Eastward Ho

gillians's avatarPlant Heritage

2014 – the Norfolk group had offered to host the National Plant Heritage AGM and the first visit on offer was a tour of the private garden of the Bishop of Norwich.  Although it had rained for us most of the way over from Surrey the sun was shining as a large group walked over to the gate.

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The four acre garden opens in aid of charity several times a year, but was opened specially for our group.  We were greeted by two Simons – the Bishop’s Chaplain, Simon Ward and the Head Gardener, Simon Gaches.

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Large open areas of lawn and woodland lie close to the cathedral with other smaller areas around the 500 year old flint boundary walls.  A rose garden includes Rosa Norwich Cathedral ( = ‘Beacath’) donated by the late Peter Beales to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the cathedral.

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One knowledgeable member of the group commented on the similarity of the…

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gillians's avatarPlant Heritage

In my family, Cartmel in Cumbria, has long been associated with sensory delights, being the home of Sticky Toffee Pudding, a favourite with my boys and always provided by their grandmother on our trips North.  But after a recent trip to this area I can assure you that all your senses will have a treat with a visit to Holker Hall – home of the National Plant Collection of Styracaceae.

From the dramatic ‘Capability Brown’ style entrance drive

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through the formal gardens planted out with tulips

the labyrinth

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and the sundial

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to the woodland, home for the National Collection.

Styrax is the largest genus in this family, but this Collection also covers Halesia, Pterostyrax and Sinojackia.  Small graceful trees found in Europe, Asia and America, they have dainty pale flowers in the spring which were just about to open on our visit.  This specimen of Styrax japonica

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Chas Spain's avatarChas Spain

Looking back at all the visitors who dropped by the blog last year and left a comment on the About page – I thought I should do a quick world tour and see what everyone’s been up to and what they’re planning for 2014.

This could take a while – especially as I’m listening to the Inception Soundtrack – so anything could happen in either space or time ….

Nigel Boldero in Norfolk England, at Old School Gardener, keeps the beautiful recycled things and wondrous garden pics happenng. Incentive to buy some dirt.

Shimon Z in Jerusalem, at The Human Picture has superb edible images of the fruit and flowers in his home despite having a bumpy start to 2014.

Mary Mageau in Brisbane at Nature as Art and Inspiration posted a superb red Christmas Bush to sign off 2013

Emiline Miossi in São Paulo also posted a bright start to 2014…

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