I love the fitful gust that shakes
The casement all the day,
And from the glossy elm tree takes
The faded leaves away,
Twirling them by the window pane
With thousand others down the lane.John Clare (1793-1864)
Before the shortening days curtail our summer pleasures, I am enjoying a last flowering treat. Having the good fortune of a mild maritime climate, I have been able to indulge my passion for flowers from the Southern Hemisphere, especially South Africa, and in particular agapanthus. Although my garden is small I have about a dozen different varieties, ranging from a towering 5 foot Agapanthus praecox in blue to a dwarf white hybrid ‘Double Diamond’.
Agapantus inapertus is a species in which the tubular flowers droop down forming pendent heads of blue. Amongst its varieties, I grow ‘Sky’, ‘Graskop’, ‘Black Pantha’ and recently ‘Black Magic’, all in varying shades of blue. The latter is of such a dark purple that it almost appears black! There is a white colour form, called appropriately ‘White Cloud’ but I am unfamiliar with it. All are relatively late to bloom, commencing in August and finishing early September.
Hybrids amongst agapanthus species are many and varied but I always recommend ‘Charlotte’ which has good mid-blue flowers, compact habit and flowers from June to September without a pause. Another excellent variety is ‘Twister’ which distinguishes itself with bi-coloured flowers, dark blue at the stalk fading to white at the petal edge. It is deciduous, hardy and has a long flowering period. In a totally different category is ‘Double Diamond’, a perfect miniature of larger varieties and better suited to a rockery or a patio pot than a border. Growing to perhaps 10 inches maximum it has double white petals and blooms in August.
- Agapanthus - 'Charlotte'
- Agapanthus - 'Twister'
- Agapanthus - 'Double-Diamond''
All agapanthus demand full sun and a fertile well drained soil. The above are hardy in most winters but if grown in pots will need some winter protection. Although it is frequently recommended to allow pot grown plants to be overcrowded to enhance flowering, I prefer to split when necessary and, whether in pots or the ground feed with high potash (tomato) fertiliser to encourage blooms.
Days may be shortening but a number of National Garden Scheme gardens are still open to enjoy.
Lamphey Walled Garden, near Pembroke is situated on a south facing slope with views over unchanged farmland and ancient hedgerows. Built in the late 1700’s and renovated since 2005 it has been extensively planted from 2015. This is a plantsperson’s garden with a very natural feel and ecologically sensitive cultivation. Autumn highlights include over 40 salvia species that fill a large border with vibrant colour. A large collection of fruit trees is coming into fruition and together with a heritage vegetable garden provide interest and food all season long.
Lamphey Walled Garden
Staying in West Wales, Carmarthen we find Pentresite, a 2 acre south facing garden, exposed to sea winds with magnificent countryside views. Features include a bog garden and a new area planted with trees and herbaceous plants, which is at its most colourful in early autumn. Maturing nicely, it will soon merit its title of “garden forest”.
Pentresite
In Powys, Vaynor Park, owned by the Corbett-Winder family since 1720 is re-opening for the NGS after 38 years. Its 5 acres combine spectacular south facing herbaceous borders with late flowering salvias, penstemons and dahlias. The acid soil is ideal for the banks of blue hydrangeas that flower into autumn. The terraced garden is sheltered by red brick walls that host climbing roses, tender shrubs, vines and clematis. Enjoy the woodland garden with 100 year old Douglas firs or topiary yew birds, clipped box buttresses and spires that bring formality to other plantings or visit the orangery. Finally, there are magnificent views into Wales and Shropshire, a garden not to be missed.
Vaynor Park
Erlas Victorian Walled Garden in Wrexham is now a charity which is a place of work, solace and inspiration for all. In a state of major disrepair in the early 2000’s it has been renovated as a centre using horticulture, to provide work opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. The garden is on a south facing slope with 4 separate areas: The Walled Garden has many delights including a centuries old Mulberry tree; The West Garden is full of fruit, veg, herbs and the Charity’s Round house; The Orchard has a mixture of apple and pear varieties; The ecology area is a haven for flora and fauna. After thousands of hours of volunteer’s work, the Garden has become an oasis of calm.
Erlas Victorian Walled Garden
Closer to home is Hendy Close in Swansea. A plot previously covered in 40 foot conifers has been transformed with cottage style and mainly perennial plants, some unusual to provide year round colour and encourage wildlife. An example of how to plan for all seasons! Visitors say it is like a secret garden because of the number of hidden places.
Hendy Close
Why not celebrate your own garden and join our Great British Garden Party ngs.org.uk/gardenparty to raise funds vital for nursing and health charities. Everyone is invited, no matter whether your garden is large or small, tidy or untidy- it’s a place for enjoyment!
NGS Open Gardens
Welsh Country has two NGS open garden sections. The first ‘Open Gardens’ are gardens that are open on specific days and the ‘Long Term Open Gardens’ which are by appointment only. There is a search facility on each page so simply search for a garden name or an area of Wales (i.e. Swansea) you’d like to visit.
Words: Rob Dyer
Pictures: National Garden Scheme & Annette Dyer
National Garden Scheme: Frances Bowyer
