In a previous post I wrote about our lack of success in starting a collection of perennials for the bed that we are to replant. Undeterred we decided to try another fairly local (about 50 minutes away) nursery garden that specialises in perennials.
We have been planning a visit to Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens for a while but had never really got round to visiting. I browsed their online catalogue and it seemed that we may have a chance of finding some of the plants we were looking for there and so last Friday off we set.
The entrance to the gardens set the tone of the garden. The unassuming 'gateway' only hinted at what was beyond.
Through the entrance was a lawned courtyard housing a tea room and toilet block. The buildings were in keeping with the impression that you were visiting a private garden rather than a commercial venture.
Exits from the courtyard led into a series of garden areas all with a different character.
The stroll around the garden was punctuated by a time spent in the summerhouse sheltering from a sudden downpour - we seem to have this effect on the weather.
Sharing the garden spaces with us were several species of domestic birds ...
... and various sculptures.
I'll post more photos for tomorrow's Wordless Wednesday.
As for the nursery, they propagate all their own plants and try to keep up their stocks the staff keep taking cuttings and were busily at work in the propagating area of the nursery. So did we buy any plants? Before browsing the plants we were given a ring binder with a list of all the plants they stock with with a short description as shown here. Our wish list was checked and advice given on which plants were best and which to avoid.
We came away with a boot full if plants:
As for the nursery, they propagate all their own plants and try to keep up their stocks the staff keep taking cuttings and were busily at work in the propagating area of the nursery. So did we buy any plants? Before browsing the plants we were given a ring binder with a list of all the plants they stock with with a short description as shown here. Our wish list was checked and advice given on which plants were best and which to avoid.
We came away with a boot full if plants:
Campanula ochroleuca Mevrouw von Voltenbore
Helenium Ruby Tuesday
Sedum Vera Jameson
Knautia Macedonica
Rudbeckia deamii
Achillea Inca Gold
Achiilea milllefolium Cerise Queen
Monarda Gardenview Scarlet
Helenium Wesergold
Symphyandra Paul Furse
Veronica Teucrium Royal Blue
Agapanthus Northern Star
Posts
I think I shall put this on my list, it looks lovely, and it's always good when there's a well stocked nursery.
ReplyDeleteI imagine at the start of the season the nursery will be even better, Jo
DeleteSo glad you found a boot full of perennials for your garden, haha. Was surprised to see pictures of Stillingfleet, we were there during our vacation in Yorkshire last May. Indeed a lovely garden with interesting nursery.
ReplyDeleteWhat a coincidence Janneke.
DeleteIt is interesting that your nurseries seem to have huge gardens that go with it. Here there might be a small garden, but mostly not. It would be nice to see how the plants grow in a real garden and not in a pot.
ReplyDeleteMost garden centre/nurseries don't have an attached garden here either, Daphne
DeleteIt looks like a particularly interesting, relaxed place. I like the sculptures.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely place to stroll round Alain - even in the rain
DeleteOh now that looks a great nursery to visit Sue. Great that they ran through your wish list - nurseries are far better for specialist advice than garden centres. Vanessa Cook, the owner I think talked to our garden club years ago on the subject of pulmonarias, which I think she specialises in. She was fascinating to listen to. I will have to persuade himself to point our camper van in that direction one of these days.
ReplyDeleteIt was Vanessa who was taking the entrance fee and giving advice, Anna, The gardens are only open Wednesday and Friday and some Saturdays and Sundays
DeleteChe paradiso! É davvero un posto da sogno! :)
ReplyDeleteSogno di avere un giardino come questo troppo, pontos
DeleteI bet your excited about the plant purchases, looks a good range of colours. The willow structures in the photos are great. I'm hoping to do a willow class in the Autumn and make something for the garden.
ReplyDeleteWe potted them into large pots, Kelli as we are not yet read to plant. Look forward to seeing some willow sculptures that you have created.
DeleteSo different to the experience you get when shopping at a Garden Centre! When our local GC was privately-owned you could ask for (and expect to receive) sensible expert advice, but the staff there now know very little, from what I can gather. Nice to see the plants in a realistic garden environment, rather than just a row of pots.
ReplyDeleteIt just doesn't compare, Mark
DeleteI bought Helenium Ruby Tuesday this weekend too. It looks a lovely one.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope it lives up to expectations Jessica
DeleteLovely post Sue lovely photos thank you for sharing have a blessed day
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda
DeleteOh my, those sculptures are wonderful! I did enjoy seeing the birds too, what a lovely place.It will be really exciting watching your choices grow! I shall look forward to hearing more.xxx
ReplyDeleteWillow sculptures appear to be the in thing Snowbird
DeleteThat's a tasty looking combination of plants Sue! I recently visited Sue Beeseley's garden and nursery, and enjoyed a similarly inspirational and non commercial experience. You can't beat plant buying when you can get to see a lot of the plants being grown in a garden setting, and when expert advice is part and parcel of the experience. Look forward to seeing the border!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit we have now bought an echinacea, Janet - we saw a lovely red one on Thusday and decided we would try one giving it some special attention my giveaway that ends tonight
Delete