Exotic Garden

Taking Tradescantia cuttings

This week we have begun sorting through plants in the hot house, getting some things (i.e. Begonias) moved out into cold frames, where they will still have protection, while freeing up necessary space in the greenhouse. This has allowed us to move plants that have spent the winter under the bench, up on top of the bench, where they will get proper light as they begin to emerge. One such plant that is beginning to emerge quickly is Colocasia. These were repotted into fresh soil, and some into larger pots, and were placed on the heat bench to encourage growth. These are important pieces to the Exotic Garden composition. 

Repotted Colocasias on the heat bench

We are hoping to plant up the Exotic Garden in the next two weeks. "Exciting, isn't it?" (as Fergus would say) We have spent a couple of days now carefully unwrapping the Bananas (Musa basjoo) and the Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica), as well as weeding, tidying, and forking the soil. This is usually done around the 2nd week of June, as we're out of frost threat and the plants are far enough along to use. 

Banana after straw removed

Unwrapping the Tree Fern

Turkey Trip

I just had the privilege of spending a week in Turkey as part of my scholarship. Being my first trip to Turkey, I didn't really know what to expect, but it ended up being one of the best travel experiences. 

Old Istanbul

Part of the trip was spent in Istanbul and part in the eastern town of Erzincan--what a contrast! In Istanbul I experienced a bit of sensory overload with so much going on. This was a horticulture-based trip, but it was also very much a cultural experience. We worked in the botanic garden one day, laying out and planting part of a border.  It's always fun to meet other horticulturalists and see the work that they're doing and share plants and ideas. 

Border before

Border after

I also enjoyed seeing the city. Situated on the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, the city slopes up away from the water, creating a wonderful tiered effect. I especially appreciated all the old architecture and the traditional markets. 

Istanbul is a beautiful city

It was nice to leave the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and head east for a few days. We stayed in the town of Erzincan. It felt small after being in Istanbul, but it still had lot going on in its own right. There was a busy main street with numerous shops and restaurants, and then, as if you had pulled back the curtain to a different scene, one block over in the shadows of the main street there was a fabulous old market. Everyday they had farmers selling fresh fruit and veg and seeds, as well as the permanent shops of the local artisans-- it was great. 

Probably wouldn't see this in Istanbul! 

Old mountain village

From Erzincan, we were able to do day trips out into the surrounding mountains and countryside looking at plants in the wild. Turkey has a wonderful range of endemic plants, and although we were a little early for some things, we still saw quite a bit.  It's great to see these plants growing in their natural habitats.  We become so accustomed to the plants we buy in our local garden centers and nurseries, that we often forget where they come from.  By seeing them growing naturally, it not only gives me a greater appreciation for the plant in a cultivated setting, but it gives greater insight into the specific requirements of that plant. 

 Pelargonium endlicherianum

Ferula orientalis

Tchihatchewia isatidea

This was a special trip and a wonderful experience, from the people, to the food, and obviously the plants--I hope to be back one day! 

Cannas & Dahlias

Basal growth on Dahlias in the hot house

A couple of weeks ago we started pulling select Dahlias out of the cellar and putting them in the hot house to force growth for cuttings. With the recent wave of warm weather, we have already had significant basal growth, allowing us to take quite a few cuttings. These cuttings are important because overtime Dahlia tubers may dry out or rot or be eaten or simply tire out. It's important, therefore, to increase inventory by propagating. 

Our beautifully constructed potting bench

This week we have been taking select Cannas and additional Dahlias out of the Cellar and potting them up. These plants are being divided and potted into different sized pots,  depending on the tuber size or the required number of plants for both the garden and the nursery. After they're potted up they're placed under glass in a cold frame, where they will begin to put on growth but still have necessary protection. We won't be needing the plants for a while yet, but by getting this done now, we'll have stronger plants when the time comes for planting. Also, by doing it now, we get it out of the way and give ourselves time for other important projects around the garden, such as weeding, staking, and sorting the next phase of seedlings in the nursery. 

Bedding...Before & After

It's been really exciting to watch as the bedding sections I helped plant fill out and flower. One of the first bits I planted was the circular steps by the orchard. We planted Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica) in combination with Tulipa 'Combat'. Over the last week it has really come into its own, and turned out quite nicely I think. 

Before: Original planting in November

After: The combination turned out well

Plant of Interest

Clematis alpina 'Frances Rivis'

Family: RANUNCULACEAE

Origin: Europe

Size: 1-3m (3-9ft) 

Cultivation: Moist, well-drained soil in sun-part shade. As is the case with most Clematis, the roots should be kept cool and protected. Pruning Group 1- no regular pruning required, but if necessary prune directly after flowering. HARDY (USDA 6b/7a)

Observations: This early light blue-purple flowering Clematis produces wonderful bell-shaped, nodding flowers.  Here it hangs effortlessly from supporting branches of Euonymus europaeus near the kitchen drive, and looks stellar against the bright yellow flower heads of Euphorbia robbiae. It also has an Award of Garden Merit (AGM). 

What better way to start of the season...?

Come on out for our SPRING PLANT FAIR this Saturday and Sunday. This is a great opportunity to see what some of the top nurseries in the UK and Europe are growing, and it's all in one place! Not only that, but our garden is looking quite nice right now, so why not come and see it all??

http://www.greatdixter.co.uk/whats-on/events/great-dixter-spring-plant-fair/

Spring Show

The Northiam Horticulture Society's spring flower show was this past weekend. Fergus, who is the society's President, asked if any of us wanted to enter, so three of us did (plus Fergus). Having attended the autumn show without entering, I wanted to participate this time around. 

The society was founded in 1897, and has around 300 members (I didn't know 300 people lived in Northiam!...yes, I'm joking). From what I've seen and been told, it's a very keen and active group. I was impressed by the enthusiasm and the high quality of work. I'm not aware of anything quite like it back home. It's a great tradition and one that I hope continues for many years to come. 

Entries grouped in specific categories 

We had to drop off our entries between 9-10:30, and then return for the award ceremony at 4 pm. There are 20-30 categories in which you can enter. You could even enter homemade breads, biscuits, marmalade or chutney. Although I've enjoyed making bread lately, I did stick to the flowers. I entered two categories (for the grand price of 40 pence), and was pleasantly surprised to get a first prize for one!  It was for "One variety tree/shrub (up to 3 stems)," for which I entered a Corylopsis pauciflora (which is looking stellar in the garden right now by the circular steps, under the mulberry). I was happy just to be a part of the tradition, but winning a prize made it all the more memorable. I am proud to say that Maria and Yuko both won a prize as well- it was a notable representation from Dixter! 

The winning specimen!