE BASKET </b><br />
A small wooden container of freshly cut berry-laden holly needs no further<br />
embellishment for your Christmas festive holly decorations. Leave the basket on<br />
a bench or doorstep to brighten up a bare winter garden and greet visitors<br />
as they enter the house.<br />
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<b>CREATING A WELCOME HOLLY DECORATIONS</b><br />
Make a seasonal Christmas decorating from a splash at your front door with a matching pair of pyramid-shaped holly bushes (standards would also look good). Or use this simple holly decorations idea like cheer up plain pots by wrapping them in plaid blankets or checked tablecloths to co-ordinate with the door colour. And when guests arrive after dark, light the way with tealights in glass lanterns. For details of the pine wreath on the door.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4mllvSoUV0/UriRStYe1qI/AAAAAAAAdgQ/tEfES1leBEc/s1600/Holly+decorations+from+your+garden+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holly decorations, ideas, Christmas decorating ideas" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4mllvSoUV0/UriRStYe1qI/AAAAAAAAdgQ/tEfES1leBEc/s1600/Holly+decorations+from+your+garden+2.jpg" title="Holly decorations, ideas, Christmas decorating ideas" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>BERRY RING</b><br />
Some varieties of holly bear glowing yellow berries perfect for your Christmas holly decorations.<br />
Here, sprigs of Ilex aquifolium 'Bacciflava' are wired into a readymade wreath and set on a garden obelisk<br />
or gate post.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-diK6h_8wqe0/UriRUcSchaI/AAAAAAAAdgk/kLKA-Psz7Fo/s1600/Holly+decorations+from+your+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holly decorations, BERRY RING" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-diK6h_8wqe0/UriRUcSchaI/AAAAAAAAdgk/kLKA-Psz7Fo/s1600/Holly+decorations+from+your+garden.jpg" title="Holly decorations, ideas, Christmas decorating ideas" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>DRESSING A HEDGE</b><br />
The close trimming that a topiaried hedge requires reduces the chance of holly berries, so you can<br />
introduces seasonal colour by tying on big red bows. Use netting for holly decorations, which withstands wet weather better than satin does.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw0bGkILSzs/UriRQLEsGwI/AAAAAAAAdgA/WtyscrwRqZg/s1600/Holly+decorations+from+your+garden+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holly decorations, ideas, Christmas decorating ideas, dressing a hedge" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw0bGkILSzs/UriRQLEsGwI/AAAAAAAAdgA/WtyscrwRqZg/s1600/Holly+decorations+from+your+garden+3.jpg" title="Holly decorations, ideas, Christmas decorating ideas" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
BAUBLE HOLLY DECORATION</h3>
Make these charming Christmas displays from a single stem of Ilex aquifolivm U.C van Tol', as its smooth<br />
foliage makes for pain-free decorating. Simply bend the pliable stem back on itself and secure with a twist of<br />
florist's wire hung with a bauble to gleam in the sunlight.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boj_R5deJXk/UriRRU693BI/AAAAAAAAdgE/ZDjq7eV08sQ/s1600/Holly+decorations+from+your+garden+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bauble holly decorations" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boj_R5deJXk/UriRRU693BI/AAAAAAAAdgE/ZDjq7eV08sQ/s1600/Holly+decorations+from+your+garden+4.jpg" title="Holly decorations, ideas, Christmas decorating ideas" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Garden tips on top favorite holly berrie for Christmas decorating </h3>
<b>For topiary</b><br />
1 Ilex aquifolium Britain's native 'Christmas holly' has dark spiny foliage and can reach 10 metres tall.<br />
A female bears the berries, but a male bush is also required for successful pollination.<br />
<br />
2 I. a. 'Alaska' Dense and naturally pyramidal with bright green foliage, this can reach five to 10 metres.<br />
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3 Ilex x altaderensis 'Balearica' Vigorous, tall tree or shrub, on females its glossy berries cluster between<br />
smooth-edged, occasionally spiny, ovate leaves.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5_QFCMgSCw/UriRTLyX1-I/AAAAAAAAdgU/B3C1jdyhUlQ/s1600/Holly+decorations+from+your+garden+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden tips on top favorite holly berrie for Christmas decorating " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5_QFCMgSCw/UriRTLyX1-I/AAAAAAAAdgU/B3C1jdyhUlQ/s1600/Holly+decorations+from+your+garden+6.jpg" title="Garden tips on top favorite holly berrie for Christmas decorating " /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>For variegation</b><br />
4 Ilex aquifolium 'Madame Briot' Its long-fingered foliage is rimmed with gold, but it's very prickly.<br />
5 I.a. 'Handsworth New Silver' Dense shrub, which could grow to eight by five metres, this has cream-<br />
rimmed foliage and glossy red berries on the female.<br />
<br />
<b>For berries</b><br />
6 La. 'J.C. van T6T One of the few self-fertile hollies, this is a reliable choice for berries, which crowd<br />
along the stems beside spineless foliage.<br />
<br />
7 I.a. 'Bacciflava' The female boasts bright yellow berries that birds tend to resist, and smooth leaves.<br />
8 La. 'Amber' Tall and elegant with bundles of soft orange berries, this also has smooth leaves.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-41095664840784488022013-10-30T22:15:00.002-03:002013-10-30T22:15:48.168-03:00Garden tips on HOW TO PLANT IN STOCK BEDS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
HOW TO PLANT IN STOCK BEDS</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Garden tips with pictures</h3>
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BAREROOT PLANTING</div>
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Buying bareroot plants is the cheapest option. While final planting positions are being prepared or decided upon, plants are heeled into a stock bed.</div>
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Bareroot plants are only available from autumn through to spring and can be planted at any time when the</div>
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ground is not frozen. Having not been restricted by a pot, they tend to put on growth much faster than pot grown trees and shrubs.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IiE9aCcyPeA/UnGuL0YraPI/AAAAAAAAdXA/gtr1PZM-H18/s1600/BAREROOT+PLANTING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garden tips on HOW TO PLANT IN STOCK BEDS" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IiE9aCcyPeA/UnGuL0YraPI/AAAAAAAAdXA/gtr1PZM-H18/s1600/BAREROOT+PLANTING.jpg" title="BAREROOT PLANTING" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden tips on HOW TO PLANT IN STOCK BEDS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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IF PLANTING IN THEIR FINAL POSITION, make sure you place the plants at the correct distance apart. Mark out lines using sand.</div>
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WHEN PLANTING IN A STOCK BED it is quicker to dig out a trench rather than individual holes. Check it is deep enough to cover all the roots.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4JaUCDyiS0/UnGuLsY4XlI/AAAAAAAAdXM/u0_sERI9hqk/s1600/BAREROOT+PLANTING+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garden tips on HOW TO PLANT IN STOCK BEDS" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4JaUCDyiS0/UnGuLsY4XlI/AAAAAAAAdXM/u0_sERI9hqk/s1600/BAREROOT+PLANTING+1.jpg" title="BAREROOT PLANTING" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Garden tips on HOW TO PLANT IN STOCK BEDS. <span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bare-root plants</span></span></td></tr>
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TREES AND SHRUBS can be planted in bundles if you intend to plant in their final positions in the same</div>
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season - any longer and you may damage roots.</div>
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BACKFILL WITH SOIL, ensuring that all roots are covered and the plant is no deeper than the soil</div>
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mark that is often on the trunk or stem.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmGFWQqGh1E/UnGuL7nBWOI/AAAAAAAAdXQ/-s9LsiQ2-9w/s1600/BAREROOT+PLANTING+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden tips on HOW TO PLANT IN STOCK BEDS. Bare-root plants" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pmGFWQqGh1E/UnGuL7nBWOI/AAAAAAAAdXQ/-s9LsiQ2-9w/s1600/BAREROOT+PLANTING+2.jpg" title="Garden tips on HOW TO PLANT IN STOCK BEDS. Bare-root plants" /></a></div>
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AS PLANTS DON’T HAVE THE SUPPORT of a tree stake, at this point they need to be heeled in firmly</div>
<div>
to prevent too much movement.</div>
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ONCE BAREROOT PLANTS HAVE BEEN PLANTED, either in bundles or in lines, water. You should not need to water much after this.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-40670974198766033872013-06-14T16:23:00.000-03:002013-06-14T16:23:00.025-03:00Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France</h2>
<div>
France has warm and great climate that can provide every possibility to create a beautiful country cottage garden. Check out these beautiful pictures of on of the country cottage gardens in France.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOqCntU-2bw/UbtpoJLZFFI/AAAAAAAAdTM/N56l58pRJ9E/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" border="0" height="396" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOqCntU-2bw/UbtpoJLZFFI/AAAAAAAAdTM/N56l58pRJ9E/s640/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+7.jpg" title="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iris and blue delphiniums behind it create massive cottage garden impression.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IEMF9wr94Ts/UbtpmtSn8xI/AAAAAAAAdSU/cmtjVcx7J5U/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IEMF9wr94Ts/UbtpmtSn8xI/AAAAAAAAdSU/cmtjVcx7J5U/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+1.jpg" title="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" /></a></div>
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Left: Seedlings spontaneous and digitally Poppy bring a red and counterpoint purple in this massive</div>
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predominantly blue garden.</div>
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Right: In the spring, delphiniums dress their blooms in an enhanced blue monochrome with the deep red</div>
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Clematis' Ville de Lyon'next to it.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tprT8kFRpKM/Ubtpmqqb4dI/AAAAAAAAdSY/UEfcpNXbMXg/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tprT8kFRpKM/Ubtpmqqb4dI/AAAAAAAAdSY/UEfcpNXbMXg/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+2.jpg" title="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" /></a></div>
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2. A purple and yellow iris bouquet against the garden wall "in French"</div>
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3. Country version of the French garden, composed of massive valerian (Centrantes), iris, lupins and a</div>
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Priysocarpus 'Diabolo' along the garden wall.</div>
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4. Fragrant and florilère, rose 'Seven Sisters' or rose seven colors offers shades of candy pink to white powder colors.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otNAzrpfprc/Ubtpmj_E5qI/AAAAAAAAdSc/ZfAxdRp0bOY/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otNAzrpfprc/Ubtpmj_E5qI/AAAAAAAAdSc/ZfAxdRp0bOY/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+4.jpg" title="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" /></a></div>
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In the cottage garden with clay soil these blue solid lined flowers of Geranium Orion with stones rock make a beautiful country garden composition which blooms from June to September!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jJlM8-VI9E/UbtpnRKgOtI/AAAAAAAAdSs/TLr2_0Plcrc/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jJlM8-VI9E/UbtpnRKgOtI/AAAAAAAAdSs/TLr2_0Plcrc/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+5.jpg" title="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" /></a></div>
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In the French cottage garden, walkways grass frame the animated beds poppies and coquelourdes. Basically, two old roses exuberant: Ms. Legras Saint-Germain 'and' Madame Plantier '.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GXTO-1ZmM-g/UbtpnVG2dPI/AAAAAAAAdSw/QKMcFGh9HmQ/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GXTO-1ZmM-g/UbtpnVG2dPI/AAAAAAAAdSw/QKMcFGh9HmQ/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+6.jpg" title="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-71jqkIbv-CU/UbtpnsJWzoI/AAAAAAAAdS0/CGnvpPzcjto/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" border="0" height="403" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-71jqkIbv-CU/UbtpnsJWzoI/AAAAAAAAdS0/CGnvpPzcjto/s640/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+6a.jpg" title="Beautiful Country Cottage Garden in France" width="640" /></a></div>
The evening light highlights the sheer texture of irises. Right: an unknown named 'Loulsette' by Françoise in memory of a neighbor who had given him, this rose is a favorite for its flowers and tassels glossy foliage.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gEdIWfUhK_Y/Ubttafj9BOI/AAAAAAAAdTc/PpYCxt1ocnc/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gEdIWfUhK_Y/Ubttafj9BOI/AAAAAAAAdTc/PpYCxt1ocnc/s1600/Beautiful+Country+Cottage+Garden+in+France+8.jpg" /></a></div>
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What a beautiful country cottage garden in France!</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-21459023954667758132013-06-14T15:46:00.001-03:002013-06-14T15:46:18.062-03:00Garden tips on coleus plants<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Coleus plants and garden tips</h2>
Coleus plants are out to conquer the world... or so it seems, considering the groundswell of new varieties and their growing fan base. Check out our garden tips for coleus plants. Once limited to sun-averse varieties, this genus of tropical plants now offers coleus plants hybrids that flourish in both sun and shade. Talk about broadening your horizons.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Coleus plants varieties</h3>
Who would have thought an annual with such little flower power could be so colorful? Green, orange, and red are just a few of the vibrant leaf hues on the coleus color wheel. Choose coleus plants among varieties in one dominant shade, such as purple 'Merlot' and bronze ColorBlaze 'Sedona'. There are multicolor types, too—for example, 'Kiwi Fern'and 'Inky Fingers'display contrasting edges; Electric Lime and 'Gays Delight' have boldly colored veins; and 'Mint Mocha' sports splotches. Leaves can be big or small, smooth or ruffled, and delicately serrated or deeply lobed. Some varieties, such as the 3- to 4-foot-tall Big Red Judy, belong in the back of a border; trailing types such as 'Chocolate Drop' are suited to hanging baskets.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3jqTHMoQzME/UbtjMHUPQlI/AAAAAAAAdR8/P6zKJpqZb1M/s1600/Garden+tips+on+coleus+plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Coleus plants varieties" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3jqTHMoQzME/UbtjMHUPQlI/AAAAAAAAdR8/P6zKJpqZb1M/s1600/Garden+tips+on+coleus+plants.jpg" title="Garden tips on coleus plants" /></a></div>
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<br />
Carry over your favorites coleus plants varieties from year to year, and add a few new varieties each spring, too. Before long, coleuses may just take over your world.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Coleus know-how</h3>
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SHOPPING</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Look for myriad coleus varieties at garden centers in spring—buy only stocky, well-branched plants. Check the plant tag for each cultivar's sun tolerance, height, and spacing requirements. For containers, purchase an all-purpose potting soil.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
PLANTING</div>
Coleus needs fertile, well-drained soil for optimal growth. Before planting, loosen garden soil with a spading fork and mix in a gene amount of compost. If planting in spring, wait until all danger of frost has passed.<br />
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GROWING</div>
Water as necessary to keep soil moist but not soggy. Containers may need to be watered daily, in the garden, mulch plants to conserve soil moisture and shade out weeds. Feed every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Garden tips for coleus plants</h3>
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<b>Coleus care</b></div>
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These garden workhorses reed little reining. With just a bit of encouragement, plants fill colorful roles in</div>
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and out of the garden.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>A PINCH TO GROW ON</b></div>
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Many gardeners remove flowers to keep the focus on foliage and encourage bushier plant</div>
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growth.</div>
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<b>GREAT COMPANIONS</b></div>
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Coleuses are versatile plant partners. The red- and yellow-flecked foliage of 'Mint Mocha' mirrors the</div>
<div>
hues in Rudbeckia Denver Daisy and dwarf purple fountain grass (Penniseturn setaceum). </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>INDOOR DECOR</b></div>
<div>
Before first frost, bring potted coleuses, such as 'Black Dragon' indoors to grow as houseplants. Set plants</div>
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near a bright east- or west- facing window.</div>
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</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-78803777464809081072013-06-06T16:15:00.003-03:002013-06-06T16:15:27.717-03:00Godinton House Delphinium Flower Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Delphinium Flower Garden</h2>
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Godinton House is famous English garden for its walled Delphinium Flower Garden. In mid-June, the long borders in the walled garden at Godinton House are a magnificent sight: a mass of indigo, blue, mauve, pink and white spires, all swaying back and forth, dancing to the melodic hum of the bees as they buzz from flower to flower. ‘This was the vision of Bob Carvill, a memberof the local Delphinium Society branch.<br />
<br />
Running out of room in his own English garden, Bob saw the potential of the walled garden as the perfect new home for his precious blooms . ‘Protection from the wind was the main reason he chose it,’ says Vivien.<br />
‘Delphiniums are so delicate, they are easily snapped in two in all but the gentlest breeze, which is just heartbreaking for any grower.’<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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The lovely mellow Godinton House 18th-century brick walls didn’t go unnoticed either, providing as they<br />
