Specialist catalogues and nurseries
I’ve found it a strange and somewhat discouraging year for gardening: I spent the hot summer deciding which plants to save by watering water (sorry hanging basket, you weren’t one of them!) and then, when the rain came (and came), I couldn’t get out and plant, re-position, weed etc as I had a foot operation. Thank goodness for plant catalogues to explore, giving me the hope of next season.
We all, probably, have our own favourite catalogues and nurseries; one of the joys of watching Gardeners’ World is discovering specialist nurseries in different parts of the U.K. The Hampton Court Flower Show has introduced me to many different expert growers from many different counties. Working at Golden Hill, many visitors combine a trip to Kent with a visit to a specialist hydrangea nursery, having first encountered Roger, Fiona and the team at a garden show. Doppio Rosa was the favourite this year.
Not forgetting, of course, that we have Dysons’ Salvia Nurseries just down the road at Great Comp- salvias were a godsend this hot summer.
Like many people, I love pelargoniums and have found that the Fibrex Nursery catalogue is brilliant as they have so many varieties that you’d never find in a local garden centre (as well as a whole host of hedera, hibiscus, hardy geraniums, ferns and begonias). Until last year, they kept the National Collection of both pelargoniums and hedera and have now passed them on to the RHS. As they’re based near Stratford-on-Avon, it’s not a quick trip in the car but luckily they offer mail order and the plants that they send are always very healthy. Plus, their website is always full of useful advice: https://www.fibrex.co.uk. Sadly, I read in September that they’ll be retiring in a year’s time and are hoping to sell the nursery. In the coming months, they promise offers and the sale of some of their more unique varieties… so keep your eyes open!
Another benefit of knowing about specialist growers, of course, is being able to direct your family to a particular website when they’re looking for a gift for you! I’m a fan of streptocarpus and my sister Sarah bought me several for my birthday this year from Dibleys - including Three Sisters (very apt). Having won so many gold medals, it’s always a treat seeing Dibleys’ display at the flowers shows and again, the plants that arrive have always been well looked after.
Of course, it’s not just plants but seeds as well. I enjoy looking through the Chiltern Seeds catalogue as they have more unusual varieties and give plenty of information and advice.
(I noticed Monty Don sowing some of their seeds the other day.)
I now have the dilemma, of course, of whether or not to sow drought-loving plants next summer… I’m going to grow more Verbascum, I’ve decided, so any recommendations of specialist nurseries will be greatly welcomed. I don’t think there’s a national collection so there’s an opening for someone there! I’d also be grateful for any recommendations of where to find the best varieties of amaryllis with Christmas approaching. Otherwise, there’s the difficulty of just browsing on the internet or looking in a garden centre….not ideal!