Gardener’s Cuttings


Tulipa ‘Orange Princess’ is top tuilip


A winner has been chosen by the public in the ‘Top Tulip’ contest at Compton Acres, one of the finest privately owned gardens in the south. The Tulipa ‘Orange Princess’ has been crowned the winner with the Shirley Triumph tulip and the Darwin Hybrid ‘Burning Heart’ tulip coming in second and third place respectively.


Compton Acres, the leading Grade- II listed garden attraction provided visitors with the opportunity to select their favourite tulips from the 20 different varieties which have been on show throughout the 10-acre landscape of themed gardens.


The top three varieties of tulips identified will be planted in the gardens later in the year in readiness for next spring. The winning Orange Princess is a double late tulip of orange-red flamed flowers on dark stems, the Shirley Triumph tulip is an ivory white flower with soft purple- blue edging and spotting to the petals and the Darwin Hybrid ‘Burning Heart’ tulip is a creamy-yellow flower which turns white with vibrant blood red flames as it matures.


Bernard Merna, Managing Director at Compton Acres, says: “To ensure our displays continue to include a magnificent collection of plants we thought it a great idea to ask our visitors for their input on seasonal planting. We had an overwhelming response from visitors voting for their most stunning tulip and our gardening team will aim to create a stunning display with the three winning varieties.”


Camellia specialist nursery plans for the future


Trehane Nursery, the UK’s leading camellia specialist has changed ownership. The nursery, which has been run by the Trehane family for over 60 years, is now under the management of David Trehane.


David and Jeremy Trehane with a small selection of the RHS Medals awarded over 45 years at London Shows


David has been working in the horticultural industry for 25 years. Named NFU Young Grower of the Year in 2005 for his rapidly expanding blueberry business he is currently Managing Director of the Dorset Blueberry Company.


Trehane Nursery was founded by David’s grandfather back in 1957 and specialises in camellias and other ericaceous plants. Since 1994 the business has been run by David’s uncle Jeremy, a well-known and respected figure on the horticultural show circuit. David and Jeremy have been working together for over a year to ensure a smooth succession for everyone concerned with the internationally acclaimed nursery.


In addition to Jeremy’s expertise David will also be able to call on his mother’s vast horticultural knowledge. World-renowned camellia specialist and author Jennifer Trehane formally retired from the family business in 1994. She will now be helping out on a consultancy basis, utilising her international network of plant breeders to bring new varieties to the nursery.


Trehane Nursery is at Hampreston, near Wimborne and opens Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 4.30pm. Weekend opening is from 10.00am – 4.00pm February – May and October – December inclusive. Call 01202 873490 or visit www.trehanenursery.co.uk.


Roald Dahl’s garden opens for one special day


A special opening of Roald Dahl’s garden at Gipsy House, Great Missenden on Sunday 12th September, from 11am - 5pm is in aid of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity. The charity, formerly the Roald Dahl Foundation, provides assistance for children in the UK living with specific haematological and neurological conditions. (www.roalddahlfoundation.org)


Gipsy House – Roald Dahl’s garden


The garden is full of delights and surprises with a pleached lime walk leading to Roald Dahl’s iconic writing hut bordered by hostas, hellebore and allium. There’s a walled terraced vegetable garden with a mouthwatering collection of fruit and veg - in true Dahl style you’ll find his prized mammoth onions and giant peaches. There’s also a wild flower meadow, a small children’s yew and boxwood maze, paths carved with quotations from his books, herbaceous borders and Danny Champion of the World’s gipsy caravan


nestles under a tree house. The event will be attended by several Roald Dahl Nurses - specialist children’s nurses funded by the charity.


The day is part of the annual Roald Dahl Day celebrations, held on 13th September (the big man’s birthday), to mark the work, life and multi-faceted legacy of one of the world’s best-loved storytellers.


Day courses starting at Deans Court


Deans Court, Wimborne, are making the most of their walled kitchen garden and apiary by starting new day courses on Wednesdays during June and July.


Throughout the summer a programme of talks and courses together with lunch will be held on a variety of subjects such as beekeeping, growing your own vegetables, creating a herb garden, hen keeping and caring for fruit trees. The talks and courses will start at 10am with coffee and biscuits and end with a two-course lunch with wine. The lunch, cooked by chef Jez Barfoot, will be interesting and delicious and most of the produce will have been grown in the garden.


The Tulipa ‘Orange Princess’ – crowned the winner


For more information on individual courses visit their website on www.deanscourt.org.uk


Country Gardener 5


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56