do such an attractive backdrop. The first delphiniums were introduced in the year 2000, and filled one bed. Over the years, the space given to them has increased and it now amounts to three long borders, packed with more than 200 plants. ‘Looking after them is a true labour of love for the local Delphinium Society group,’ says Vivien. ‘About seven or eight members meet here every Wednesday to tend the plants.’<br />
This involvs waging an ongoing war with the slugs, which can be a real problem at the beginning of the growing season; staking the plants in spring, and dead-heading them after they’ve flowered in June to get a second, shorter flush through August.<br />
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<br />
‘We grow some delphiniums in the walled garden borders of the main garden and the cut flower beds,’<br />
she laughs. ‘I feel awful as they get much less attention, but they do okay.’ While the delphiniums steal the show for a month or two, the walled garden is in the throes of an ongoing restoration project and is filled with a bounty of other delights. ‘We have cultivated one half of it as a potager, so it’s planted each year with a combination of cut flowers and vegetables,’ says Vivien. ‘It is really satisfying as the flowers are used each<br />
week in the house, which is open to the public, and the vegetables are either used in the tea rooms, sold to the public or eaten by those of us who live and work here.<br />
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Given the Godinton House and garden’s history, it is really important to me that we keep the impression<br />
of a working kitchen garden for visitors to see, even if we cannot maintain the entire area as it would once have been.’ In fact, some of the residents have even take n up growing their own vegetables in the walled garden, so plans are now being considered to extend the scheme and find more ground for them to cultivate.<br />
The majority of the south-facing long border, which would at one time have been furnished with a number of greenhouses, was planted by Vivien and her team last year, with an ornamental selection of plants that<br />
appreciate the warmth of this position.<br />
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Garden tips om walled garden</h3>
‘There is a big collection of iris supplied by a local grower, which look stunn ing in May, just before the delphiniums come into flower. They are inter planted with climbers, herbaceous perennials and shrubs to give<br />
interest later in the year. We’re plan ting a collection of quince trees in the grassed area of the walled garden too.’<br />
<br />
A fantastic new <b>greenhouse</b> is also situated along the south-facing wall, a replacement for the two old houses that were beyond repair . It is divided into three areas, all kept at different temp eratures: the warm<br />
zone is mainly filled with ornamentals, such as orchids, palms, ferns, bougainvillea and veltheimia; seeds and cuttings, which require some heat, are raised in a cooler zone together with pot plants for the house while<br />
tender plants are overwintered in the remaining cold section of the greenhouse.<br />
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The Godinton House Delphinium Flower Garden estate maintenance team have also painstakingly restored an alpine house and recently finished the north-facing greenhouse, which Vivien now hopes to use for her<br />
collection of ferns.<br />
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Under her guidance, the English gardens have undergone a number of changes in the past 10 year s. ‘I will always aim to keep the architectural backbone of Sir Reginald Blomfield’s original design, which dates back<br />
to the turn of the 20th century. ‘Of course, it is in the nature of a garden to grow and develop - for me, the joy of gardening is the constant change, and I feel so lucky to have a combination of formal and wild garden, plenty of scope for future projects and a lovely and unusual atmosphereof community here on the estate. I imagine that I will be gardening here until my fingers are prised from the gate latch.’<br />
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And, having seen the gorgeous Godinton gardens, who can blame her?<br />
<br />
Godinton House, Godinton Lane, Ashford, Kent<br />
TN23 3BP. The gardens are open daily from<br />
1 March to 1 November; 2-5.30pm. See over the<br />
page for details of the Delphini um Festi val,<br />
taking place on site at Godinton House from 14<br />
to 21 June. The house and tearooms open Friday,<br />
Saturday and Sunday from 10 April to 4<br />
October; 2-5pm. Tel: +44 (0)1233 620773 .<br />
<a href="http://www.godinton-house-gardens.co.uk/">www.godinton-house-gardens.co.uk</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-2459970041765628582013-06-05T14:40:00.001-03:002013-06-05T14:40:18.522-03:00New Garden Office Ideas from British company<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Garden Office Ideas</h2>
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British agency Archipod developed a new garden office, an easily movable structure, in which you can pleasantly to work and enjoy your garden. I think kids will especially love this garden office idea.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwGSBz8QPqs/Ua93JM7SShI/AAAAAAAAdPU/NCPYSrvx9IU/s1600/New+Garden+Office+Ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Archipod Garden Office Ideas" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwGSBz8QPqs/Ua93JM7SShI/AAAAAAAAdPU/NCPYSrvx9IU/s1600/New+Garden+Office+Ideas.jpg" title="Garden Office Ideas" /></a></div>
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It's surely feels like you are in spaceship in this modern garden office!</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-33598084165996866902013-04-19T16:17:00.002-03:002013-04-19T16:17:25.225-03:00Nasturtiums how to grow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Nasturtiums in the garden</h2>
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Most of us can claim to have grown a nasturtium or two by about age six, as nasturtiums large seeds make them a favorite "day-care project" (along with beans and sunflowers), and because they germinate so quickly (in 10 to 14 days)- presumably before budding young horticulturists lose interest. But familiarity shouldn't breed contempt: These annuals have handsome, shield-shaped leaves and bear unique, helmethaped flowers in hot. vivid, carnival colors.</div>
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<b>Nasturtium flowers contain about 130 milligrams of vitamin C per lOO grams.</b></div>
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Nasturtiums belong to the genus Tropaeolam (meaning "trophy"), which comprises about 85 species that are</div>
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indigenous to the mountainous regions of Central and South America. Forms of our common garden nasturtium— T. majus, a South American native found from Colombia to Bolivia—have been grown and selected in the Americas and Europe for more than 350 years.</div>
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All of the nasturtium plant (except the root) is edible, and there's no doubt our ancestors looked upon nasturtiums primarily as food: The common name giving a nod to the unrelated genus Nasturtium, which</div>
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we recognize as watercress.</div>
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<b>Nasturtiums</b> how to grow</h3>
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When growing your nasturtiums in containers, remember to use soilless potting mix or just plain peat moss that's been well-moistened; the least hint of nitrogen will produce leaves like lily pads, but not a single flower. Like morning glories, nasturtiums manufacture all the food they require through photosynthesis, so lay off the 20-20-20, and simply savor the flavor while enjoying the view!</div>
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<li>Sow nasturtium seeds in situ outdoors in beds or containers one centimetre deep in a full-sun location, one week before your last frost date.</li>
<li>In beds and borders sow nasturtium seeds in nutrient-poor soil (amend rich soil with sand and peat moss).</li>
<li>Harvest young nasturtium leaves and flowers as soon as they're fully open.</li>
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Nasturtiums perfect partners</h3>
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Grow nasturtiums together with other annuals and tender perennials that bloom in the same color palette and that will tolerate the same lean growing conditions, such as:</div>
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FIESTA GITANA' DWARF CALENDULA (Calendula officinalis Fiesta Gitana Group) </div>
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ANNUAL CHOCOLATE COSMOS (Cosmos ctrosanguineus)</div>
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ZONE 8</div>
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'YELLOW FLAME' GAZANIA (Gozonia 'Yellow Flame' [Big Kiss Series]) ANNUAL</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-33586581075872423812013-04-18T14:41:00.002-03:002013-04-18T14:41:22.887-03:00Outdoor decorating ideas <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Outdoor decorating ideas</h2>
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Having beautiful garden gives you lots of inspiration decorating ideas. Look at our outdoor decorating ideas for new ideas. Create relaxing area in your garden.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVrM5flqGS4/UXAu8w0C3eI/AAAAAAAAc_M/kOp_vk2oBgA/s1600/outdoor+decorating+ideas+n+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="outdoor decorating ideas," border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVrM5flqGS4/UXAu8w0C3eI/AAAAAAAAc_M/kOp_vk2oBgA/s1600/outdoor+decorating+ideas+n+2.jpg" title="outdoor decorating ideas," /></a></div>
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Nice decorating ideas on outdoor resting areas.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IMCRM3jIWc/UXAu86hqEdI/AAAAAAAAc_I/wCVAAATnfj8/s1600/outdoor+decorating+ideas+n+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="outdoor decorating ideas," border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IMCRM3jIWc/UXAu86hqEdI/AAAAAAAAc_I/wCVAAATnfj8/s1600/outdoor+decorating+ideas+n+4.jpg" title="outdoor decorating ideas," /></a></div>
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One of the easiest outdoor decorating ideas is using a hammock with lot of pillows and fabric throws.</div>
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Create a romantic tea setting around your lavender bushes.</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-7080944079072997712013-04-15T13:41:00.001-03:002013-04-15T13:41:36.994-03:00Small garden design ideas and plants<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Small garden design</h2>
Find here lots of small garden design ideas. This enclosed courtyard garden bursting with annuals, perennials and climbers shows you don’t have to sacrifice flower power to have a successful small space.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small garden design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
At Weavers House, Barrie and Maggie Thorpe have created a small but densely planted garden, which satisfies their dual needs of little work but maximum plant pleasure. When the couple moved to Weavers<br />
more than 18 years ago, the 12sq m garden was completely grassed over, and the uninspiring view from the house was of a down-at-heel, corrugated iron garage, with a lean-to aviary attached to it.<br />
<br />
For someone with Maggie’s gardening credentials - she worked at Bressinghams in Dorney near Windsor, owned and ran a garden tour company, and has lectured on gardening - this was destined to be a shortlived<br />
outlook. The size and scale of the space, though, was perfect for this pair, as they were then newly retired. Barrie was adamant that he no longer wished to mow lawns, shape edges and cut hedges, but Maggie knew that she wanted to continue to grow bulbs, roses, clematis, shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4qm74A6iRE/UWwrxJ4_s1I/AAAAAAAAc88/rIb9MBcxNbk/s1600/Small+garden+design+ideas+and+plants+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="English garden" border="0" height="408" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4qm74A6iRE/UWwrxJ4_s1I/AAAAAAAAc88/rIb9MBcxNbk/s640/Small+garden+design+ideas+and+plants+1.jpg" title="small garden design, small garden" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">small garden design, small garden</td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Small garden design</h3>
The canvas was essentially bare, so it was simple to start from ground level. They also wanted to reduce the daily maintenance of their small garden. So they measured out four 2sq m beds, two raised beds and a number of smaller planting areas that fit snugly against walls. Then they put in place an underground<br />
watering system, with snakes of black leaky hoses laid into the main beds. Next came the paving - millstone flags - linking beds and forming paths wide enough in places to be used as terracing. All of it was designed<br />
to do away with edges and lawns.<br />
<br />
The eyesore of the original garage with its corrugated iron walls and roof, and leanto aviary appendage, is transformed. Now its refaced creamy-white clapboard walls and terracotta-tiled roof are the backdrop<br />
for a more attractive view from the house, particularly from the Gothic-style windows of the conservatory.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VgWHG8F17Xg/UWwrxRqghPI/AAAAAAAAc84/opcqGybjFBs/s1600/Small+garden+design+ideas+and+plants+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="English garden" border="0" height="408" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VgWHG8F17Xg/UWwrxRqghPI/AAAAAAAAc84/opcqGybjFBs/s640/Small+garden+design+ideas+and+plants+2.jpg" title="small garden design, small garden" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Small garden plants</h4>
Now climbers including Rosa Iceberg and Graham Thomas, and clematis such as ‘Duchess of Albany’ and<br />
‘Markham’s Pink’ clothe a new trellis here all summer. Auriculas thrive in pots under the shelter of a smart verandah, and a birdcage on the table pays homage to the former inhabitants of this area, when it was an aviary. Also making a nod to the avian past is the statue of Papageno, the bird seller in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, which sits in a swathe of Rosa ‘Ballerina’ in one of the beds.<br />
<br />
Maggie uses for her <b>small garden design lavender</b> rather than box to edge the beds, as it attracts bees. In a small garden, she feels, it’s essential to bring in wildlife such as bees and birds, as they offer extra dimensions of movement and sound, as well as visual delights.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trM0WVEXZsQ/UWwrvZ0lBYI/AAAAAAAAc8k/cGQXL8TtpFs/s1600/Small+garden+design+ideas+and+plants+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="small garden plants" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-trM0WVEXZsQ/UWwrvZ0lBYI/AAAAAAAAc8k/cGQXL8TtpFs/s1600/Small+garden+design+ideas+and+plants+3.jpg" title="small garden design, small garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small garden plants: Rosa <span style="font-size: x-small;">Pomponella; Rosa Graham Thomas</span></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WG1STsoFjZk/UWwrxX9o2gI/AAAAAAAAc80/Wjrzrful1yg/s1600/Small+garden+design+ideas+and+plants+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="small garden plants" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WG1STsoFjZk/UWwrxX9o2gI/AAAAAAAAc80/Wjrzrful1yg/s1600/Small+garden+design+ideas+and+plants+4.jpg" title="small garden design, small garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small garden plants:<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">long-flowering Alstroemeria ‘Red Beauty’ makes a great cut flower; large-bloomed Clematis ‘Jackmanii Superba’</span></span></td></tr>
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<i>Lavandula angustifolia</i> ‘Hidcote’ is her lavender of choice because of its dense, deep colour and compact height. Its size and scale make it a perfect wrap-around to complement the plantings that rise and fall inside these beds throughout the seasons. Maggie trims the lavenders back twice a year and often has to replace individual plants due to wear and tear from herbaceous plants that lean on them.<br />
<br />
<b>Shrub roses</b> such as Bonica are the mainstay of the beds, with herbaceous plants of all sorts adding to the display in their turn. Density of planting allows her to use layers of plants to provide shape, texture, colour and fragrance in the beds.<br />
<br />
In her small but very well-appointed greenhouse, Maggie sows <b>annuals </b>such as colourful cosmos and corncockle (Agrostemma githago ‘Ocean Pearl’), which she uses to fill any spaces and provide a<br />
floaty, willowy feel. Many seed companies offer small or low-growing versions of popular annuals, but Maggie feels that these just emphasise the smallness of a space. She prefers growing tall plants that offer colour and in many cases fragrance. Larkspurs and sweet peas are among her favourites. ‘I like to dot annuals about in the garden each year… it stops the space from looking solid and full. Delphiniums and verbascums look permanent, but with the addition of annuals the garden has an airy, light look.’<br />
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<br />
Small garden plants: wonderfully scented honeysuckle, Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’; Eryngium giganteum pops out above pink roses; small star-shaped flowers in neon pink make Clematis ‘Princess of<br />
Wales’ stand out.<br />
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As the small garden is so densely planted, it is important to feed the plants. Beyond the small garden gate, Maggie has space for three compost bins into which she delightedly adds grass clippings from her neighbours. She uses the compost as a mulch in winter, and whenever there are new plants to go into the ground.<br />
<br />
In a small garden, everything is available to view at once, unless you are able to use plants to conceal. For Maggie, the pivotal plant in the garden is a holly, an Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’,<br />
which is home to the garden’s resident robin. As it is evergreen and beautifully variegated, it provides colour and shape all year round. Hollies are slow-growing, and Maggie keeps this specimen under control by clipping it back in winter. Then she uses the cut foliage for indoor decorations at Christmas time.<br />
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She uses <b>pots </b>for additional growing space. In one, there’s a Cornus controversa, which Maggie admits isn’t ideal, but where space is restricted and some plants have to be had, this is the only solution. So Barrie’s wishes for a low-maintenance garden are fulfilled; and Maggie has skilfully planted so densely that her plot offers as much pleasure as a garden double its size.<br />
<br />
<b>Small English garden:</b><br />
<br />
Weavers House, 37 Swan St, Boxford, Suffolk<br />
CO10 5NZ. Open for Boxford Open Gardens<br />
on Sun 2 June. Turn to pg 80 for Maggie and<br />
Barrie’s advice on small cottage gardens.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">PHOTOGRAPHS MARCUS HARPUR | WORDS BARBARA SEGALL</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-65667004582262010132013-04-12T22:13:00.000-03:002013-04-12T22:13:00.234-03:00Bluebell cottage garden in rural Cheshire<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Cottage garden in rural Cheshire</h2>
