Cornwall Cuttings
GARDENERS CUTTINGS
a look at news, events and happenings in Cornwall
National Trust declares war on ‘alien species’
Japanese knotweed, rhododendrons and hottentot figs were imported in the days of the British Empire as exotic plants for aristocrat’s gardens. But the plants are now out of control choking ponds, ripping up walls, threatening the health of visitors and could take over some of Britain’s best-loved landscapes.
The National Trust is so concerned about the problem it has launched a campaign to stamp out the alien species over the next ten years.
As one of the UK’s largest landowners, the National Trust is also hoping to set an example to ordinary gardeners and homeowners about how to deal with the growing problem of invasive species.
The most damaging plant on the rampage in Britain is Japanese knotweed. With its pretty white flowers, it was brought into the country in the 1840s from Asia as an ornamental plant, but soon took over parks and gardens. The plant can grow up to nine feet tall and rips up concrete or tarmac.
The plant has to be injected with herbicide before being ripped up and it would cost in excess of £1.5bn to eradicate Japanese knotweed from the UK completely. But thanks to volunteers the National Trust is managing to clear land like the Kenidjack Valley in Cornwall so the native bluebells can return.
The most damaging plant on the rampage in Britain is Japanese knotweed
Hottentot figs also look beautiful in bloom but the trees are now threatening wildflowers on the Lizard Peninsula, the most southerly point in England where the rare chough nests. National Trust tree surgeons may have to abseil down cliffs to cull the alien species.
Giant hogweed is one of the worst problems for the National Trust, as the huge
plant has caustic sap that can bring people out in blisters. Along the River Tamar in Devon and Cornwall it has stopped walkers and fishermen from being able to enjoy the riverbank.
Trebah opens new water garden feature
An idea scribbled onto the back of a napkin has blossomed to become the latest attraction in one of Cornwall’s most popular gardens. Trebah Gardens, overlooking the Helford River near Mawnan Smith has opened its new water garden. The new feature, which took five months to construct, is built around a natural spring trickling downhill through a series of pools and crisscrossed by a pathway surrounded with a lush planting scheme. The new water garden had very humble beginnings, said Robert Dudley-Cooke, chairman of the Trebah Garden Trust. “I scribbled the design on the back of a napkin. It wasn’t very detailed, it was a plan of a pool here and a pathway there, but it was what I thought would work.”
Mr Dudley-Cooke, who owns Lamorran House Gardens at St Mawes, said he had long wanted to undertake the project. “I have been chairman of the Trust for 12 years and it’s something I have always wanted to do.
“What was there before was very nice. There was the spring and you could hear the water, but you couldn’t see it. The land used to a get quite soggy and I just felt it wasn’t as good as it could be.”
The building work saw Trebah’s team of gardeners, led by Darren Dickey, undertake the final planting design and most of the construction, including moving 60 tonnes worth of equipment and earth by wheelbarrow up and down the steep incline.
Trebah Gardens has opened its new water feature
“Trebah is lovely. It is a wonderful place to come when you’re on holiday because part of a holiday is to recharge your batteries and reflect. The water garden is a great addition to what is already on offer in an area with so many fantastic gardens.”
Country Gardener 3
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