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Eventually, we return to the gardens. |
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and a riot of colour |
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After saying our farewells to the Phillips;
we return west to a rare plant specialist near Bath: Derry Watkins runs this
haven of rare plantage (?) including Diascias, salvias, perargoniums,
streptocarpus as well as conservatory climbers and shrubs. A three month
trip to South Africa has introduced some interesting novelties: both plants
and seeds. 'Derry and her architect husband bought a
derelict barn together with three acres of steeply sloping fields. He
designed bold shapes in gravel, water and grass, terraced with dry stone
walls. She planted it up with drifts of colour using many unusual plants.
There is a black and white border, a sizzling hot red and orange bed and a
cooler lemon and lime slope, as well as a grave garden, bog garden, ponds,
vegetable garden (his) and now an orchard and woodland walk. Also wonderful
views down the valley towards Bath'.
The weather was kind and the coach driver was skilful (see
left) |
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It didn't take too long for the ladies to
get stuck in to the 'rare plant' bit. We men were merely carriers of credit
cards and bags full of purchases. |
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This handsome animal was of more interest to
me as a mere photographer |
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Having said that, who could resist this. |
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This wonderful sculpture belonged, I guess, to the 'hot'
bed. |
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This is, I think, a lovely juxtaposition of
man made and natural English countryside. |
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and here is the clue to my viewpoint! |
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Derry refers to this viewpoint as 'The big smile'. Easy
to see why. |
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Meanwhile, nature gets with what it is good at... |
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encore... |
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Sadly, especially for the plantoholics
amongst us, it was time to go. Our coach driver had spent some hours
manoeuvring his steed in and out of tiny fields in order to turn his beast
around. He managed it, of course, and the only remaining problem was to find
somewhere to plant all those little things in plant pots that rocked about
in the luggage lockers all the way home. Such is a day out with the Hardy
Plant Society (South Wales Group) |
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Derry is always delighted to welcome
plantoholics, but if you are thinking of arriving by coach, check that the
access road is completely clear of people who don't like reversing!
Derry has a web site at:
www.specialplants.net |
