My wife is a self confessed plantoholic. That's OK, I
like my gadgets, cameras, computers and things like that. She is a
member of the South Wales group of the Hardy Plant Society and they have a
couple of trips each year to somewhere that appeals to their members. August
2004 was not a memorable month for weather, but the day of the trip
coincided with a nice little ridge of high pressure and the consequent warm
sunshine.
A coach packed full of plantoholics (and their partners)
headed over the Severn bridge on a day trip to England. Home Covert, Roundway near Devizes to be precise. A wide range of trees, rare shrubs and
plants grown for year round interest including erythroniums, Magnolias,
eucryphias and hydrangeas for a start. Mr and Mrs John Phillips were our
hosts and
guides. Incidentally, they claim to have planted some 35,000 trees during
their stewardship of Home Covert. Yes, that's thirty five thousand.
First, there's the couple of hours along the M4 in an
easterly direction from our pick up point at Bridgend. The coach was full,
and had been fully booked for some time in anticipation of this visit. We
are talking plantoholics...
The bus stopped in a tiny lane around the back of one of
the Wiltshire Downs. Mr Phillips greeted us all and led us to our first and
most welcome stop.
The day was warm and gentle and we were all
glad to stretch our legs.
John's wife, Sarah met us outside their
house with coffee and biscuits. Much appreciated.
Mr Phillips addressed us all with great knowledge, wit
and humour that kept us all chuckling throughout our visit.
The full Latin names of his prodigies just tripped off his
tongue.
Through an arch we entered their garden. A lady was
painting in the time honoured way at an easel.
All very bucolic.
This was the subject of her attentions. A
rare form of Passion Flower.
and this was the subject of mine, Hibiscus.
Verbena bonariensis. Named after Buenos Aires.
Salvia.
Knifofia.
The view from the western end of their
garden was, once again, classic English countryside.
Mr Phillips told us that one of the streams running through their
garden was the most easterly tributary of the River Avon running into
the Bristol channel.
The sundial was not working at the precise
moment of photographic capture...
Jean asked me to photograph these flowers
for her later perusal. Crocosmia or Solfeterre.
The first water feature was this ornamental pond at the
southern end of the extensive lawn.
There was a little story behind this little dolphin which
I am not obliged to disclose! Sorry about that...
A clump of colour that I appreciated as a
photographer.
The subtle colour of cyclamen in the woods.
Next, we walk the long and winding path into the
arboretum.
This was an example of Mr Phillips'
excellent sense of humour!
