Horticultural and botanical musings from the Rockies, Great Plains and beyond. In humble tribute to Goddess Flora.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Path to a better place...
Who doesn't love a path? Like orange sunsets and woodsy waterfalls, sandy coves and mountain views, a path curving in a garden like this is an archetype that triggers pretty much the same emotion in everyone, I suspect. Mystery, curiosity, what's next around the corner?
These paths I'm showing in this rather uncharacteristic blog (not many mug shots of blooming alpines here!) were all taken at Copenhagen Botanic Garden's remarkable rock garden. Not perhaps as famous as Kew, Edinburgh, Gothenburg's or Munich, the rock garden here in Denmark is every bit as complex, extremely well laid out, with thousands of perfectly grown plants that are extremely well labeled...and paths and views galore.
This should give you a sense of how rich the plantings are--but notice how the tetragonal cobblestone paths set the garden off. Many European botanic gardens have this sort of path, which I envied enormously. I despaired that we'd never have anything like this in Colorado, then a few months ago I noticed that a large section of Monaco Avenue near my house had an island paved with exactly this same kind of rock. I've GOT to find out where they got it! These pictures, by the way, were almost all taken this past September 6, 2017 on my last visit. This garden is wonderful any time of year!
As wonderful as this Muhlenbeckia axillaris is (and it is remarkable), the arc of stone around it sets it off. Lao Tzu observed that the empty space is what makes the bowl useful.
I was surprised to see how well Tanacetum densum ssp. amani grew in Europe. It was just as lusty at Kew. I love the way it tumbles down to the path...
I never take enough pictures like this, showing the various levels complex gardens like this display: the two fellows in this picture didn't sign release forms--I suppose they can sue me. Don't tell them, please!
The bright light beyond beckons you out of the woods. Humanins have experienced this sensation for millions of years.
There are two kinds of gardeners in the world--those who have paths like this crowded with plants, and those who have trim lawns.
This greenhouse was closed the day I visited: the botanic garden in Copenhagen worries me a bit: aside from the world class rock garden, the other areas were restricted and some were desolate and unkempt. I worry about the staffing. The overall management appears to NOT be directed by botanists (there were many signs about the Geological museum--which may be the overlord). Rocks matter, but botany and horticulture do as well. I hope this gem of a garden follows a better path in the future!
Another greenhouse I couldn't visit. Looks to be very well maintained...but what good does it do if visitors are locked out? Paths must not be blocked! Libraries and coffee shops as well should be open day and night and never close!
I cannot say how much I admire this mass of Bergenia ciliata: my very first visit (see below) it was in full bloom. Although this is the only deciduous bergenia, it's still my favorite for the wonderfully furry leaves. I wrote a whole post about the plant--click here if you need a plant mug shot fix!
Here's a flashback to May 3, 2013 to the same slope I photographed above: pretty spectacular difference, don't you think?
And I end on a path not far from the rock garden, through a peculiar complex of beds that are displaying native plants and weeds (and perhaps displaying a bit of complacence as well)...
America is currently being dragged down a distressing path at the behest of the strangest agglomeration of bad circumstances (aided and abetted by vast sums of oligarchical money domestic and foreign)...but as this most amazing year comes to a close--a year that was enormously rewarding for me personally and professionally, and utterly devastating for my hopes for my country...I would like to hope we might find ourselves on a sunnier path, one leading my beloved country (and Copenhagen botanic garden) to a better, more righteous and rewarding place.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Derry Watkins: nursery, garden and friend in England's west country
Derry Watkins |
Derry's nursery and garden are open to the public--do click on Special Plants Website to see what the hours are--and you can even sample some of the plants you'll see in this posting sold at her nursery and also mail order as seed from her seed company.
https://www.specialplants.net/
Coronilla glauca 'Citrina' |
The pictures you see here were taken over a period of several days in mid April when we visited and toured the West country. Derry's is a wonderful year around garden, however, with extraordinary design (she was helped in that department by her husband who is an eminent Architect). Their home is as gorgeous as the garden--lovingly restored outside and thoroughly modern inside!
Rhodiola rosea |
Smyrnium perfoliatum |
Peltoboykinia watanabe |
Corydalis sp. ign. |
Caltha palustris var alba |
We'll get a closer look at the Clianthus shortly... |
I'd heard there was a blue Lathyrus vernus, but this was the first time I'd seen it! |
Paris quadrifolia |
Even veggies tucked in here and there! |
An iconic view: come to think of it, there are iconic views all over this wonderful garden!
Like this one out our guest room window. (I am a lucky guy!)
I went nuts at the nursery: mostly because I couldn't buy everything and bring it back. I daresay two thirds of what Derry sells is not in the U.S. market! Harrumph!
Wish I could take this Coronilla back!
Entryway to their home..very welcoming and gorgeous!
I'm a sucker for unfurling croziers...
Several pieces of garden art were simply stunning.
|
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' |
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' |
I'm also a sucker for lichen!
The pond is covered with wonderful waterplants |
Many visitors don't realize the extent of the garden--there are naturalistic sections that gradually blend with the surrounding countryside. |
Aesculus hippocastanum |
I am such a nursery junkie: I can't resist stopping at random nurseries when I travel (I always find something I can't live without)--and being in a rare plant nursery like this is HEAVEN!
One last look at the outrageous Tulip pots...
Thank you Derry, for a fantastic visit: I felt so utterly at home! I felt as though we've known one another from a past life! And I can't wait to lure you hither before too long so you can see that America does have some horticulture worth noting, although I agree our political scene is perhaps the most depressing I've experienced in my life time: I am confident we'll change that soon!
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