Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.Mark Twain (1835-1910)
After a winter that gifted us an absence of sub-zero temperatures, we are now experiencing a comparatively waterless spring. It is now becoming normal to start watering in a season past renowned for reliable rainfall (April showers!) and it looks as if my water bill will take a similar meteoric rise like my oil and gas.
Nearly all eucalyptus that are hardy in the U.K. bear flowers which are white or cream and indeed many are grown for the beauty of their foliage alone. Several years ago I obtained seed of several red or pink flowered species, including Eucalyptus ficifolia (now Corymbia ficifolia). It grew to 8 feet in 3 years and I anticipated the production of its fabulous cinnabar red flowers, only to be brought to reality by the ”Beast from the East” which killed it overnight. However a species called E. leucoxylon megalocarpa survived the “Beast” without damage, in two different locations. Indeed they have flourished producing deep pink tasselled flowers yearly since. It appears amenable to any soil but requires good drainage and is tolerant of coastal winds. There are a few sources in the U.K. with seeds available online, however plants raised from seed can vary considerably in colour.
With the onset of summer the National Garden Scheme gears up for the season ahead with an increasing number of participating gardens and the following are all worthy of a visit.
Created since 2002 Cae Newydd on Anglesey is a 2.5 acre south facing field that has been transformed into an informal country garden overlooking Llyn Alaw with outstanding panoramic views of Snowdonia. Despite occasional climatic problems there is a wide variety of interesting shrubs, grasses and perennials. There is an emphasis on wildlife, with pollinator friendly planting and areas left uncultivated. A large formal area near the house has a pond with fountain, raised beds and pots of phormium. A sheltered paddock garden, is a haven for birds, bees, and butterflies with a walled former pig-sty providing shelter for interesting plants. See collections of fuchsias, pelargoniums, succulents and cacti in a conservatory and greenhouses and wander through the paths cut in the hay meadow.
Cae Newydd
On the outskirts of the principality’s capital is 17 Maes y Draenog in the shadow of Castell Coch. This hidden gem of a garden is fed by a natural stream and has a woodland backdrop with a wooden footbridge affording access to naturalised areas. Developed by the owner over 15 years there is a wide variety of plants, lavender beds mature roses and four herbaceous borders.
17 Maes y Draenog
Moving to Mid Wales, the garden at Llanllyr dates back to the early C19 and was created on the site of a medieval nunnery. It has been renovated and replanted since 1989. Within this 4 acre garden there is a large fishpond, bog garden, an Italianate water garden, rose and shrub borders, gravel gardens, and allegorical labyrinth and mount, all exhibiting fine plantsmanship and amazingly looked after by the owners themselves with minimal help. To add to the overall interest there are two archaeological items within the garden, firstly the high freestanding cob walls of the Victorian kitchen and secondly an inscribed Celtic Christian Stone which records a gift of land to an Irish disciple of St. David circa 600 AD.
Llanllyr
Pencwm in Carmarthenshire is a secluded 1 acre garden set among large native trees, designed for year-round interest and for the benefit of wildlife. See a wide variety of exotic specimen trees and shrubs including magnolias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, bamboos acers and drifts of bluebells. There is a pond and boggy area with appropriate planting and perhaps accordingly wellies are recommended at most times!
Pencwm
Lastly, but hopefully not least, my own garden 6 The Boarlands is open in June and I hope to welcome you in person. Annette and I have had a busy year and carried out some design alterations and replanting. We offer panoramic views over Port Eynon Bay and plantings of unusual shrubs and perennials with a noticeable Southern Hemisphere flavour including banksias, proteas, leucadendrons, eucryphias, puyas and others of a sub-tropical nature. We also grow many common garden plants which we incorporate in our overall planting. We have added two ponds in recent years and one has Rudd amongst the waterlilies whilst the second is for wildlife and is proving attractive to newts and dragonflies. We are twinned with 3 Monksland Road, Scurlage, approximately 1 mile away. This small garden has been formed over the last 7 years and is still evolving, nevertheless it has a mature and diverse planting which features everything from coastal varieties and grasses to roses, perennials and shrubs. Water features encourage wildlife, while plants and shrubs attract pollinators. There is also a pergola and seating areas.
The Boarlands
Summer lies ahead with long days, exciting flower displays and gardens and shows aplenty to visit. Take the time to relax, view the fruits of your labour and most importantly, enjoy it.
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
