- Abbotsbury, Sub-tropical Gardens
Before I started this garden tour and I told friends that one of the gardens was Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens the first reaction of those who had been there was “Oh, you’ll love it!”. They were not wrong.
The weather was a mixed bag – just right for wandering around but it was misty with low cloud so the promised views of Chesil Beach and St Catherine’s were not there.
Most of us, except a very few, (it was a Saga holiday after all), managed the steep slope to the top of the magnolia walk for the view of Chesil Beach, a piece of geography we probably all learned about at school. Even I was breathless at the top and I walked up with a 87 year old lady who did better than me.
Being a sub-tropical garden, and mainly in shade, there were the usual shade loving plants including many Hostas which, most annoyingly, were not being ravished by slugs and snails. We never did manage to find out how they managed this.
The tree ferns Dicksonia were magnificent and looked especially good in this dell with the red Monet style bridge in the background – you have to look carefully to see it.
What was special was that we were able to see how our every day garden roses would grow in the wild. It never occurred to me that roses would naturally clamber up tall trees. The above rose is called Rosa Spring Bride. Isn’t it wonderful!
The other climber that was particularly striking was a honeysuckle which I unfortunately failed to take the name of. Shortly after we arrived we meet with Stephen Griffith the curator of Abbotsbury. He told us that Roy Lancaster gave them this particular honeysuckle saying it would flower eventually and when it did they would be in for a treat. This year it did just that!
Just a few more photos above of the lush plants at Abbotsbury, started by the 3rd Earl of Ilchester in 1808 and added to by the 4th Earl, who was a botanist. The 5th Lord of Ilchester devoted time to the care of the garden and trebled its original size. It became home to one of the finest plant collections in England at the time.
Feeling very brave some of us, including me, walked across the rope bridge. I did feel a little sea sick when it started to bounce and swing.
I was struck particularly by the tranquility of the garden, a silence and peace broken only by the birds. I only wish I knew more about birdsong other than only recognising the most common birds such as blackbirds, magpies and blasted seagulls! I’ve added a snippet video for you to listen to.
- Bennett’s Water Gardens
After lunch these gardens were our second garden visit of the day. Bennett’s Water Gardens hold the National collection of water lilies. It is a small garden of a number of ponds transformed in 1957 from an old brickworks. I admit I was a little dubious about looking at water lilies as they have never been of much interest to me, but have completely changed my mind. Sadly this is one garden that needs to be seen in person as my photos really don’t do it justice.
I jokingly made a comment about not being able to label these plants as the were all in the water … WRONG! Amazingly every variety was labelled.
Water lilies always look like waxed flowers and I was surprised as to how many varieties, colours and sizes there were. Definitely you would find one to suit any water feature whether large or small.
The little ‘pink perfection’ would be ideal for a tiny water barrel. Whilst if you wanted impact the wonderful red Chateau Rouge below couldn’t be missed by anyone walking by.
My favorite was Sunny Pink. I saw this peachy/yellow water lily from the other side of the pond and mad3 a beeline for it – definitely my number 1 choice.
There were also some interesting marginal plants including deep purple irises and lots of pretty pink flowering rush.
Bennett’s was certainly a most enjoyable surprise and whilst it may only take a few hours to visit it is well worth it.
Tomorrow we are visiting Compton Acres and Cranborne.