Go from me, summer friends and tarry not:
I am no summer friend, but wintry cold,
A silly sheep benighted from the fold,
A sluggard with a thorn-choked garden plot.
Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)
Bathing in the warm rays of this Indian summer sun in mid-October, my coastal garden still displays a multitude of flowers which will probably last well into November and possibly further. This display is more likely to be finished by heavy rain and winds than by the first frosts, which in recent years have not occurred until the New Year, and sometimes not at all.
I am fortunate that my mild micro climate allows me to indulge in some mid-winter flowers whose brightness enlightens the shortest days.
The ‘lobster claw’ plant, Clianthus puniceus (feature image above) has vivid red flowers and flourishes on a south facing wall with good drainage without regards to soil type. It requires a wall for both protection and support, a necessity even in my sheltered situation. Supposedly an early summer flower, my plant commences in mid-winter and continues until late spring. There are several forms available in varying shades of red and even white but I prefer the wild form. Available on line from numerous specialist nurseries it is also easily raised from seed, as was my plant.
Another winter delight is Coronilla valentina subspecies glauca ‘Citrina’, rather a mouthful for a lemon yellow beauty which has the short common title “bastard senna”. Again requiring support and a sheltered wall it starts flowering as early as October and continues as far as April, surviving some buffeting from salty winds without damage. Its flowers, in a more subdued colour than the full species, are set off by the delicate blue grey foliage and subtly scented. It does require sun or good light and my plant flourishes on a west facing wall, without any particular soil preference. Frequently available from good garden centres and easily found on line.
The National Garden Scheme is blessed with over 3,500 private gardens that open throughout the year but those that open in winter are especially valued.
Tranquility Haven
Tranquility Haven near Knighton is a Japanese inspired garden tucked away in mid-Wales Powys with borrowed views of Offa’s Dyke. Winding paths pass small pools and lead to Japanese bridges over natural streams with dippers and kingfishers, whilst sounds of water fill the air. Enjoy the dense oriental plantings of Cornus kousa, acers and unusual bamboos which bring the garden alive with displays of red and gold. The owner Val Brown explains that she decided to open her garden for the NGS to repay the help given by Macmillan Cancer Support, during her late husband’s illness. This surprising and enchanting garden which featured on Gardeners World this October comes to life in autumn and one of its delights is looking down from its terrace and viewing the colours, shapes and textures provided by the many varieties of plants.
Whilst most gardens have completed their openings for 2023 Gwent has a series of Gardening Workshop Events at Highfield Farm, near Abergavenny and at Bryngwyn Manor, Raglan. Would you like to make your own Christmas wreath or table creations from natural materials? Those at Highfield Farm continue till April 2024 with a diverse range of topics including “perennial plant staking and hazel rose domes” and “creating an annual and perennial meadow”. If you need a Christmas present for a gardener this could be your answer!
Book your workshop on the NGS website here.
Your garden visits contributed to the National Garden Scheme donating £3.11 million in 2022 primarily to nursing and health charities including among others Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Hospice UK. The NGS also provides support and training to gardeners. It is often hard to get started in a gardening career and the NGS funds a variety of training schemes including £20,000 to support an apprenticeship at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
The NGS is also passionate about the physical and mental health benefits of gardens and awards Community Garden Grants to help amateur gardeners from community groups. The aim should be to bring a community together by developing a space that people can share and acquire skills and knowledge inspired by a love of gardening. In 2023 grants were awarded to 86 projects totalling £262,140, including 7 in Wales. Awards are usually between £1,000 and £5,000.
One project that benefited in 2022 was Railway Gardens in Splott, Cardiff where a derelict playground is being transformed into a safe welcoming green community hub for learning, sharing, growing and play. With the project work funded completed they have recently received their NGS plaque from Rosamund Davies, County Organiser for Glamorgan.
Another beneficiary in 2023 was Forgeside RFC community garden, Blaenavon Gwent. With a design inspired by its coal mining and iron works heritage rusty planters brim with fiery red, yellow and orange flowers including heleniums and rudbeckias, much loved by the bees. The 300 metre square garden with a greenhouse allows residents to sow plants from seed and produce fresh food to also share with local food banks. Climate Ambassadors Torfaen also use this space. The NGS grant was to install a water harvesting system. Debbie Field, NGS County Organiser for Gwent presents them their plaque.
Do you have a community project that might benefit?
Applications for 2024 are open until 13th November 2023.
For details and an application form visit: ngs.org.uk/who-we-are/community-garden-grants/
We look forward to gardens reopening with snowdrops in the New Year and raising more monies for our beneficiary charities.
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
