Wisley is set in some 240 acres of Surrey countryside, just to the south of London. Whilst the grounds are attractively landscaped our main reason to visit was the large glasshouse. The main glasshouse is still quite a new addition to the garden, opened by the Queen in 2007, and contains three main climatic zones.
As you enter the first area is lush temperate planting, many of the plants here are hardy enough to try outside, or can be used as accent plants, overwintered in a greenhouse. Although its always enjoyable to see plants we grow at home in a permanently warm environment.
Begonia peltata
From the lush area the atmosphere changes as the lush planting gives way to arid conditions, with a series of arid beds. Cacti, euphorbias, aloes, cycads and agaves are the main planting, and with the warm dry conditions are thriving.
Magnificent Macrozamias
Aloe enjoying the winter sunshine.
Aloe striata subsp. karasbergensis
A mass of Aloe flowers.
A long standing favorite of ours - Encephalartos horridus
The final large section is where the butterflies were kept, a warm humid section, the plants here are much more tropical, and on a cold January morning were a great plant fix.
Variegated Cyperus
Now this is an idea that we may just borrow!
We have been to Wisley a number of times, yet despite being members of the RHS, have yet to visit in the summer. Hopefully we will correct that omission this year.
Gaz
RHS Wisley
