Wisley

I was going to do a post about the latest plant passport issues, legislation, and as a result 'pain in the arse time consuming paperwork crap' that comes with them as a garden company in 'the chain'. Instead, I thought I would just share 'A Day In The Life' at RHS Wisley.

We have always wanted to pay a visit. It's one of the most important gardens in the world, technically speaking, but also is really quite beautiful and intriguing in it's own right. The winter garden display in Seven Acres, although was made up of stuff we know about, had a few new varieties that we made note of, and also stopped us in our tracks with the overall planning and design. Marvellous!

It is still technically winter, and a lot of the specific garden areas were still laid bare until later in the year, but there was still plenty to see. The Glasshouse. Everything you would expect from a world class horticultural organisation, but with an extra twist on our visit.

The 'Giant Houseplant Takeover', a temporary display (such a shame). It features what all of the rooms of a house might look like if simply left and unchecked for a while, with a little artistic licence thrown in. 

The Glasshouse, for me, was filled with myriad innovative ideas. Dozens of terrariums suspended from the roof, stiletto heeled shoes planted with Sedums. A shower head with plants representing water flowing down, as others in the bath gave the appearance of water splashing up. so much. The was also a floor to ceiling spiral of Tillandsia. How easy could that be on even a small scale, and how wonderful and inspiring on such a large scale such as this?

There was so much, but one that particularly caught our eye was the display of Echeveria pictures. Again, such an easy and simple way to show these underestimated plants, and very easy to replicate, but as with all of this particular display, there needs to be the imagination and foresight to start with! One of these types of pictures will soon be on our wall.

Above is a pictue of the garden at Wisley that shows how many other plants other than Buxus can be used to a similar effect. I do have serious doubts about the Taxus baccata and Lonicera nitida used for obvious reasons. Even so, it was very uplifting to not only see that the recent epidemic of Buxus pests is not just being recognised, and ways to it's eradication being sought, but that the promotion of alternatives were being shown to the public.

 Box Tree Caterpiller and Box Blight have been a particular Buxus pest in the horticultural industry over the last five years or so, resulting in some cases of the loss of many, huge and historical parterres.Alternative Buxus with some resistance are being trialled at the moment, but it will take time to eradicate these two particularly veracious pests. Alongside trying to find a solution/cure to the immediate problem, the industry is looking at suitable alternatives to the Buxus as a small and tight 'edging' shrub. Indeed, we have recently been asked to create a border with small hardy fuchsia as the main centre planting, with a Magnolia as the focal point, with a Buxus edging. We have chosen Ilex crenata, and will keep you posted. 

The grass.....shit....pretty ******* good.....enough said on that matter! Want an argument, just message!"

It was a trying and laborious day. I have come to the conclusion that children over five today (grand kids excepted of course) are born without parents. They are tyrannical, without manners, care for nothing, and show no mercy. I suggest a pit, very deep, very cold, and endless. I needed some R&R after THAT particular ordeal. Found it at our overnight stay!