Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail. 20th May 2017
Open Gardens
I will be speaking, or rather, being interviewed at the Glanusk Fayre tomorrow (Sunday) at 11.30, as the Legge Bourkes open their garden as part of the National Garden Scheme. As I am normally the one doing the interviewing, it’ll be an interesting change! Although, I will be hot-footing it up to Chelsea Flower Show after the talk, to interview the celebrities visiting the Show on the VIP Day. You can hear just who I managed to corner, on BBBC Wales, on the Eleri Sion Show, on Tuesday 23rd around 3 pm.
Tomorrow, weather woman Ruth Wignall, will undertake the official opening of the Glanusk Fayre and Terry Walton will also be interviewed as part of the days events. There will be numerous craft and artisan stalls and homemade refreshments, and all set at Penmyarth House, in the stunning grounds of Glanusk Estate. Do come along and say Hello, if you can.
More details at www.ngs.org.uk or call Mrs Harry Legge-Bourke on 01873 810414.
A Hidden Jewel
On the Bank Holiday weekend, 27, 28 and 29th May, to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the NGS, you can visit Hillcrest Garden in Blackwood. The hosts of Hillcrest, Bev and Mike have been (kindly) badgering me to visit their garden for two years and I finally made it last week, on a beautiful sunny evening. And I was absolutely enthralled by it.
Tucked away on a sunny slope on the outskirts of Blackwood, they have created one of the most amazing, inspirational and ‘happy’ gardens I have visited. Don’t be fooled by the location, the unassuming approach and the modest entrance to their home, for beyond it all you will find a treasure of colour, unusual plants with endearing stories, clever design ideas, an enviable range of quirky garden buildings and seating, and all woven around an impressive framework of mature trees planted by Bev and Mike over 20 years ago.
Do ask them about the ‘mouse plant’ – the flowers look like little mice, look out for the stunning eucalyptus (I would so love to have that in my garden) and keep your eyes peeled for clever ideas for recycled garden sculptures and furniture.
Mike and Bev have created and maintained the whole garden themselves over 30 years and have become a well-loved part of the community, with neighbours and friends donating plants that have got too big for their own gardens. They also have a wonderful reputation for bringing all sorts of plants back on public transport and cramming their little van with anything other people don’t want! They have raised £37,000 in the 13 years they have opened their garden for the NGS and as well as being inspirational gardeners, are just a joy to talk to. They will also accommodate small groups of visitors throughout the year, by appointment, so it is a wonderful destination for gardening clubs and just keen gardeners.
Find out more at the NGS website or call them on 01443 837029.
Tree-mendous Trees and Plants
Hillcrest Garden has some of the most beautiful established plants and trees I have seen in a private garden and I will definitely be including some of them in my own plot. The ‘mouse plant’, Arisarum Proscideum will provide great ground cover as well as a great conversational piece. When I visited, the star of the garden was the stunning Chilean Firebush, whose vibrant orange blooms could be seen for miles. I will be definitely be getting one of those!
The Handkerchief Tree, was showing off its handkerchief-like bracts, and the reason it’s also known as the Ghost Tree. The bark of the Eucalyptus pauciflora (Snow Gum) makes it a must-have, if you have the room. Their collection of Acers reminded me why they were my dad’s favourites and it was lovely to see the more unusual trees, like the Persian ironwood, the Ginkgo Biloba and a Red oak. And I was intrigued to learn about the ‘toffee tree’ – the Cercidiphyllum japonicum, (Katsura), whose foliage smells like toffee in the early spring and autumn.
It all goes to show these often-overlooked beauties will tolerate, and even flourish in, our climate and conditions and it is worth considering them when planting in your own plot. Bev has even compiled a list of the more unusual trees for inspired visitors.
I would guess that at the end of May the spectacular Tulip tree will be in all its glory and it’s worth a visit for that alone! Dogs on leads are welcomed, and there is partial wheelchair access too. And I haven’t even mentioned the homemade cakes …
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