After the recent end to a long sunny period without rain and the premature flowering of so many plants, it is difficult to realise that officially, summer is only just beginning. Since I bought and planted numerous plants and shrubs in early spring, I have spent a large amount of time watering them, to the detriment of my spinning water meter.
Once established, roses are surprisingly tolerant of drought, and the varieties I grow do not appear to have been affected, except for precocious flowering. I have added to my selection of single flowered roses with ’Tottering-by-Gently’ from David Austin, an english musk hybrid with lightly fragrant yellow flowers, gently fading to white with age. Despite facing seawards it has been largely untouched and has healthy bright green foliage.
Although only flowering once, Rosa moyesii ’Geranium’ is one of my favourite plants. A large shrub rose up to 8 feet tall, it is spattered with geranium red flowers with golden stamens from top to toe. While flowering is relatively brief and lacking fragrance it compensates by producing large flask shaped orange hips which persist for long periods, although birds and mice will make inroads. Requiring little maintenance save the removal of older shoots to encourage new shoots and occasional feeds.
- Rosa moyesii ’Geranium’
- Rosa moyesii ’Geranium’ with hips
Rosa persica occurs as a small desert plant in Iran but is not very garden worthy except for a dark red blotch at the base of its petals. It has taken over 200 years for breeders to produce hybrids which are excellent garden shrubs, resilient to drought and repeat flowering. All the hybrids I have seen contain the tell-tale blotches at their centre, are single flowered and repeat flowering. They respond to frequent feeding, can be pruned freely to retain form and deadheading will prolong flowering. I grow several of the 60 different hybrids including ’Bright as a Button’, ’For Your Eyes Only’ and ‘Eye of the Tiger’, each one has proved weather resistant and, given minimum attention, flowers throughout summer.
- Rosa 'For Your Eyes Only'
- Rosa 'Eye of the Tiger'
I have to admit that I had never heard of Rosa alpina ‘Cutie Pie’ (Feature image) until last years Malvern Autumn Show, when I was looking at an alpine stall, and a pretty red and white ‘alpine’ caught my eye. Ideal for my small alpine area and out of curiosity, I purchased it and with deadheading it continued to flower until October. I have treated it as I would any other rose irrespective of its diminutive nature, for it is presently barely 9 inches square, and have fed, pruned and deadheaded resolutely. It is currently starting to flower and producing some longer shoots which should extend its size and flowering.
July and August brings a diversity of gardens open for the National Garden Scheme. Explore the range of planting that can now be grown in some areas of Wales with climate change or how about cut flowers?
Tyn y Graig
Tyn y Graig, Bwlch y Ffridd in Powys is set at 300 metres with views of the surrounding hills. This is a plant person’s garden with many unusual varieties grown from seed. The hectare of stunning wildflower meadow which includes only indigenous flora sits around a large pond and woodland. Borders are varied with an artist’s eye for combination. Highlights in July include the rose garden, herb area and bright, white and pastel borders. Learn how to rabbit proof a vegtable plot! You can also visit Simon & Georgina Newson’s Open Studio.
Corseside Nursery Gardens
Near Newton in Pembrokeshire is Corseside Nursery Gardens a 1½ acre eclectic tropical garden with stunning sea views. Sandra Williams and her daughter Rosie run the RHS Gold Medal winning nursery specialising in succulents and hardy tropicals. The gardens developed in harmony with nature and self-sown wild flowers feature winding paths to discover secret places filled with vibrant succulents and exotics. Spot planters made from recycled beach finds. A unique escape blending tropical charm with seaside allure. The towering Echiums should be making an impressive display!
All images by Rosie Prosser
4 Clyngwyn Road, The Coal Tip Garden
Still in South Wales 4 Clyngwyn Road Ystalyfera is The Coal Tip Garden. Situated below the former coal tip of the Tir Bach mine it was developed out of the need to have privacy and peace after working shifts as nurses. This is not a flowery garden but is formed out of shrubs, trees plus some native perennials. These form a tapestry of hedging with arches and niches cut out to place seats and enjoy sculpture with a visual rhythm. A place for rest, contemplation and creativity for Paul Steer who is also an artist with a small studio in the garden.
Neuadd Stone Barn
Neuadd Stone Barn by Gilwern Abergavenny is different, the recently established Bramble and Bombus Flower Farm on a family working farm. In 2022 Katherine Franklin took a giant leap of faith to leave her teaching career and purse a wild dream. With seeds, soil blocks, enthusiasm and help from the whole family the Flower Farm was born. They created planting beds, growing frames, compost heaps, repaired walls and even built new gateways. Thankfully the seedlings grew to rows and rows of fabulous seasonal British flowers, “grown not flown” and the air filled with the buzz of pollinators.
Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty take in the breathtaking views of the Bannau Brycheiniog.
The Granary
Moving north The Granary Bangor is a 2½ acres garden that has used xeriscaping, a process of gardening and landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation. Maya Nedeva has incorporated rare and unusual plants from around the world, many grown from seed with a particular interest in Australian plants. Discover a large pond in the front garden and palms , yuccas and a rockery in the rear. It would not be a Welsh garden without ferns and includes tree ferns.
All images by Gary Phillips
Explore the Garden Events Calendar to find more gardens open for the National Garden Scheme where you live and support our 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