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<div>
<b>Bluebell Cottage Gardens and Lodge Lane Nursery</b>- is a beautiful hidden</div>
<div>
gem tucked away in a quiet corner of the Weaver Valley, Cheshire. During spring,</div>
<div>
its bluebell woodlands put on a spectacular show and in summer the herbaceous</div>
<div>
borders come to life in a whirlwind of colour and foliage. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebell cottage garden in rural Cheshire</td></tr>
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<div>
Backing on lo the Trent and Mersey Canal, (he land features a garden and plant nursery, </div>
<div>
a three-acre wildflower meadow and ancient bluebell woodland. The nursery is an RHS partner</div>
<div>
nursery, specialising in hardy herbaceous perennials, but it's a far cry from the</div>
<div>
commercialism and large-scale production of corporate plant shops. Owners Sue</div>
<div>
and David Beesley deliberately avoided turning Bluebell Cottage Gardens into</div>
<div>
a one-stop garden shop, preferring to let visitors spend some time exploring the</div>
<div>
scenery and picking up new skills. "It's never going to be some kind of Wyvale," says</div>
<div>
Sue, describing the cosy tearoom which offers self-service tea and coffee, locally-</div>
<div>
made cakes and Cheshire ice cream. "The idea of this little place is that you make</div>
<div>
your own tea, sit down, read some books. It's quite nice because we get people</div>
<div>
wandering in and perching up for the afternoon during a hailstorm."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fO36K-OCR8/UWiv-7FmGAI/AAAAAAAAc68/DqOU8jnyPF0/s1600/Bluebell+cottage+garden+in+rural+Cheshire+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bluebell cottage garden in rural Cheshire" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fO36K-OCR8/UWiv-7FmGAI/AAAAAAAAc68/DqOU8jnyPF0/s1600/Bluebell+cottage+garden+in+rural+Cheshire+1.jpg" title="Bluebell cottage garden in rural Cheshire" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebell cottage garden in rural Cheshire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
In keeping with this informal set up. Sue has added a new 'demonstration</div>
<div>
vegetable patch', complete with raised beds featuring classic English vegetables,</div>
<div>
permanent fruits and salad. Here, visitors arc free to take notes, swap lips and</div>
<div>
generally learn more about vegetable growing. "We just show people round and</div>
<div>
exchange ideas, and people can discuss their own vegetable plots," says Sue.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"I think it's especially useful for relatively novice veg growers. You might want</div>
<div>
someone to show you around their allotment, but how do you go about that — if</div>
<div>
you walk onto an allotment there's usually all these people looking fierce and busy!</div>
<div>
So we've set up ours as a place to stand around and chat about vegetable growing.</div>
<div>
We've also got a little shop with some basic seeds, plants and organic fertiliser."</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1Etm6SM5HQ/UWiv_v5yhXI/AAAAAAAAc7M/MruxxdpPVrw/s1600/Bluebell+cottage+garden+in+rural+Cheshire+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="cottage garden tips" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1Etm6SM5HQ/UWiv_v5yhXI/AAAAAAAAc7M/MruxxdpPVrw/s1600/Bluebell+cottage+garden+in+rural+Cheshire+2.jpg" title="Bluebell cottage garden in rural Cheshire" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebell cottage garden in rural Cheshire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
COTTAGE GARDEN ADDRESS BOOK:</h3>
<div>
Bluebell Cottage Gardens Lodge Lane Nursery is open Wednesday to Sunday and on Bank Holidays.</div>
<div>
To plan your visit or to find out about the education and leisure events held throughout the year, visit: <a href="http://www.lodgelanenursery.co.uk/">www.lodgelanenursery.co.uk</a>, email: info@lodgelane.co.uk or call 01928 713 718.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sue is creating a garden for this year's RHS Show at Tatton Park, from 22 to 26 July. For further</div>
<div>
information about the show, visit: www.rhs.org.uk/whatson/shows/tattonpark2009.</div>
<div>
Find out more about Reaseheath College's horticulture courses at: www.reaseheath.ac.uk.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
BLUEBELL COTTAGE GARDEN</h3>
<div>
<div>
Since moving into the cottage in February 2007, Sue and David have</div>
<div>
transformed the overgrown land into a flourishing cootage garden and nursery. Apple,</div>
<div>
cherry and pear trees can be found in a canal-side orchard, and the 1.5-acre</div>
<div>
garden includes a pond, a rockery and an abundance of colourful flowers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A circular wall encloses an area next to the cottage, the size of a typical</div>
<div>
suburban back garden, where Sue uses her skills to illustrate what can be</div>
<div>
done in a relatively small amount of space. "It's the size of most people's back</div>
<div>
garden," she says. "I use it as a way oi encouraging people to do away with</div>
<div>
creating straight borders around square gardens. Because in the summer you</div>
<div>
can't see the wall, it's filled with flowers and foliage - it's really pretty."</div>
<div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Looking to the future, determined Sue has two main ambitions for the</div>
<div>
cottage gardens and nursery: firstly, to develop the demonstration vegetable plots; and</div>
<div>
secondly to create a new exotics garden, inspired by late gardener and writer,</div>
<div>
Christopher Lloyd. "Sometimes people have a very English concept of what a</div>
<div>
garden ought to be," she says. "One of my instincts is to have a tropical garden</div>
<div>
with plants like bananas. One of the reasons I really love Christopher Lloyd's</div>
<div>
garden in East Sussex is that he ripped out the rose garden, planted it with</div>
<div>
exotics and broke all the rules. He'd plant pink next to orange and say, 'Come</div>
<div>
on then, tell me it doesn't work'."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DYyPyCixS5o/UWiwA7CM4mI/AAAAAAAAc7g/Vme3fg92COY/s1600/Bluebell+cottage+garden+in+rural+Cheshire+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bluebell cottage garden in rural Cheshire" border="0" height="392" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DYyPyCixS5o/UWiwA7CM4mI/AAAAAAAAc7g/Vme3fg92COY/s640/Bluebell+cottage+garden+in+rural+Cheshire+4.jpg" title="Bluebell cottage garden in rural Cheshire" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebell cottage garden in rural Cheshire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
It's this progressive way of gardening that drives Sue to keep changing and</div>
<div>
evolving the gardens; creating new vistas and altering planting arrangements to</div>
<div>
ensure a sense of continuity and flow. An archway to one of the garden's many</div>
<div>
sections is inscribed with the words 'Cette Vic M'aime', meaning 'This life loves</div>
<div>
me'. The site is so full of colour and such a place of tranquillity, that it's hard to</div>
<div>
see how anyone visiting Bluebell Cottage Gardens could think otherwise.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-42914679762200300292013-04-11T18:05:00.002-03:002013-04-11T18:13:15.223-03:004 Bright Spring Garden Plans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Bright Spring Garden Plan</h2>
Yellow daffodils, red tulips, purple grape hyacinths, and white hyacinths spring garden plan bring to this rock garden new life!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttbw-Gv5cRw/UWckMC44jCI/AAAAAAAAc5w/VQnaJ18g3PA/s1600/Bright+Spring+Garden+Plan+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bright Spring Garden Plan" border="0" height="368" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttbw-Gv5cRw/UWckMC44jCI/AAAAAAAAc5w/VQnaJ18g3PA/s640/Bright+Spring+Garden+Plan+1.jpg" title="Bright Spring Garden Plan" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright Spring Garden Plan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
PLANT LIST</h3>
A. 5 Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis): Zones 4–8<br />
B. 50 Grape hyacinth (10 groups of 5 each) (Muscari armeniacum): Zones 3–8<br />
C. 70 Daffodil (14 groups of 5 each) (Narcissus ‘King Alfred’): Zones 3–10<br />
D. 40 Darwin hybrid tulip (8 groups of 5 each) (Tulipa ‘Red Apeldoorn’): Zones 4–8<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wHjXLEsgqo/UWckVDfZ3OI/AAAAAAAAc54/7FAcNJldQq4/s1600/Bright+Spring+Garden+Plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bright Spring Garden Plan" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wHjXLEsgqo/UWckVDfZ3OI/AAAAAAAAc54/7FAcNJldQq4/s1600/Bright+Spring+Garden+Plan.jpg" title="Bright Spring Garden Plan" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;">
Spring Garden Plan #2</span></h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qCK0wXpgj8/UWcmdsIyEFI/AAAAAAAAc6A/QG4MWDLMBog/s1600/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5+%D1%86%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%8B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Spring Garden Plan" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qCK0wXpgj8/UWcmdsIyEFI/AAAAAAAAc6A/QG4MWDLMBog/s1600/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5+%D1%86%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%8B.jpg" title="Spring Garden Plan" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Forsythia ovata.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Corydalis bracteata.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Narcissus х hybridus 'Goblet'.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Corydalis solida.</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Spring Garden Plan #3</h3>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8K2hNmPMxk/UWcm0bBWY8I/AAAAAAAAc6I/8Sr3Ut1N3DE/s1600/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5+%D1%86%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%8B+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Spring Garden Plan" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8K2hNmPMxk/UWcm0bBWY8I/AAAAAAAAc6I/8Sr3Ut1N3DE/s1600/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5+%D1%86%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%8B+1.jpg" title="Spring Garden Plan" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Garden Plan</td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 11px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Pinus mugo 'Hesse1.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 11px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Narcissus x hybridus 'Goblet'.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 11px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Corydalis buschii.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 11px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Muscari armeniacum.</span><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><h3>
Spring Garden Plan #4</h3>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5N8Nop44sw/UWcnH-sWjJI/AAAAAAAAc6Q/ic5qatw7fk8/s1600/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5+%D1%86%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%8B+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Spring Garden Plan" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5N8Nop44sw/UWcnH-sWjJI/AAAAAAAAc6Q/ic5qatw7fk8/s1600/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5+%D1%86%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D1%8B+2.jpg" title="Spring Garden Plan " /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Garden Plan #3</td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Forsythia ovata.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 11px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Picea abics 'Nidiformis'.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 11px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Corydalis bracteata.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 11px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Corydalis ambigua.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 11px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Narcissus х hybridus 'Goblet'.</span><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 11px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6. Vaccinium vitis-idaea.</span><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 11px;"><br /><br />Read more:<a href="http://myenglishgarden.ucoz.ru/publ/vesennie_cvety_i_vesennij_cvetnik/7-1-0-44#ixzz2QBwGmawJ" style="color: #003399;">http://myenglishgarden.ucoz.ru/publ/vesennie_cvety_i_vesennij_cvetnik/7-1-0-44</a></span></div>
<div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Tips for Installing Your Garden</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Before You Begin</h4>
<div>
Preparation is the key to creating a garden that will offer a lifetime of pleasure. Before you head to the</div>
<div>
nursery, review all garden plan materials. Ask yourself the following questions:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
• Do I have a suitable spot for this plan? The layout diagram shows the dimensions for</div>
<div>
the plan. In general, you can enlarge or reduce the size of the garden by adding or eliminating plants,</div>
<div>
although the character of the garden may change if you alter the size dramatically.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
• Do I have the right growing conditions? Check the plant list to see if the plan will do</div>
<div>
best in sun, part shade, or full shade. Be sure the plants are suited to your USDA Zone.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
• Do I need to amend my soil? Most plants thrive in moist but well-drained soil. If you have soil</div>
<div>
with lots of sand or clay, amend it liberally with lots of organic matter, such as compost.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
• Is my soil’s pH and fertility okay? If you’re unsure, inquire about testing at your county’s</div>
<div>
extension service office. Follow the recommendations that come with your test results if you need to</div>
<div>
correct the soil’s pH (how acid or alkaline the soil is) or fertility.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Edging</h3>
<div>
Beds and borders are easier to maintain if they’re edged to keep surrounding grass or weeds from</div>
<div>
growing in. Choose plastic, metal, stone, or brick—whatever you prefer. If you have lawn around your bed,</div>
<div>
consider adding a 6- to 12 inch-wide swath of masonry or stone set even with the surrounding soil to act as a mowing strip.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Mulching</h4>
<div>
Mulch your garden after planting. Mulch conserves moisture, cools the soil, and protects against water runoff</div>
<div>
and erosion. Organic mulches such as shredded bark need to be topped off every couple of years as the mulch decays. Mulches such as crushed stone are more permanent, but they do not improve your soil over time.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Aftercare</h4>
<div>
The first season of growth is the most critical. Water thoroughly every other day for the first two weeks, then give your garden about an inch of water a week for the rest of the season. The following year, you can let nature take its course, supplementing dry periods with deep watering.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You also should be diligent about weeding your bed during the first year. As the plants mature and fill in, there will be fewer opportunities for weeds to grow. A thick layer of mulch will also help keep weeds in check.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Ongoing Maintenance</h4>
<div>
Most plants will thrive with minimal care. If you need to prune trees or shrubs to maintain their shape or</div>
<div>
size, do it in late winter before growth has started. The exception to this general rule is spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs that should be pruned immediately after flowering.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Spring Garden Plan. Create the Bed</h3>
<div>
To lay out your bed, use a garden hose to mark the outline. (Sprinkle flour along the hose for a temporary</div>
<div>
mark.). Using a sharp spade, dig along the marked line to set the edge of your bed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If the spot is currently covered by lawn, remove the sod using a straight-edged shovel or sod cutter. To make this easier, wet the area thoroughly, then use the shovel to cut the lawn into strips that are the width of the shovel and about 3 feet long. (Sharpen the edge of your shovel frequently with a file.) Use the shovel to pry up and roll back the strips of sod. Once the sod is removed, loosen the underlying soil with a shovel or a</div>
<div>
power tiller.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Regardless of how you prepare your bed, use this opportunity to mix in organic matter (such as compost,</div>
<div>
peat moss, or rotted manure) and loosen the soil at least 6 inches deep. Don’t mix in fertilizer unless your</div>
<div>
soil test shows a need; in general, excessive amounts of fertilizer will do more harm than good.</div>
<div>
After your bed is prepared, water it thoroughly and wait a week. This will allow weed seeds to germinate. Pull these seedlings or dig them back into the soil. Or spray them with an herbicide. Follow the instructions on the packaging, including the time to wait after application before planting.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Spring Garden Plan & Planting</h3>
<div>
If you have all of your plants on hand, keep them in their pots and set them out on the planting bed. This will</div>
<div>
give you a preview of how the bed will look, and allow you to make adjustments before digging any holes.</div>
<div>
When you are satisfied with the placement, plant your garden from largest to smallest container (usually</div>
<div>
trees first, then shrubs, perennials, and annuals).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
• Tree-Planting Gardening Tips: Dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the pot or root ball but no deeper. If the</div>
<div>
tree is potted, loosen the soil slightly around the roots, then place the tree into the planting hole. For</div>
<div>
balled-and-burlapped trees, loosen the burlap after the tree is in the hole. Cut away as much of the</div>
<div>
burlap as possible. When the tree is in place and straight, fill the hole one-third with soil, tap firmly to</div>
<div>
make good contact between roots and soil, then water. Repeat twice more until the hole is filled. Water</div>
<div>
the tree thoroughly by letting a hose run slowly for 30 minutes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
• Shrub-Planting Gardenin Tips. Plant shrubs in a hole that’s about twice the diameter of the root ball. The</div>
<div>
top of the root ball should be slightly above the surrounding soil level. Backfill with garden soil, taping</div>
<div>
firmly to ensure contact between soil and roots. Water immediately by slowly running a hose at the</div>
<div>
shrub’s base for about 20 minutes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
• Perennial- and Annual-Planting Gardeing Tips. Set these plants in soil at the same level they were</div>
<div>
growing in the pot. Firm the soil around each plant with your hands, then water thoroughly.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Source: http://www.bhg.com</div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-77316220702282869172013-03-31T15:07:00.001-03:002013-03-31T15:07:47.756-03:00Luxury English Garden Hotels: The Grove, Hertfordshire<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Luxury English Garden Hotels</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZvHTIFM80Y/UVh6qRUkrlI/AAAAAAAAc0o/L_vZO_RSToc/s1600/The+Grove+Hertfordshire+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="gardens hotel, Luxury English Garden Hotels, The Grove Hertfordshire, garden" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZvHTIFM80Y/UVh6qRUkrlI/AAAAAAAAc0o/L_vZO_RSToc/s1600/The+Grove+Hertfordshire+3.jpg" title="gardens hotel, Luxury English Garden Hotels, The Grove Hertfordshire, garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardens hotel, Luxury English Garden Hotels, The Grove Hertfordshire</td></tr>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
THE DOLLAR MAY SINK,THE NATIONAL DEBT GROW LIKE KUDZU; BELTS MAY BE TAKEN IN A NOTCH, A few items cut from the grocery list—but luxury is an essential. Be it a pink pashmina or a cruise for two, the modern disposition is to demand the best and cut back on the basics.When it comes to hotels, horticultural riches to enjoy along with the vintage wines and high-thread-count sheets<br />
are what attract the haute horticulturist. And in England a new breed of “luxury modern” hotel is waiting for you. If the idea of a country retreat where the gardens are as glamorous as the interiors tempts you, try The Grove, Hertfordshire, or another of our top picks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Grove, Hertfordshire, a “groovy grand” hotel with gardens designed by Chelsea gold medal winner </b><b>Michael Balston.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Gardens hotel: PITCH YOUR BASE CAMP</h3>
Would Watford top your list as a base for a garden trip to the U.K.? Probably not. I needed to be convinced, too. I could imagine somewhere in Gloucestershire maybe, Somerset or Cornwall. ButWatford, about 20 miles from London, a notoriously unattractive snarl of motorways and transport links—what can it possibly offer?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs0oY_K8C_E/UVh6rnJCEsI/AAAAAAAAc1I/HUblWbWtSss/s1600/The+Grove+Hertfordshire+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gardens hotel, Luxury English Garden Hotels, The Grove Hertfordshire" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs0oY_K8C_E/UVh6rnJCEsI/AAAAAAAAc1I/HUblWbWtSss/s1600/The+Grove+Hertfordshire+5.jpg" title="Gardens hotel, Luxury English Garden Hotels, The Grove Hertfordshire" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardens hotel, Luxury English Garden Hotels, The Grove Hertfordshire</td></tr>
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<br />
Well,The Grove for one thing, which, the owners say, is a “groovy grand” hotel. It has an 18-hole golf course designed by Kyle Phillips that is all set to stage the World Golf Championships in 2006.The red-brick mansion, formerly home of the Earls of Clarendon, dates from the 18th century and was once an incredibly fashionable place to stay. Guests included the artist George Stubbs, who painted some of his famous horses at The Grove. During the past nine years it has undergone a transformation.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Grove Hertfordshire</h3>
Unusual for a British hotel, the garden has been as carefully considered as the interiors (very sumptuous, designed by Fox Linton Associates), so landscape architect Michael Balston had to do something equally<br />
special with the remnants of the original gardens.This included bringing a huge walled garden slowly back to life and replanting a once-glorious grove of cedars. Balston, a Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medalist and Royal Horticultural Society judge, says, “The old and new dialogue was as important outside as inside, so we overlaid the 18th- and 19th-century design with a 21st-century garden.”<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93i2ilK-Fd4/UVh6rYeI48I/AAAAAAAAc1A/cGdL2-4uxBQ/s1600/The+Grove+Hertfordshire+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gardens hotel, Luxury English Garden Hotels, The Grove Hertfordshire" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93i2ilK-Fd4/UVh6rYeI48I/AAAAAAAAc1A/cGdL2-4uxBQ/s1600/The+Grove+Hertfordshire+1.jpg" title="Gardens hotel, Luxury English Garden Hotels, The Grove Hertfordshire" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardens hotel, Luxury English Garden Hotels, The Grove Hertfordshire</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XcDVPB3YpuA/UVh6q-LV0LI/AAAAAAAAc0w/NTbZbLfsB4E/s1600/The+Grove+Hertfordshire+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gardens hotel, Luxury English Garden Hotels, The Grove Hertfordshire" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XcDVPB3YpuA/UVh6q-LV0LI/AAAAAAAAc0w/NTbZbLfsB4E/s1600/The+Grove+Hertfordshire+2.jpg" title="Gardens hotel, Luxury English Garden Hotels, The Grove Hertfordshire" /></a></div>
<br />
This means a clever mix of small, intimate gardens hotel spaces, scent-filled terraces and dramatic vistas.The ambitious stepped canal that divides the garden from the parkland sets the tone. Softening this simple, almost severe construction of stone, water and fountains is a marvelously fluid herbaceous border with yew hedges planted on the slant and running down one side.Ancient trees have been retained where possible to give historical context, while Nathalie Decoster’s contemporary bronze sculpture and Gregory Ryan’s provide some startling and thought-provoking moments. More homely touches show this gardens hotel takes nature<br />
seriously, with bird feeders and nest boxes, as well as immaculate topiary and elegant pots of lilies.A<br />
restored glasshouse in the walled garden is the longest I think I have ever seen.<br />
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There is more than enough to occupy your time at The Grove Hertfordshire with the garden, sport facilities, spa and delicious food. Eating is ultra relaxed: A welcome theme of light, fresh ingredients simply dealt with<br />
avoids the often over complicated hotel style. But to return to our original theme of garden visiting, many great examples worth seeing are nearby,Waddesdon Manor, run by The NationalTrust, you must include.<br />
<br />
Give yourself a day to absorb this Rothschild gilded mansion designed in the French chateaux style, with high Victorian gardens (including outrageously OTT bedding schemes and a Rococo aviary) and a house that’s almost overendowed with paintings and treasures.The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, are within very easy<br />
reach of The Grove Hertfordshire, and in addition to the classic plant collections and spectacular glasshouses some special event is always going on.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">JANE NEWDICK</span><br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-21672433851080729312013-03-29T16:39:00.000-03:002013-03-29T16:39:47.846-03:00Kneelers and garden seats<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Kneelers and garden seats as a garden tips</h2>
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It’s time you considered having a little bit of extra comfort as you garden. Lets take a closer look on the kneelers and garden seats that are available on the market today.</div>
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<i>From the The English Garden editor</i></div>
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Take a sweeping poll among your friends and ask, ‘Do you use a kneeler and garden seats?’ Younger gardeners will often reply with a no, and back this up by explaining that it’s just one more thing to think about. I liken it to admitting that you wear slippers (I for one wouldn’t be without mine). Those with paved</div>
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gardens will often rely on kneelers on a daily basis, and older gardeners or those who feel the odd ache and pain clutch on to them for grim death. I use mine for cleaning the kitchen floor, or if I’m gardening in a pair of jeans of which I’d rather not lose the knees. In truth, though, we should all use them far more often than we</div>
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do - not just to save our clothes, but to save our knees, and avoid problems such as housemaid’s knee. This is an inflammation caused by repeated friction between the skin and knee cap. Something as simple as a kneeler and garden seats can often help gardeners with arthritis continue to enjoy gardening.</div>
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On a more merry note, and leaving health issues behind (because ultimately gardening is incredibly good for you), you can always tell a gardener who is settling down to some serious weeding by the presence of a kneeler. If my mother emerges out of the house with a kneeler under one arm and a radio under the other then I know she is going to set to the ground elder for a good few hours.</div>
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In my previous life as the owner of a small gardening shop, kneelers and garden seats were my top-selling item, even above hand trowels and gloves. The reason for this is that they make the perfect gift. They’re</div>
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the sort of item that you rarely buy for yourself, but if you get one, it’s a treat. Other attributes that make them obvious presents are that they are easy to wrap and light to post. The variety available is tremendous, and you won’t struggle to find one that suits the gardener you have in mind.</div>
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So think of those patellas, and the jeans, and avoid that horrid damp feeling by treating yourself or someone you love to a comfy little knee cushion.</div>
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Kneelers and garden seats</h3>
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<b>1.</b> <b>The KneeloTM</b> is my EDITOR’S CHOICE, thanks to its funky looks and comfy shockabsorbing EVA foam cushion. It is just so comfy and I found myself finding excuses to use it. It also has a memory foam layer, so, like a comfy shoe, it will fit to you. The cover is made of waterproof neoprene, and is wipe clean and quick to dry. Available in six really fun and cheery colours - I might buy two. Priced at £14.95.</div>
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<b>2 Jolly by Alsa kneeler</b> is a rather dashing red and offers a cushioned feel. Comes with a handle and is simple to wash.When kneeling you are restricted to how far apart you can position your knees, as it leaves you little option except to place your knees in the indents provided. Lightweight, and has a width of 27cm. A little restrictive for me, but it is good for your knees, manufactured from a foam material with millions of tiny air bubbles, making for a comfortable, soft cushion. Priced at £19.95.</div>
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<b>3 ThisWaterproof Linen Kneeler from Bradley’s </b>looks great and would make a wonderful gift. It measures 53cm x 21cm and has a leather pocket and handle. I have an issue with pockets in kneelers, as filling them with items could ultimately involve you kneeling on something. To me, the pocket is just a gimmick that looks nice at point of sale.The waterproof linen is wipeable, so it won’t need washing, but water will bead on it when working in the rain. It offers a firm cushion with not as much give as most, but it’s comfy. Plainer designs are available if you prefer. It’s not cheap, but some gardeners will find the look too good to resist. Made in the UK in Shropshire using traditional tannery methods, and will stand the test of time. Priced at £30.</div>
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<b>4 The Garden Kneeling Pad</b> is the largest one on test, measuring 55cm x 26cm, with a 5cm-deep cushion. Unisex in design, it offers a leather handle and pocket - those pockets again! Lightweight, 100% polyester and easy to wash by hand. Priced at £19.95.</div>
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<b>5 The Garden Kneeler Stool</b> does exactly what it says on the tin. Although quite bulky, it is light, and I like the fact it needs no construction. Although not designed for climbing on, it did help me reach the top shelf in the shed, and it was ideal for sitting on to take a break. On the odd occasion, my arms knocked into the arms of the kneeler, but it was easy to get up with their assistance (I must be getting older). Height</div>
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24cm and length 63cm. Made of heavy-duty plastic - I would have preferred a more cushioned kneeler. Priced at £12.99.</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-35229908652664648702013-03-27T22:51:00.000-03:002013-03-27T22:51:02.044-03:00Pansy flower power<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Pansy flower. Garden tips</h2>
Pansies relish the cool of both spring and fall, making them a<br />
prime source of lively color when gardens need it the most.<br />
Check out our garden tips on pansy flower.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">by ERIC LISKEY photos PETE KRUMHARDT</span><br />
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<b>SPRING FLING</b> Pansies and violas pair nicely with bulbs, such as grape hyacinth, here. Plant them<br />
in fall when you dig in your bulbs, and they’ll bloom together in spring for a vivid display.<br />
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Pansies may be the most versatile garden annuals. Few others can match the array of colors and<br />
patterns of these cheerful plants. Add in their ability to thrive in chilly weather and do equally well in beds and containers, and you can see why they are among the most useful, and loved, flowers.<br />
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Pansies share the genus Viola with Johnny jumpups and related hybrids, which are usually labeled simply “viola.” These hybrids have smaller flowers but perform similarly in the garden. In spring, you can plant pansies well before the last frost for early flowers. In fall, plant in September while days are still warm, and you’ll enjoy color into November, if not longer. Then let them overwinter. Well-established plants can<br />
survive even in Zones 4 and 5, and will bloom all winter in Zones 8–10.<br />
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Whether fall- or spring-planted, pansies reach a spectacular flower peak in late spring. Then they’ll become leggy in the first heat of early summer, just in time for you to remove and replace them with<br />
heat-loving summer annuals such as impatiens, coleus, and begonia.<br />
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<b>POTTED PLEASURES </b><br />
Pansies bring a jolt of<br />
vibrant color to spring<br />
pots. Make sure containers<br />
get regular water, even in<br />
cool weather.<br />
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<b>ON THE EDGE</b><br />
Pansies and violas are small,<br />
so plant them along bed<br />
and walkway edges, where<br />
their vivid colors can be seen.<br />
For greater impact, grow<br />
them in masses or tight<br />
groups of one or two colors,<br />
rather than a mix of several.<br />
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COLORFUL FOOD</h4>
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Though not very flavorful,<br />
pansy flowers are edible.<br />
Use fresh blooms to add<br />
color to salads or to<br />
garnish a plate. Don’t use<br />
pest controls on pansies<br />
you intend to eat.<br />
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Pansy know-how<br />SHOPPING</h3>
Pansy plants should be compact and dark green. Avoid faded, stretched-out plants,<br />
even if they’re on clearance. In fall, buy early—September or early October—<br />
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because plants established later than this may not overwinter successfully.<br />
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<br />GROWING Pansies flowers</h3>
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Pansies are undemanding annuals, rarely experiencing pest or disease problems.<br />
They’ll thrive in average garden soil with full sun and ample moisture. To ensure<br />
consistent flowering, scratch slow-release fertilizer into the soil and remove spent<br />
flowers. Overwintered pansies can sometimes attract hungry rabbits, so use<br />
a repellent spray if necessary.<br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-83423100460269423722013-03-26T19:01:00.000-03:002013-03-26T19:01:14.462-03:00Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons English Garden in full spring bloom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Le Manoir English Garden</h2>
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With the new orchard in blossom and the beds full of spring flowers from Raymond Blanc’s garden in Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Raymond Blanc’s luxury hotel.<br />
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Fresh growth leaps from ever border, and tulips, cowslips and blossom offer seasonal views from every door and window of Raymond Blanc’s luxury hotel, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.<br />
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All the soil improvement carried out over the past few months is starting to pay off, and the team is at last enjoying lighter gardening work. Pricking out seedlings, weeding and mowing are the perfect way to pass<br />
the time on a spring day.<br />
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<br />
Having just taken my daily stroll around the garden at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, I sit at my desk with all<br />
the joys of spring in my gardening bones. I spotted a blackbird nesting in the tool shed today. She is<br />
welcome to make this her home in way of repayment for making a dent in the slug and snail population<br />
in the garden. However, later in the year I may have to keep her gently away from our fresh fruit crops.<br />
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The relationship between wildlife and gardener is a very precious one, and, as with every friendship, it has its ups and downs. We will tread carefully as we collect our tools, until her young have safely flown the nest.<br />
In early April, the tulips are pert and strong, and although they only offer flowers for a fairly short period of time, they are worth every penny we spend on the bulbs.<br />
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<br />
Florist Sarah is ever tempted to pick them for displays in the house, but we have agreed to allow them<br />
to grace the borders, and buy in bunches for vases. Joining them in flower is the wisteria on the house.<br />
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Le Manoir garden plan</h4>
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On sunny days, the windows are opened to allow the delicate wisteria scent to float into the rooms.<br />
The kitchen garden looks fresh and the pace is fast, with trays of herbs and microgreens being harvested every day. One annual that is popular with the kitchen and thrives well here is Claytonia perfoliata. It has a similar taste to spinach, and we grow it as a salad crop. You may know it better by its common names - winter purslane or miners’ salad. Being rich in vitamin C, it was very good for miners - hence the name. It grows well in damp conditions and is popular here as it can be sown and harvested from spring to winter.<br />
This crop is easy to grow from seed - it will self seed so don’t let it bolt or you’ll end up with rather too much of it.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRuB_x_Gye8/UVIZVEN0HWI/AAAAAAAAcyE/Bw34SMsZ3LE/s1600/Le+Manoir+aux+Quat%25E2%2580%2599Saisons+English+Garden+in+full+spring+bloom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Le Manoir garden" border="0" height="410" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRuB_x_Gye8/UVIZVEN0HWI/AAAAAAAAcyE/Bw34SMsZ3LE/s640/Le+Manoir+aux+Quat%25E2%2580%2599Saisons+English+Garden+in+full+spring+bloom+2.jpg" title="Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Le Manoir garden" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Le Manoir garden</td></tr>
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<br />
The ride-on mower is in constant use now, and the lawns are at their best. Edges are cut regularly in order to make sure the garden looks smart and striking as guests enjoy a spring walk.<br />
<br />
It is at this time of year when hotel guests start to ask the gardening team what we are growing. It is so<br />
exciting to be able to share the work we do here and the level of interest is wonderful to see.<br />
<br />
<i>Anne Marie Owens</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
LE MANOIR EVENTS</h3>
<br />
<br />
Cook with Alex Mackay: awardwinning cookbook author, cookery teacher and chef Alex Mackay returns to Le Manoir to give a talk and cookery demonstration to celebrate the launch of his new book,<br />
Everybody Everyday. Thursday 2 May; price £175; includes three-course lunch and wine-tasting with one of<br />
Le Manoir’s sommeliers.<br />
<br />
An evening with Monty Halls, an ex-Royal Marine officer who is now well known for his BBC2 series Great Escapes as well as Great Barrier Reef and The Fisherman’s Apprentice. Priced at £235 per person, the evening, on Wednesday 15 May, includes a Laurent-Perrier champagne reception and three-course dinner with wine.<br />
<br />
Email hannah.ferguson@blanc.co.uk<br />
or tel: +44 (0)1844 277484.<br />
<a href="http://www.manoir.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.manoir.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Le Manoir ORCHARD IN BLOOM</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tNy2vdt-m6Q/UVIZW9tAxnI/AAAAAAAAcyc/XGB-lkN8u0Y/s1600/Le+Manoir+aux+Quat%25E2%2580%2599Saisons+English+Garden+in+full+spring+bloom+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Le Manoir garden" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tNy2vdt-m6Q/UVIZW9tAxnI/AAAAAAAAcyc/XGB-lkN8u0Y/s1600/Le+Manoir+aux+Quat%25E2%2580%2599Saisons+English+Garden+in+full+spring+bloom+4.jpg" title="Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Le Manoir garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Le Manoir garden</td></tr>
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<div>
<br /></div>
The fruit trees in the new orchard are starting to blossom; adding soft touches of pink and white to the<br />
uniform rows of new saplings. Metal arches made by local master blacksmith Michael Jacques, whose workshop is just three miles from Le Manoir, have been erected, and apples will be grown up and around them as the years go on.<br />
<br />
The blossom is also attracting beneficial insects and the plan is to create two ‘bee villages’ among the fruit trees to aid pollination and to produce honey.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-djmHeZGAeDU/UVIZU7cYEDI/AAAAAAAAcyA/OiAVRS2CO98/s1600/Le+Manoir+aux+Quat%25E2%2580%2599Saisons+English+Garden+in+full+spring+bloom+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Le Manoir garden" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-djmHeZGAeDU/UVIZU7cYEDI/AAAAAAAAcyA/OiAVRS2CO98/s1600/Le+Manoir+aux+Quat%25E2%2580%2599Saisons+English+Garden+in+full+spring+bloom+3.jpg" title="Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Le Manoir garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Le Manoir garden</td></tr>
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Anne Marie and her team have planted lavender to provide food for the bees and evocatively scented<br />
lime trees have also been planted in the top part of the field. Honey bees are important pollinators, and they have been under serious threat in recent years from pesticides and diseases like the virus spread by the parasitic varroa mite. All sorts of crops are pollinated by honey bees, including fruit and many vegetables, and being able to support the local bee population is an important part of working in harmony with nature<br />
for the gardeners at Le Manoir.<br />
<br />
They have also consulted with master beekeeper Dr Ivor Davis and will be joining Oxfordshire<br />
Beekeepers’ Association for full training and on-going guidance.<br />
<br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-86843022798752038562013-03-25T21:36:00.001-03:002013-03-25T21:58:11.974-03:00Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden</h2>
Alnwick Garden is dafinatelly one of the famous English gardens to visit and, according to its noble patron, has so much to offer visitors - especially serious gardeners. Alnwick Garden is a large-scale public garden in England with rich horticultural areas<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYBU3gcIhwE/UVDqR-OifBI/AAAAAAAAcwY/1CS0GCkXij4/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" border="0" height="374" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYBU3gcIhwE/UVDqR-OifBI/AAAAAAAAcwY/1CS0GCkXij4/s640/Alnwick+Garden+1.jpg" title="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"> The banks alongside Alnwick Castle are a sea of golden daffodils in spring</span></td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Alnwick Garden</h3>
Everything about the Alnwick Garden is on a truly grand scale. The 60-acre layout is the Duchess of<br />
Northumberland’s dream of transforming a derelict site, and it draws 800,000 visitors a year. Alnwick Gardens design by Jacques and Peter Wirzt has so far cost £42 million implement. By raising a further 15<br />
million, the Duchess aims to finish it by 2015. She will then step back and let it be run by a management company. It will have taken her 20 years to complete.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jy5fylwxU1A/UVDqUTrJ_sI/AAAAAAAAcxI/v7lnnLCRiwI/s1600/Alnwick+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jy5fylwxU1A/UVDqUTrJ_sI/AAAAAAAAcxI/v7lnnLCRiwI/s1600/Alnwick+Garden.jpg" title="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden</td></tr>
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‘What I am really interested in is people,’ says the Duchess. ‘The garden would be dead without people. I love to hear children shriek with joy when the water jets hit them. You can build a garden: so what! It’s people that bring it alive. Families with disabled children come here to have fun; schoolchildren learn to grow vegetables and then to cook them. Older folk, who call themselves the Elderberries, come to have their feet pampered!’<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Alnwick Garden design</h3>
The garden is multi-faceted, embracing art, theatre, music, Tai Chi, martial arts and light displays. Yet behind the spectacle of the central grand cascade or the poison garden, where guides tell grisly tales of deadly plants, there is a rich horticultural seam. The mellow brick walls of the ornamental garden give that feeling of<br />
security and calm that envelops old kitchen gardens. There’s a wide range of perennials to satisfy the keen gardener, set within strong axial lines and formality.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp8B1m0xjH8/UVDqRZSbi5I/AAAAAAAAcwc/ihWASbP9F2s/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp8B1m0xjH8/UVDqRZSbi5I/AAAAAAAAcwc/ihWASbP9F2s/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+4.jpg" title="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 13px;"></span></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Roses put on growth and bamboo wigwams wait to support emerging delphiniums by the rill that bisects the ornamental garden. </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garde<span style="font-size: x-small;">n</span></span><br />
<br />
Echoing the layout of the paradise garden, water spills from a large square tank to ripple over pebble lined rills between box edged borders full of well-labelled planting. Elevated above the paths floats a second layer of formality: pleached crab apples creating a lacy fretwork against the clear northern skies. In spring, their dark pink buds open to blush white flowers, while the geometric beds beneath are massed with tulips, planted each year by the 14-strong garden team under head gardener Trevor Jones. ‘We have a really good working relationship,’ says the Duchess. ‘Trevor makes all the right decisions and keeps his team happy.’<br />
<h3>
Alnwick Garden plants</h3>
‘If summer is given over to children,’ Trevor says, ‘then spring is when serious gardeners come here.’ Choice plants bloom in the ornamental garden: Pasque flower, snowflakes, daffodils, epimediums,<br />
euphorbia and exotic-looking Crown Imperials, shielding their perfect drops of nectar. The paths are edged with Anemone blanda, emerging peony leaves shine in beetroot colours and Clematis alpina scrambles over tall pergolas.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrjACH7GtE4/UVDqQKLtdCI/AAAAAAAAcwM/md1D1byat08/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrjACH7GtE4/UVDqQKLtdCI/AAAAAAAAcwM/md1D1byat08/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+2.jpg" title="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden</td></tr>
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A delicate erythronium bloom; the blossom of crab apple ‘Red Sentinel’, which adorns the pleached trees that frame geometric beds of flowers in the ornamental garden; Euphorbia polychroma; tulip ‘Mistress’, responsible for the pink waves under the trees in the cherry orchard.<br />
<br />
Yet it is on a slope outside the <b>old walled garden</b> that spring is truly epitomised. The breathtaking sight of the cherry orchard in blossom carries an emotional resonance that moves visitors. Its simplicity is key: 300 white-flowered ‘Taihaku’ cherry trees underplanted with 600,000 pink ‘Mistress’ tulips. These two colours are then subtly enhanced by the bronze leaves of the cherries. ‘It is staggeringly beautiful, like falling snowflakes,’ says the Duchess.<br />
<br />
The Wirtz original idea was for a wide variety of trees in the Alnwick Garden, but the Duchess felt that a single cultivar would have more impact and magic. ‘I wanted a cherry orchard that would blow you away,’ she explains. ‘Nobody had used ‘Taihaku’ on this scale before.’ Known as the ‘great white cherry,’ the full-flowered yet serene ‘Taihaku’ was presumed extinct in Japan. It was recognised and saved by the great cherry expert Collingwood ‘Cherry’ Ingram from a single tree in Sussex in 1923. Every tree comes from that one specimen. It was reintroduced to Japan in 1932.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8bW00ERe-o/UVDqSp8Fv5I/AAAAAAAAcxM/jWHsmUZVgnw/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8bW00ERe-o/UVDqSp8Fv5I/AAAAAAAAcxM/jWHsmUZVgnw/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+5.jpg" title="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden</td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pleached crab apple trees Malus x robusta</span></td><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">‘Red Sentinel’ form a blossoming enclosure around beds of tulips.</span></td></tr>
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Awarded an Award of Garden Merit by the RHS in 1993, ‘Taihaku’ is a tree that needs shelter and deep, well-drained soil, both of which it has at Alnwick Garden, on an eastfacing slope. The branches fan out at the top in a spreading canopy. Grafted and grown in Holland, the 15-year-old trees took a couple of years to settle in, and are now doing splendidly. The Duchess also chose the ‘Mistress’ tulips, whose flowering time coincides with the cherry blossom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V1o1V3kS7Ak/UVDqSQDAkpI/AAAAAAAAcwo/L11yAnptZ9A/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V1o1V3kS7Ak/UVDqSQDAkpI/AAAAAAAAcwo/L11yAnptZ9A/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+6.jpg" title="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The residents of the dovecotes in the ornamental garden hang out. <br />
Clematis macropetala adorns a curving gazebo.</td></tr>
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And this may be the last year to see this particular combination, as the orchard will probably in future years be managed for wildflowers and camassias in grass. ‘When the orchard was planted in the Alnwick Garden, people began to sponsor trees in memory of births, deaths and anniversaries,’ the Duchess explains. ‘At our first dedication ceremony, everybody had lanterns, and there was a great swell of feeling. Many people stopped me. They were crying and thanking me, though I couldn’t have done it without their sponsoring the trees. The way the orchard has come to mean something is like so many things here; things have happened that I never dreamed would happen.’ She feels that she has been the catalyst for the creation of the garden, which the community has then taken to their hearts and made their own.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jix9g28BtYw/UVDqS6mKXnI/AAAAAAAAcxE/GuxXiyiXGK8/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jix9g28BtYw/UVDqS6mKXnI/AAAAAAAAcxE/GuxXiyiXGK8/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+7.jpg" title="Famous English gardens visit: Alnwick Garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alnwick is a contemporary garden with modern classics including fascinating fountains, a treehouse and a bamboo labyrinth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Spending time in an English garden in her own childhood (her mother Lady Buchan-Hepburn owns Kailzie garden near Peebles) gave the Duchess her love of plants. ‘My mother was always in the garden. If I wanted to ask her anything, I would have to talk to her while she was transplanting snowdrops. I don’t have time to garden now, but when I was first married, I loved my greenhouse, with my cup of tea and my radio.’<br />
<br />
Getting children to appreciate gardens is one of her main motivations. It goes beyond their excitement at playing around the water sculptures or fountains, to nurturing a feeling for plants. This year, she has planted thousands of daffodils on a grassy bank by the Alnwick castle so that children can pick them. Provided with ribbons and gift tags, they can present bunches to their mothers on Mother’s Day. It’s a true spring moment, and could foster a love of gardens way into the future.<br />
<h4>
Alnwick Garden gardening notes</h4>
FLOWERING FRAME<br />
The pleached lacework of ‘Red Sentinel’ crab apples in the ornamental garden is covered with blossom. To maintain the design, the team trims the new shoots back in August, leaving three buds, before tying in new shoots to fill any gaps. The tulips beneath them are replanted every year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzbaxU3Uvdc/UVDqTZIo9pI/AAAAAAAAcw4/itBZeEe25oM/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Alnwick Garden gardening notes" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzbaxU3Uvdc/UVDqTZIo9pI/AAAAAAAAcw4/itBZeEe25oM/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+8.jpg" title="Alnwick Garden gardening notes" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alnwick Garden gardening notes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>GARDEN CHALLENGES</b><br />
<br />
SCALE: A large public garden has unusual logistical problems. Noisy work such as hedgecutting has to be done before visitors arrive, so the gardeners begin at 7am. With no access for tractors, everything has to be bagged up and carried out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>STAND UP STRAIGHT</b><br />
<br />
It takes a team of 12 gardeners 14 weeks to make plant supports throughout the borders. ‘We use supple birch branches,’ says Trevor, ‘which we weave together to make a framework. Even in wet summers, all the plants stay upright. It’s all then shredded to make compost.’<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
ALNWICK HEAD GARDENER TREVOR’S<br />TOP SPRING TIPS</h4>
<div>
<div>
<b>My favourite area</b> at all times of the year is the</div>
<div>
ornamental garden. I particularly like it in winter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ycUmvtXYjY/UVDqTtk7QkI/AAAAAAAAcw8/ECf1Cpz7HwQ/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="ALNWICK HEAD GARDENER TREVOR’S TOP SPRING TIPS" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ycUmvtXYjY/UVDqTtk7QkI/AAAAAAAAcw8/ECf1Cpz7HwQ/s1600/Alnwick+Garden+9.jpg" title="ALNWICK HEAD GARDENER TREVOR’S TOP SPRING TIPS" /></a></div>
<div>
and early spring because of the strong structure.</div>
<div>
It’s the framework that the garden hangs on. Get</div>
<div>
that right and it will always look good.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We use Strulch around the delphiniums</div>
<div>
and hostas. We find this mulch, which is made</div>
<div>
from wheat straw, is too dry for slugs and snails,</div>
<div>
so we have no slug damage. It lasts two years</div>
<div>
before we dig it in (and it was editor Tamsin’s</div>
<div>
top choice in last month’s mulch trials).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Compost is essential to the health of the</div>
<div>
garden. We can make rough compost in 12 weeks</div>
<div>
because we have so much raw material and we</div>
<div>
turn it frequently with a front loader. Everything</div>
<div>
is returned to the garden it came from.</div>
</div>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Alnwick Garden</h4>
The Alnwick Garden, Denwick Lane, Alnwick,<br />
Northumberland NE66 1YU.<br />
<br />
Open all year - every day in summer. To find out more,<br />
tel: +44 (0)1665 511350 or see the website:<br />
<a href="http://www.alnwickgarden.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.alnwickgarden.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>ALSO IN THE ALNWICK CASTLE AREA</b><br />
<br />
While visiting Alnwick, the Duchess also recommends:<br />
<br />
GARDEN Howick Hall Wild, informal and<br />
beautiful in spring. Alnwick NE66 3LB.Tel: +44<br />
(0)1665 577285. www.howickhallgardens.co.uk<br />
<br />
NURSERY Stanton Hall Rural nursery with<br />
wide range of stock. Helpful and friendly. Stanton,<br />
Morpeth NE65 8PR. www.stantonhall.co.uk<br />
<br />
CAFÉ & SHOP The Running Fox Delightful<br />
café with onsite bakery selling artisan breads and<br />
locally sourced products. Felton, Morpeth NE65 9EA.<br />
Tel: +44 (0)1670 787090.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thebeautifulengland.com/alnwick-castle/" target="_blank">Read all about Alnwick Castle here</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">PHOTOGRAPHS HOWARD WALKER | WORDS SUSIE WHITE</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-43320105495251601332013-03-24T12:41:00.001-03:002013-03-24T12:41:13.070-03:00Backyard swimming pond and natural pool design<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
NATURAL SWIM PONDS ND POOL DESIGN</h2>
<div>
<div>
<i>Would you consider a natural swimming pond in your garden? Vicky Kingsbury finds out what makes</i></div>
<div>
<i>them interesting, how they work, and gets advice from those who have already taken the plunge</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backyard swimming pond, natural pool construction, natural pool design<br />Swim ponds are inspired by nature and blend well into country settings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Imagine the scene - enjoying the summer sun with friends and family in your back garden, with the</div>
<div>
added bonus of being able to swim in the clear, fresh waters of a natural swimming pond, with absolutely</div>
<div>
no chemicals. Think of the incredible sense of peace and tranquillity you would feel bobbing about in the water, knowing that while you are relaxing you are also being good to the environment and kind to your skin.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef0pXMDte2U/UU8ck0B2zNI/AAAAAAAActQ/UGg_cVBJ3zI/s1600/Backyard+swimming+pond+and++natural+pool+design1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Backyard swimming pond, natural pool construction, natural pool design" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef0pXMDte2U/UU8ck0B2zNI/AAAAAAAActQ/UGg_cVBJ3zI/s1600/Backyard+swimming+pond+and++natural+pool+design1.jpg" title="Backyard swimming pond, natural pool construction, natural pool design" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Inspired by nature, the natural backyard swimming pond was first introduced to the UK at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show in 2001. Although still a relatively new idea in this country, it is well known and extremely popular in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria, and is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional swimming pool. Today, the huge success of swimming ponds has spread around the world, with many now found in gardens in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is no fundamental difference between a swimming pool and a natural swimming pond; they are technically the same, and offer exactly the same possibilities when it comes to swimming. However, a swimming pond has the benefits of looking more natural because it’s surrounded by aquatic plants, while a swimming pool brings a more traditionally luxurious feature to the garden.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZLTeO3EN-c/UU8cjXqNEBI/AAAAAAAActA/RpWdJFISrn0/s1600/Backyard+swimming+pond+and++natural+pool+design+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Backyard swimming pond, natural pool construction, natural pool design" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZLTeO3EN-c/UU8cjXqNEBI/AAAAAAAActA/RpWdJFISrn0/s1600/Backyard+swimming+pond+and++natural+pool+design+6.jpg" title="Backyard swimming pond, natural pool construction, natural pool design" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backyard swimming pond, natural pool construction, natural pool design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Natural pool design</h3>
<div>
If a swimming pond is something you have been considering, then you might be pleased to hear that only</div>
<div>
basic maintenance is required, as the pond’s filtration system does almost all of the work. The skimmer or</div>
<div>
filter system will need emptying every now and then, and any leaves or pond weed on the surface water</div>
<div>
will need to be collected, but this is no different to a normal swimming pool.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A pond like this is made up of two main components: the swimming area and the regeneration zone, separated by an internal wall. The regeneration zone contains plants that help purify the water, and also add nutrients and minerals, which after a swim leave your skin feeling clean, silky and smooth - unlike after a chlorinated swim.</div>
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Plants for natural pool design</h3>
<div>
<div>
The right choice of aquatic plants for your pond is essential, not only for the pond but to also suit the theme</div>
<div>
of your garden. Good examples include a variety of water lilies, Phalaris arundinacea var. picta ‘Feesey’, Gunnera manicata, Caltha palustris and Pontederia cordata. It’s important to cut and remove any faded foliage in the autumn to avoid the plant material rotting down in the water and unbalancing nutrients levels the following spring.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A natural swimming pond is an excellent leisure spot but can also provide a home for wildlife such as frogs,</div>
<div>
toads, beetles, newts and dragonflies - but don’t worry, they will have left the pond by the time the water heats up and you want to dip your toes in. Birds come close to the water to drink, while at night local bats find rich sources of food in the insects that live around the edge.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you already have a backyard swimming pool, pond or lake, you can easily convert it into a natural swimming pond. All ponds are individually designed and have low maintenance costs. There are no attached health risks, they are educational for children and are an attractive feature all year, as they don’t need cover in the winter. So what’s stopping you? Get planning now for super summer swims!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backyard swimming pond, natural pool construction, natural pool design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Natural pool construction<br />STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS</h2>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> Write down any inspirations or ideas you might have for your swimming pond.</li>
<li> Organise a consultation with a professional swimming pond company - see our list, opposite.</li>
<li> Site appraisal - the company will look at factors such as boundaries, surrounding landscape, soil type, existing structures and views from the house.</li>
<li> A plan will be drawn up to assess the opportunities. Design and technical proposal - this includes planting plans and specifications for the project.</li>
<li> The swimming pond is constructed.</li>
<li> A guide to maintenance will be given.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
NATURAL POOL CONSTRUCTION CASE STUDY #1:<br />HAMPSHIRE -WOODHOUSE NATURAL POOLS</h3>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
The Bell family live in a Georgian house with about an acre of garden.</div>
<div>
Their garden had no real water feature and was a classic 19th-century</div>
<div>
rectory garden with a parterre designed in 1868, leading to a long walk</div>
<div>
with views over the neighbour’s estate. One area of the garden had been</div>
<div>
infested with long-standing honey fungus, and needed to be dealt with, so</div>
<div>
it was suggested a natural swimming pond would suit the Mediterranean</div>
<div>
theme of the house and garden combined (below).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YilzQH3dVYU/UU8clmAkOCI/AAAAAAAActo/ELS7UQ4ijZM/s1600/Backyard+swimming+pond+and++natural+pool+design3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Backyard swimming pond, natural pool construction, natural pool design" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YilzQH3dVYU/UU8clmAkOCI/AAAAAAAActo/ELS7UQ4ijZM/s1600/Backyard+swimming+pond+and++natural+pool+design3.jpg" title="Backyard swimming pond, natural pool construction, natural pool design" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
‘We use the pond mainly between April and September, and we were</div>
<div>
advised that we couldn’t have fish in a natural swimming pond,’ says Mr Bell.</div>
<div>
‘Although the pond isn’t heated by anything but the sun, it’s amazing how</div>
<div>
warm it can get - reaching around 21ºC, even during the past two very wet</div>
<div>
summer seasons,’ he explains.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
‘The trickiest task is to feed the water lilies, which requires pushing the</div>
<div>
food pellet into the rootball - I normally wait until the summer to do this.</div>
<div>
Apart from that we enjoy the pond to its full potential.’</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
NATURAL POOL CONSTRUCTION CASE STUDY #2:</h3>
<div>
<b>HERTFORDSHIRE - GARTENART</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<div>
Sacha Cole’s garden is unfinished and her pond is still new (below), but she</div>
<div>
has no doubts about her decision to install one. ‘I first saw the concept in</div>
<div>
a lifestyle magazine, in an article that gave the case for natural swimming</div>
<div>
pond against conventional swimming pools. For me, there really was</div>
<div>
no contest,’ she says.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
‘We have an old 15th-century barn, which is listed, so we were limited in</div>
<div>
what we could do. I wanted to be able to sit and look out from the garden</div>
<div>
and see nothing unnatural. I also wanted the pond to be part of the view that</div>
<div>
flowed seamlessly from the garden to the countryside beyond.’</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table>
<div>
Sacha was particularly enthusiastic about swimming with plants, although</div>
<div>
a few of her friends thought she was mad, to say the least. ‘They said it</div>
<div>
would be freezing cold and would cost a lot to keep clean and maintain, but</div>
<div>
it doesn’t. Even my husband was worried to start with, but he loves it now</div>
<div>
and my children absolutely adore it. Temperature is not an issue - they just jump</div>
<div>
in, and so do I. The joy of swimming without chemicals is so refreshing.’</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
NATURAL POOL CONSTRUCTION CASE STUDY #3:</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>SUFFOLK -THE SWIMMING POND COMPANY</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Tim and Chris first became keen on swimming ponds when a friend cut some articles out of a<br />
magazine explaining the benefits of swimming in fresh, chemical-free water. Although they instantly<br />
warmed to the idea, they were unsure how a feature would fit into their garden. It offers<br />
stunning views of the Deben Valley in the far distance, which needed to be considered in the<br />
design. They also wanted to place the swimming pond in an area of the garden where it was going<br />
to receive a great deal of sunshine, but also have a degree of shelter from the east coast sea breeze.<br />
<br />
After realising that the swimming pond wasn’t going to sit well or look natural due to the garden<br />
sloping considerably away from the house, they decided to connect the house and garden together.<br />
The garden is now approached via steps from a raised terrace and along a boardwalk that visually<br />
divides the swimming pond in two.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUcKyxQF9Pw/UU8cltD80mI/AAAAAAAActk/rp6zsJkFe5g/s1600/Backyard+swimming+pond+and++natural+pool+design4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Backyard swimming pond, natural pool construction, natural pool design" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUcKyxQF9Pw/UU8cltD80mI/AAAAAAAActk/rp6zsJkFe5g/s1600/Backyard+swimming+pond+and++natural+pool+design4.jpg" title="Backyard swimming pond, natural pool construction, natural pool design" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
<br />
‘The first time I swam in it was on Christmas day, which was a bit cold, but last summer we swam on<br />
hot and not so hot days.We also spent a lot of time with coffee or wine just quietly sitting and watching<br />
dragonflies skim the water,’ says Chris. ‘I wish we had put in a swimming pond years ago.We recently visited my parents, who have a swimming pool, and it was not nearly as nice to swim in.The chemicals irritated and it was dull compared to the swimming pond, where you are surrounded by plants.Watching all the plants grow for the first time and seeing little creatures arrive is very exciting.’<br />
<br />
<b>CONTACTS</b><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #073763;">NATURAL SWIMMING PONDS</span></h3>
<br />
Anglo Swimming Ponds Strayfield<br />
Road, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 9JE.<br />
Tel: +44 (0)20 8363 8548.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRIYo6Hrm5Q/UU8cjTBpmUI/AAAAAAAActE/MemQe3wSVls/s1600/Backyard+swimming+pond+and++natural+pool+design+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Backyard swimming pond, natural pool construction, natural pool design" border="0" height="198" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRIYo6Hrm5Q/UU8cjTBpmUI/AAAAAAAActE/MemQe3wSVls/s320/Backyard+swimming+pond+and++natural+pool+design+7.jpg" title="Backyard swimming pond, natural pool construction, natural pool design" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.angloswimmingponds.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">www.angloswimmingponds.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
GartenART Unit 7 Block C, ImperialWorks,<br />
Perren St, London NW5 3ED. Tel: +44 (0)20 7183<br />
3333. <a href="http://www.gartenart.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">www.gartenart.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
The Swimming Pond Company Carpe<br />
Diem, Common Road, Bressingham Diss,<br />
Norfolk IP22 2BD. Tel: +44 (0)1379 688000.<br />
<a href="http://www.theswimmingpondcompany.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">www.theswimmingpondcompany.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
Woodhouse Natural Pools Manna Ash House,<br />
74 Common Road,Weston Colville, Cambridge<br />
CB1 5NS. Tel: +44 (0)1223 290029.<br />
www.naturalswimmingpools.com<br />
<br />
</div>
</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-82731236924278798852013-03-22T13:46:00.000-03:002013-03-22T13:46:20.908-03:0010 Top vintage flowers for your cottage garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
10 Top cottage or vintage garden plants </h2>
WE SHORTLIST THE CLASSIC COUNTRY-GARDEN FLOWERS AND PLANTS<br />
AND PICK OUT OUR FAVOURITE VARIETIES FOR CREATING<br />
A NOSTALGIC FEEL<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
1. Vintage flowers: Roses</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-St3cPQB2jVI/UUyGC5VgnkI/AAAAAAAAcmw/5LEJHiHZn3A/s1600/486660048_aea172a400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="vintage flowers, cottage garden plants" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-St3cPQB2jVI/UUyGC5VgnkI/AAAAAAAAcmw/5LEJHiHZn3A/s1600/486660048_aea172a400.jpg" title="10 Top vintage flowers for your cottage garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vintage flowers, cottage garden plants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Why we love them</span></b>. One of the oldest garden plants, first grown in monastic herbariums for medicinal and culinary uses, we are still seduced by their glorious scent and colour, and their flower shapes and textures. Regularly topping the chart of people's favourite flowers, there are roses for every place and purpose.<br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">A good choice for.</span></b>.. any country garden. Large old-fashioned shrub types in shades of crimson and dusky pink give substance to a mixed oorder Scrambling ramblers and climbers in cream or white look romantic<br />
around a cottage door over a pergola or twined into an old fruit tree. For a classic vintage 1950s look, go for hybrid teas in pastel shades of lemon or mauve or vivid tangerine and shocking pink.<br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Our favourites...</span></b> The old-fashioned shrub roses, such as 'Fantin-Latour', as ramblers and climbers. For disease-lree growing, look for the Alba group of roses and for scent try the Damasks and Gallicas. If you<br />
have space grow a climbing variety, such as creamy white 'Rambling Rector', through a large tree. For picking, David Austin's English Roses are some of the best.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
2. Vintage flowers: Sweet peas</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEcjTup7Jsw/UUyGQYhqBXI/AAAAAAAAcm4/tWTxKfrTbLY/s1600/Sweet+Peas+Expert+Garden+Tips+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="vintage flowers, cottage garden plants" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEcjTup7Jsw/UUyGQYhqBXI/AAAAAAAAcm4/tWTxKfrTbLY/s1600/Sweet+Peas+Expert+Garden+Tips+7.jpg" title="vintage flowers, cottage garden plants" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Why we love them </span></b>Quick and easy to grow, sweet peas are a cottage garden must. When I see sweet peas, I think of my grandparents garden and helping them cut the flowers for their house in those seemingly endless summer days of childhood,'says Neil Cook, Head Gardener at the National Trust's Hanbury Hall</div>
<div>
in Worcestershire.The large, frilly Spencer types are the exhibition kind, while the smaller old fashioned ones have especially good scent.They all stem from native lathyrus from the southern Mediterranean. Sown annually, they flower and die by the end of the autumn.There is a vast choice of colours and 10 to 20 plants will give bunches every other day at peak flowering.</div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">A good choice for...</span></b> any garden.The plants can be grown to climb elegant structures in a more formal one. Sweet peas need a sunny open site and good soil, and attach themselves by tendrils as they climb. Grow plants up a cane framework and strings (tying in as they grow) or against netting between two poles. In a border use a hazel wigwam. For cutting, grow wherever you have space.</div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Our favourites... </span></b>tend towards the most fragrant. For colour, buy named types.The historic variety Lathyrus odorotus 'Cupani' has small highly scented purple and magenta flowers. 'Midnight' has large, frilly maroon flowers, while a good red is'David Unwin'.'Royal Wedding' is a scented creamy white, lord Nelson' deep</div>
<div>
blue and 'Charlie's Angel' a lovely mauve-blue.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.englishgardensphotos.com/2013/03/sweet-peas-expert-garden-tips.html">Read more about sweet peas here</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
3. Vintage flowers: Peonies</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzzkLiLgID8/UUyHW2c20ZI/AAAAAAAAcnA/lYJek_WJ600/s1600/peonies+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" vintage flowers for your cottage garden plants. Peonies" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KzzkLiLgID8/UUyHW2c20ZI/AAAAAAAAcnA/lYJek_WJ600/s1600/peonies+4.jpg" title="10 Top vintage flowers for your cottage garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> vintage flowers for your cottage garden plants. Peonies</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Why we love them</span></b> Peonies are elegant and glamorous.They originated in Asia and were improved in France. They've always been a romantic and popular motif, whether on Chinese embroidery or fine bone china. There are singles, doubles, herbaceous and shrub types. All flower briefly but make up for it in substance.Their foliage is lovely too, especially in spring.'Every garden should have at least one,' says Claire Austin, who has sold peonies for over 27 years and is president of The Peony Society. These big, fabulously opulent flowers are easy to grow, long lived and trouble-free in mixed borders, on their own or for the cutting garden.'</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">A good choice for... </span></b>any garden with space.'Many peonies are scented and, despite what everyone says, they do not mind being moved,' says Claire. Buy named varieties from a specialist and plant in good soil that doesn't dry out. It may take a few years to get an abundance of blooms but it will be worth the wait.</div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Our favourites...</b> </span>a classic sugar-pink double with a mild fragrance is Paeonio lactiflora 'Albert Crousse' and the old fragrant double white 'Duchesse de Nemours' is justifiably popular. In contrast to these two, try a single red such as 'Blaze' with its vivid, fiery petals and golden stamens.</div>
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4. Vintage flowers: Dephiniums</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1_c0sjAk-M/UUyH0QfuNtI/AAAAAAAAcnI/WsI--zE0Njo/s1600/English+Delphinium,+Taplin's+Treasure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Delphinium 'Taplins' Treasure, vintage flowers for your cottage garden plants. " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1_c0sjAk-M/UUyH0QfuNtI/AAAAAAAAcnI/WsI--zE0Njo/s1600/English+Delphinium,+Taplin's+Treasure.jpg" title=" vintage flowers for your cottage garden plants." /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delphinium 'Taplins' Treasure, vintage flowers for your cottage garden plants. </td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Why we love them</span></b> 'Delphiniums are key to any herbaceous perennial planting; says Gordon Baillee, Head Gardener at Arley Hall in Cheshire. They make the backbone to the double borders here.True blue flowers are quite rare which makes them very desirable -although the cream, white and pale dusky grey shades are beautiful, too. Delphiniums flower in early summer and work well with flowers in pink, apricot and yellow colours.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">A good choice for... </span></b>a classic look garden when mixed with other perennials. Gordon has advice for introducing new plants into a border. Plant up three or five small plants or plugs into a large pot and grow on into a clump big enough not to be swamped by the other established plants when planted out.'</div>
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Delphiniums are notoriously tasty to slugs and snails too, and many are eaten before maturing. Growing on in pots can avoid this. Go to a specialist grower for named varieties. It's sometimes good to buy delphiniums in flower if you want a specific shade or colour.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Our favourites...</span></b> 'Ailsa' (above) is a pure white, while delphiniums from the Summer Skies Group are a clear pale blue, and those from the Black Knight Group have deep purple flowers with black eyes.</div>
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5. Vintage flowers: Foxgloves</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnSvqSUiRsU/UUyID2tkFiI/AAAAAAAAcnQ/ykqcZfaIIDc/s1600/296564352_3c480f6cf5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Foxglove,vintage flowers for your cottage garden plants. " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnSvqSUiRsU/UUyID2tkFiI/AAAAAAAAcnQ/ykqcZfaIIDc/s1600/296564352_3c480f6cf5.jpg" title="vintage flowers for your cottage garden plants. " /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foxglove,vintage flowers for your cottage garden plants. </td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Why we love them </span></b>Foxgloves evoke shady glades and woodland walks. They probably appeared in cottage gardens hundreds of years ago, self-sown from the wild, and were allowed to stay.The pinky</div>
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purple native Digitalis purpurea is usually grown as a biennial from seed and varieties have been bred in shades of cream, apricot, lemon and softer pinks. Some have spotted throats to the flowers.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">A good choice for... </span></b>difficult garden areas with dry soil and even with deep shade.They are easy to grow in most situations but look lovely with old roses, in shady woodland borders or edging wild hedges. For a more modern look, plant them among tall, decorative grasses. Group plantings usually look better than spot planting. Grow your own from seed, sown one spring to flower the next year, or buy mature plants.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Our favourites...</span></b> include the pinky apricot variety 'Sutton's Apricot' and the pure white Digitalis purpurea 'Albiflora' - both versions of the mauve native foxglove. The tall varieties with flowers facing in one direction are more graceful than the newer shorter hybrids with flowers all around the stem.'Pam's Choice' is a tall, dramatic white flowered foxglove with a purple throat.</div>
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6. Vintage flowers: Pinks</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F40fRIr6rtE/UUyIvpr5IHI/AAAAAAAAcnY/k8_zeGs1ZaA/s1600/pinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pinks, 10 Top vintage flowers for your cottage garden" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F40fRIr6rtE/UUyIvpr5IHI/AAAAAAAAcnY/k8_zeGs1ZaA/s1600/pinks.jpg" title="10 Top vintage flowers for your cottage garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinks, 10 Top vintage flowers for your cottage garden</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Why we love them</span></b> In medieval times, the flower buds of dianthus or pinks (known as gillyflowers then) were pickled and preserved to brighten dull, winter food. Some of the elaborately marked varieties are reminiscent of Elizabethan fashions - crimson damasks and velvets, slashed and interlined with silk.The term 'pink' describes the flowers' snipped edges, rather than their colour. Bees love them and their spicy, clove</div>
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scent carries on the air Pinks were once popular as underplanting in rose beds.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">A good choice for...</span></b> any country garden without a rabbit problem.They grow well in pots and are good planted in gravel gardens. They need super-sharp drainage and thrive in alkaline soils. A mass of silvery foliage and sumptuous flowers, buzzing with insects in the summer heat, is a delight Grow a tapestry of different varieties at the base of a south facing wall. Weekly watering is sufficient as over-watering may turn the foliage yellow. Plants can get straggly so trim them after flowering and take cuttings for new plants.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Our favourites...</span></b> include old-fashioned types, such as Dianthus 'Brympton Red', 'Houndspool Cheryl' in dark red, and the highly scented white'Mrs Sinkins'. Modern miniatures are easy to grow - try 'Little Jock' with double pink flowers. Modern pinks from the last 30 years flower from May to autumn; the old-fashioned kinds for six weeks in June/July.</div>
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7. Vintage flowers: Hydrangeas</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzcyhqA0Zbw/UUyJdXAyDLI/AAAAAAAAcng/0IB_hsIEajc/s1600/hydrangeas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="10 Top vintage flowers for your cottage garden" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uzcyhqA0Zbw/UUyJdXAyDLI/AAAAAAAAcng/0IB_hsIEajc/s1600/hydrangeas.jpg" title="10 Top vintage flowers for your cottage garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage flowers: Hydrangeas</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Why we love them </span></b>Many of us have childhood memories of summer seaside holidays, seeing mophead hydrangea flowers edging every garden wall and filling front gardens.These Hortensia varieties seem to</div>
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thrive in coastal locations and were a popular garden plant from the 1930s onwards. Pink-flowered varieties turn blue if grown on acid soil.There are few shrubs and flowers that bloom well in August so hydrangeas are</div>
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useful.They have a delightfully old-fashioned feel to them - and one plant will produce big, bold and plentiful blooms.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">A good choice for...</span></b> a shady border or edging a path or walkway They are happy in large containers, such as the classic wooden half-barrel. Areas of woodland look good underplanted with hydrangeas to add summer colour once spring shrubs have finished. A mix of pastel hydrangeas look lovely grown against</div>
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wooden buildings or fences painted in soft ice-cream shades, giving a very French feel.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Our favourites... </span></b>include cool whites with a hint of green, such as the fabulous Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle', with heads almost too heavy for the plant. Or try an old white Hortensia variety, such as</div>
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K macrophylla 'Madame Emile Mouillere', 'Joseph Banks' in pale blue or 'Heinrich Seidel' with its deep red flowers that turn to bronze.</div>
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8. Vintage flowers: Honeysuckle</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VwWZefuw-XE/UUyJ58bR0pI/AAAAAAAAcno/l31QyjOtq-o/s1600/Honeysuckle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Honeysuckle. 10 Top vintage flowers for your cottage garden" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VwWZefuw-XE/UUyJ58bR0pI/AAAAAAAAcno/l31QyjOtq-o/s1600/Honeysuckle.jpg" title="10 Top vintage flowers for your cottage garden" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honeysuckle. 10 Top vintage flowers for your cottage garden</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Why we love them</span></b> Nothing evokes country lanes in summer more than the scent of honeysuckle.Twining through hedgerows and trees, the native variety has possibly the best scent but the many hybrids from the</div>
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species come a close second. Like many climbers, it loves its feet in shade and head in the sun. Country children used to pick the trumpet-shaped flowers and suck the nectar from their base. Plant where you'll get the scent and as a nectar plant for moths.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">A good choice for... </span></b>combining with a rose or clematis on a pergola, arch or arbour or planted in a wildlife hedge.The climbing loniceras can be trained against a wall or fence but look best grown with a partner as</div>
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their foliage is sparse. A few varieties have spectacular flowers but no scent.The huge golden-yellow flowers of Lonicera trogophylla and L tellmanniana are examples, but they are beautiful enough when used to lighten a dull space, as both are happy in shady positions.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Our favourites...</span></b> include one of the earliest-flowering honeysuckles, L coprifolium and its hybrids - 'Anna Fletcher has lovely pale foliage and creamy-yellow flowers. L periclymenum 'Belgica' is summer flowering. Grow it with a dark red climbing rose or a pale blue clematis. Lonicera x americana has cream flowers, ageing to pink.</div>
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9. Vintage flowers: Hollyhocks</h3>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Why we love them</span></b> Its rare now to see a real cottage garden, with cabbages and poppies, gooseberries and roses jumbled together with a path up the middle.The finishing touch was always hollyhocks against the cottage walls.They seem happy squeezed into difficult places, managing to grow tall and sturdy The singles are stylish and the glamorous, frilly doubles have flowers like pompons. Hollyhocks come in all colours, from soft pastel apricots and pinks to pure white or near black. You can grow them from seed.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">A good choice for...</span></b> planting against a wall or fence in a sunny dry position where they thrive and can reach 3 metres in height.They are perennial but are normally grown as biennials, being prone to rust disease. Grow from seed or buy plants. Hollyhocks may self-sow if you leave the seed heads on.They may need staking in exposed sites.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Our favourites...</span></b> Seed is often sold in mixed colours which can be irritating. 'Chater's Double Mixed' has peony-like blooms in a bright colour range. Single 'Zanzibar' comes in softer mixed shades.</div>
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Single 'Nigra' is fashionable at the moment and has a near-black sheen. The species A/ceo rugosa is a shorter plant with lemon flowers.</div>
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10. Vintage flowers: Annuals</h3>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Why we love them </span></b>Flowers grown from a packet of seeds have an irresistible charm. It's a little bit of gardening magic that never fails to please. Hardy annuals, such as cornflowers, love-in-a-mist and poppies</div>
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have been country cottage garden flowers for years, grown among a patchwork of fruit and veg, shrubs and perennials.They were seen in grander houses too, but restricted to the walled kitchen garden, edging paths</div>
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or grown for picking. Many of these annuals are promiscuous seeders so are likely to reappear for many years.</div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>A good choice for...</b></span> modern-day gravel plantings or as a part of a flower 'meadow' mix, with or without grasses. All the hardy annuals can be sown in the late summer or early autumn to overwinter as small</div>
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seedlings.They will then flower very early the following summer. If sown in spring once the soil has warmed up, they will flower later in the summer from July onwards depending on the variety and the conditions.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Our favourites...</span></b> include the beautiful classic, dark blue cornflower Centaurea cyonus "Blue Diadem' or try the almost black 'Black Ball'. Plant alongside love-in-a-mist Nigella hispanica. An old and trusted love-in-a-mist is semi-double, bright blue N. damascena 'Miss Jekyll'. And, for an unusual variety, look for N. papulosa 'African Bride' with its white flowers with deep black centres, followed by spidery seed pods.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">FEATURE JANE NEWDICK</span></div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-79309810918403540632013-03-20T22:34:00.001-03:002013-03-20T22:34:23.802-03:00Famous English gardens visit: Topiary Garden at Levens Hall<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Famous English gardens visit: Topiary Garden at Levens Hall</h2>
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There is more to Levens Hall than its lauded ancient topiary garden, but that's still a wonderful place to start if you want to visit one of the famous English gardens.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VpN9bhCSuck/UUpiDnL8iQI/AAAAAAAAcis/FcJgfis_p8E/s1600/LEVENS+HALL+AND+GARDENS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VpN9bhCSuck/UUpiDnL8iQI/AAAAAAAAcis/FcJgfis_p8E/s1600/LEVENS+HALL+AND+GARDENS.jpg" title="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPCMbsUPmGo/UUph56AhdFI/AAAAAAAAciE/F3uuXN1wF7g/s1600/Famous+English+gardens+visit.+Topiary+Garden+at+Levens+Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPCMbsUPmGo/UUph56AhdFI/AAAAAAAAciE/F3uuXN1wF7g/s320/Famous+English+gardens+visit.+Topiary+Garden+at+Levens+Hall.jpg" title="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." width="320" /></a></div>
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A wedding cake with five toppling layers, a towering Welsh hat, an eccentric judge's wig, an open umbrella, an abstract lion, a lollipop, a cup without a handle and a saucer. These are some of the larger shapes in the topiary garden at <b>Levens Hall in Cumbria</b>, but at their feet are droves of lesser yet equally complex forms, standing about like the pieces in an obscure board game. As if this were not entertainment enough, the box-lined parterres between the topiary are packed with a succession of flowers throughout the year.</div>
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Here, the performance always begins with tulips, planted in magnificent blocks of single colours to create maximum impact. And summer could see some beds blazing with lemon-yellow snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus "Liberty Classic Yellow') and others with the deep purple flowers of Verbena rigida. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topiary Garden at Levens Hall</td></tr>
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How topiary garden started</h3>
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Levens Hall is especially famous for its topiary garden, but that is just one element in the wonderful garden, which was created in 1694 by Guillaume Beaumont lor Colonel James Grahme. Beyond the Topiary Garden, Beaumont took his proportions from the domestic scale of the mellow Elizabethan house. </div>
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Levens Hall Topiary Garden plants</h3>
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Nothing is very large, but the garden seems to unfold in an endless patchwork of vistas, rooms and less easily defined spaces, each with its own distinctive and individual atmosphere. First come the orchards: four handkerchief-sized grids of apples, quinces, medlars and plums, neatly divided by paths and punctuated at the centre by a circular space. Beaumont repealed this arrangement of quadrants around a circle again and again throughout the garden. The old fruit trees in the orchards are beautifully pruned, and in spring sheets of pillar-box red 'Apeldoorn' tulips surround the mossy trunks.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens </td></tr>
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Levens Hall garden is a good place for trees and hedges. Everywhere you look they are trained with an</div>
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attention that is almost Japanese in its intensity. <b>If you visit Levens in autumn</b>, you'll find head gardener Chris Crowder pruning the topiary, a job that keeps him and the other three gardeners on his team busy for a couple of months each year. Chris will often be found towering over the garden on a cherry picker, sculpting the generous contours of the topiary with electric clippers. But the topiary isn't the only thing that needs pruning at this time of year. The 300-year-old beech hedge at the centre of the garden must also be trimmed to a lustrous smoothness. The tracery of twigs inside it is as impressive as the fan vaulting of a cathedral.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5IkywYxBDs/UUph4wNrmsI/AAAAAAAAchs/aELxQq2OQes/s1600/Famous+English+gardens+visit.+Topiary+Garden+at+Levens+Hall+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5IkywYxBDs/UUph4wNrmsI/AAAAAAAAchs/aELxQq2OQes/s1600/Famous+English+gardens+visit.+Topiary+Garden+at+Levens+Hall+5.jpg" title="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." /></a></div>
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There are only four full-time staff to manage the English garden's eight acres, and Chris takes a pragmatic and highly successful approach to the planting. In the double herbaceous borders, divided by a velvet ribbon of grass, he repeats the same plant combinations again and again, creating a rhythm and making each border</div>
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reflect the other. In mid-June, there are explosions afCrarnbe cordifolia teamed up with plants that include white Geranium phaeum, indigo delphiniums, white viola, slug-resistant Hosta sxeboldiana, day lilies, phlox and catmint.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrmkqDIGXNE/UUph5wCcl2I/AAAAAAAAciA/0Qix9pS6PXU/s1600/Famous+English+gardens+visit.+Topiary+Garden+at+Levens+Hall1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LrmkqDIGXNE/UUph5wCcl2I/AAAAAAAAciA/0Qix9pS6PXU/s1600/Famous+English+gardens+visit.+Topiary+Garden+at+Levens+Hall1.jpg" title="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topiary Garden at Levens Hall</td></tr>
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Chris keeps the colour going in the garden with annuals and tender perennials that he propagates in the impressive modern greenhouse. 'But I try to empty the glasshouse by the end of June,' he says, 'and then I let it bake for a month or two to purify it.' He calls his system 'gardening for maximum sensual impact and effect', and there can be no doubt that it works, both here and in the other impressive garden borders.</div>
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A plan made in 1750 still hangs in the great hall of the house. Compare it to the existing garden, where intimate rooms are divided by ancient hedges and tree-lined walks, and you realise <b>Levens Hall is that rare </b>and precious thing: a near-perfect surviving 17th-century garden.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Levens' Hall garden survival history</h3>
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Why do some of our historic gardens survive and others perish? Levens' Hall survival is no mystery, for the house has been sold only twice in its 900-year history: once in 1562; and again in 1689. And as those sales were in the family, they had virtually no impact on the garden.</div>
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More recently, we have the Bagor family to thank for the survival of this precious place. When Robin Bagol inherited Levens, he was only seven years old. When he finally moved into the house in 1946, it had been let for years and lived in during the Second World War by an order of nuns evacuated from Roehampton.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTMA2sZBShQ/UUph-BjygcI/AAAAAAAAciU/3L7u4PAyBNw/s1600/Levens+Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTMA2sZBShQ/UUph-BjygcI/AAAAAAAAciU/3L7u4PAyBNw/s1600/Levens+Hall.jpg" title="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." /></a></div>
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Although the topiary was clipped, the rest of the garden had been neglected or used to grow vegetables. Others were demolishing big houses at that time, but not the Bagots. They moved in with their small daughter</div>
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and baby, Hal. They took the family paintings and furniture out of storage and set about restoring the neglected house and garden, which were soon open to the public.</div>
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Hal and Susan Bagot look over at Levens in the mid-1970s. In 1986, they appointed Chris as head gardener. Traditionally, head gardeners work for 30 years at Levens Hall, and it looks as though Chris will be no exception. And why would he move on? Chris explains that the Bagots give him a wonderful degree</div>
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of freedom in the garden, on one condition: 'There must be no orange flowers or dahlias.'</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gf0V_NbJZyw/UUpiCvX-P5I/AAAAAAAAcik/Qd8IDXuNiSU/s1600/LEVENS+HALL+AND+GARDENS+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gf0V_NbJZyw/UUpiCvX-P5I/AAAAAAAAcik/Qd8IDXuNiSU/s1600/LEVENS+HALL+AND+GARDENS+3.jpg" title="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topiary Garden at Levens Hall in the spring</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4Gf78sXV20/UUpiGOwihqI/AAAAAAAAci8/rz0CRwgMkwo/s1600/LEVENS+HALL+AND+GARDENS+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4Gf78sXV20/UUpiGOwihqI/AAAAAAAAci8/rz0CRwgMkwo/s1600/LEVENS+HALL+AND+GARDENS+2.jpg" title="Topiary Garden at Levens Hall is one of the most famous English gardens you should visit. Find garden tips here." /></a></div>
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In 1994, the Bagots asked Chris lo design the Fountain Garden to mark the tercentenary of Beaumont's creation. Chris looked to the garden's 18th-century plan for inspiration, and found that, once again, Beaumont had used a circle and four cross axes in the original layout for this area. A fountain now fills the circular space at the centre of the new design, and the axes are made from tunnels of the red-twigged lime (Tilia platyphyllos). Chris describes this green space as 'a resting place, a momentary respite from the intense experience of the garden'.</div>
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Levens Hall topiary garden may be an important, historic garden, but thanks to the Bagot family and Chris, it's also an exciting and dynamic place, beautifully maintained and full of new ideas.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QL1Vul1PVb0/UUpiEh-XKDI/AAAAAAAAci0/3ebVcgQBp3o/s1600/LEVENS+HALL+AND+GARDENS+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Levens Hall, topiary garden, Famous English gardens visit" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QL1Vul1PVb0/UUpiEh-XKDI/AAAAAAAAci0/3ebVcgQBp3o/s1600/LEVENS+HALL+AND+GARDENS+1.jpg" title="Levens Hall, topiary garden, Famous English gardens visit" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levens Hall, topiary garden, Famous English gardens visit</td></tr>
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Levens Hall, Kendal, Cumbria LA80PD The garden</div>
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is open 1 April to 11 Oct, Sun to Thurs, 10am-5pm.</div>
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Tel +44 (0)1539 560321. <a href="http://www.levenshall.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">www.levenshall.co.uk</a></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Topiary tips from Levens Hall </h2>
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<b>URN THEIR KEEP</b></div>
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Levens has many paths, archways and tunnels that frame enticing vistas. The eye is often drawn To the far</div>
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end of these views by an object such as an urn, some of which are 19th-century originals.</div>
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GARDEN CHALLENGES</h3>
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<b>FLOODS:</b> There is increasingly regular winter flooding at Levens, but, on the bright side, this supplies a fresh layer of enriching silt.</div>
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<b>BLIGHT</b>: Devastation from box blight has prompted a rethink of the garden with alternative plants.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IblnJzlj5xQ/UUpiH97joZI/AAAAAAAAcjE/uV_SkWyTFEQ/s1600/Levens+Hall+topiary+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Levens Hall, topiary garden, Famous English gardens visit" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IblnJzlj5xQ/UUpiH97joZI/AAAAAAAAcjE/uV_SkWyTFEQ/s1600/Levens+Hall+topiary+garden.jpg" title="Levens Hall, topiary garden, Famous English gardens visit" /></a></div>
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BLOCK BY BLOCK</h3>
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Head gardener Chris Crowder plants in single-colour blocks to create maximum impact</div>
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in the garden. He chooses his plants carefully, making sure they perform well for as</div>
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long as possible The purple Verbena rigida can be grown as a perennial, but Chris uses</div>
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it in the parterres like a bedding plant, and it produces a pretty, purple haze of</div>
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flowers from June to mid-October.</div>
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<pre style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 8px;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: small; color: #008000;" style="color: green; font-size: x-small;"><strong>TOPIARY & PLANTING TIPS FROM HEAD GARDENER CHRIS</strong></span></pre>
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</strong>• To get a straight edge when you trim hedges, lay down a line out to the side of the</span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;">hedge and pull tight This gives you a straight reference to work to, without it being so</span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;">close that it's in danger of being pushed out of line by twigs or cut by the shears.</span></pre>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJbItP-LS8s/UUph5Rj_JKI/AAAAAAAAchw/_1zQkLjHAZo/s1600/Famous+English+gardens+visit.+Topiary+Garden+at+Levens+Hall+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Levens Hall, topiary garden, Famous English gardens visit" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJbItP-LS8s/UUph5Rj_JKI/AAAAAAAAchw/_1zQkLjHAZo/s1600/Famous+English+gardens+visit.+Topiary+Garden+at+Levens+Hall+7.jpg" title="Levens Hall, topiary garden, Famous English gardens visit" /></a></div>
<pre style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; margin: 8px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;">• Keep clippers or shears sharp and wet. Dip them in a bucket of water or use a hand</span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;">mister regularly to keep them running with water. This prevents the build up of gummy</span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;">green sap on the blade surfaces, and ensures the blades stay shiny, sharp and free moving.</span></pre>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;">• Reflect on the 'Rule of Rs' To plant for effect, reduce the colour palette. Reign back on</span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;">species used. Repeat plantings to give rhythm and regularity down borders. Reflect mirror</span>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;">image plantings across pathways where possible.</span></pre>
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<span data-mce-style="font-size: small;" style="font-size: x-small;">• Mix annuals and tender perennials into borders for greater impact later into the season.</span></pre>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">ALSO IN THE AREA</span></b></div>
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Chris recommends these nearby places if you're visiting:</div>
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• GARDEN Lowther Castle is being restored and makes for a fascinating visit.</div>
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Penrith, Cumbria CM0 2HG. Tel:+44 (0)1931 712192. vvww.lowthercastle.org</div>
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• PLACE TO STAY Barn Close B&B is Alasiair Sawday's recommended. Beetham</div>
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LA7 7ALTel: +44 (0)1539 563191. <a href="http://www.nwbirds.co.uk/bclndex.htm" rel="nofollow">www.nwbirds.co.uk/bclndex.htm</a></div>
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• PLACE TO EAT The Strickland Arms, Sizergh, near Kendal, Cumbria LA8 8DZ.</div>
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Tel: +44(0)1539 561010. wwvv.ainscoughs.co.uk/Strickland-Arms</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">PHOTOGRAPHS ALEX RAMSAY WORDS HELENA ATTLEE</span></div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11961617570965936024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888448376248666161.post-8448445038293072272013-03-18T21:01:00.000-03:002013-03-18T21:01:07.678-03:00Scottish garden in spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Spring Scottish garden</h2>
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<i>The bright flowers of a new season light up this Scottish garden hilltop, with views of countryside and spring colour as far as the eye can see</i><br />
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It’s not hard to see why Chris Comben decided to leave the south of England for the wilds of Perthshire. The hillside home that he shares with his partner Linda Templeman looks out over uninterrupted views of the Carse of Gowrie and the waters of the Firth of Tay. The nearest town, Dundee, appears as just a sprinkling of white some nine miles in the distance.<br />
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Local people have various ideas as to the meaning behind his enchantingly named home, Tinkletop. Some<br />
believe it’s the name of the hill on which the 1780s red sandstone cottage is situated; others say it comes<br />
from the Scotch Gael word for ‘assembly hill’. Most agree, however, that Tinkletop’s garden is one of the<br />
most beautiful for miles around.<br />
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Come spring, it is awash with colour. Rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias thrive in the slightly acid soil, and yellow and white daffodils gently nod in drifts. ‘Daffodils seem to do particularly well around here,’ says Chris. ‘People have grown them in the area commercially for years. I think it has a lot to do with the soil being particularly suited to them,’ says Chris. ‘Some naturalise really easily. Every 10 or so years, we divide big clumps of them, and find up to 300 bulbs growing together, which causes the plants to get smaller and smaller, and unable to flower. This is soon rectified by splitting them.’ Recently, he has started growing smaller ones and he particularly likes a variety called ‘Hawera’.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Scottish plants</span></span></h3>
Spring is the time of year when magnolias are in their prime, with Chris’ collection of 50 or so providing an<br />
assortment of vibrant hues and delicious perfumes for several weeks. His favourite specimen, a 12m (40ft) tall Magnolia campbellii, starts off the spectacle, followed by species such as stellata and liliiflora. ‘I am obsessed with magnolias,’ Chris admits. ‘They have superb flowers in spring, and afterwards their foliage gives full value throughout the seasons. Cold weather is no problem at all - though last winter I had to take action against rabbits eating bark by putting tubes around their trunks.’<br />
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Closer to ground level, flowers such as hellebores, leucojums (snowflakes) and primulas hold their heads<br />
high in a collection of island beds, and purple-hued aubrieta creeps along walls and through old staddle stones. The garden in full flower is certainly a wonderful sight for eyes accustomed to long dark Scottish winters, though Chris says Perthshire is not as susceptible to such extremes of weather as other parts of the country. ‘I lived in Gloucestershire for many years, but got a job in London, and then an opportunity came up to move to Scotland.<br />
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I liked it so much that I stayed here. The views are spectacular. Perthshire is the nicest part of Scotland: it’s<br />
not too populated, and where we are has a much nicer climate due to the water of the firth not being too far away. The garden is on a south-facing slope, which means we don’t get so much frost damage.’ Today’s garden is far removed from the scene that greeted Chris when he bought Tinkletop in the 1970s.<br />
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The house had not been lived in for 50 years and was encircled by a band of oak, ash, sycamore and elm, with grassland stretching up to the back door. Shortly after his arrival, the woodland changed dramatically with the tragedy of Dutch elm disease, which led to the destruction of some 250 trees here. For Chris, it was a sad loss, albeit with the silver lining that the demise of the elms opened up the views from the house<br />
considerably, particularly to the west.<br />
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He set about establishing his new patch by fencing off the 2.5 acres surrounding his home, to protect it from<br />
farm animals. Chris then dug island beds, laying the areas surrounding them to grass, and planting scores of trees and shrubs. He has been particularly careful to select species that offer a little bit extra, such as red oaks and the striking Himalayan birch, Betula ermanii. A pond was dug around 10 years ago, and is now populated by water lilies and wildlife such as frogs and toads. As well as planting shrubs, trees and bulbs, Chris is an avid propagator, regularly striking cuttings and growing a number of annuals from seed.<br />
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Over the years, he has watched his garden develop and mature, continually experimenting with unusual varieties, and moving around various specimens if they don’t appear to be performing well. He is especially ruthless if he believes a particular plant is taking up space that could be inhabited by something that could give greater value.<br />
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‘People told me that things like acers, lilies and magnolia wouldn’t grow here, but I’ve had no problems. I’ve even planted tree ferns in an old quarry at the side of the house: they were fine for several years, although the last winter was particularly cold and I lost some.’<br />
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Chris’ love of gardening stretches back to his youth, when he regularly assisted his father. Now retired from<br />
his career in engineering, he devotes more than 20 hours a week to his plot, and is often joined outside by Linda. ‘I’m not a perfectionist,’ he says. ‘Mine is not a manicured garden. I just like gardening for its own sake - everyday, I am out here doing something.’<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
CHRIS COMBEN’S TOP GARDENING TIPS</h3>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> Don’t be a slave to what television shows tell you to do. Plant what you want, where you want, and don’t be afraid to experiment. All plants can be moved if they’re in the wrong place, as long as they’re not too big.</li>
<li> Be adventurous: don’t just settle for the selection of plants at your local garden centre. Seek out nurseries offering a greater choice.</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> The shapes of trees are very important. Make sure trees aren’t growing too closely together, or they won’t be able to grow into their own individual shape.</li>
<li> Spare the spade and top dress island beds with mulch and manure that can be dragged down by worms. I think this makes the soil structure much better in the end.</li>
<li> Experiment with magnolias. There are so many varieties and they are great value, whatever the season.</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
CONTACTS GARDEN TO VISIT</h3>
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<br />
Branklyn Garden, Dundee Road, Perth PH2 7BB. Tel: 0844 4932193. <a href="http://www.nts.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">www.nts.org.uk</a><br />
Caerhays Castle, Gorran, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 6LY. Tel: +44 (0)1872 501310. www.caerhays.co.uk<br />
Inverewe Gardens, Poolewe, Echnasheen, Ross-shire IV22 2LG. Tel: 0844 4932225.<br />
www.nts.org.uk<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
RECOMMENDED NURSERIES</h4>
Bridgemere Garden Centre, Bridgemere, near Nantwich CW5 7QB. Tel: +44 (0)1270521100. www.bridgemere.co.uk<br />
Glendoick Gardens and Garden Centre, Glencarse, Perth PH2 7NS. Tel +44 (0)1738860260. www.glendoick.com<br />
Trewithen Nurseries, Grampound, near Truro, Cornwall TR2 4DD. Tel +44 (0)1726 883647.<br />
www.trewithengardens.co.uk<br />
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<br />
<br />
Tinkletop, Inchture, Perth PH14 9QS. Tel +44 (0)1828686561. The garden is open by appointment only - please call for visiting information.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">PHOTOGRAPHS RAY COX WORDS SUE BRADLEY</span><br />
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