-
As Seen Through Others' Eyes
Opening the garden to the public is always an interesting exercise. There's all the preparation ...
1st August 2017 * Read More " -
Shrubs of Istria
I did have the opportunity to see four shrubs that do grow in my garden in their native habitats -...
25th May 2018 * Read More " -
The Wildflowers of Istria
Whatever the habitat we were in, it was the diversity that was so exciting. With little human interv...
20th May 2018 * Read More "
17th July 2018 * Places to Visit * Stephanie Donaldson
It's always a treat to visit the gardens of Parham House near Pulborough in West Sussex - if you find yourself in the area do go and see for yourself. The planting by Head Gardener, Tom Brown, and his team is inspiring, with different areas colour-themed, including the famous and recently replanted Blue Borders.
Detail from the Blue Borders Ornamentals and vegetables intermingle
As well as the ornamental borders and the fine vegetable garden where flowers and vegetables intermingle, Tom has been conducting a trial of annual climbers this year.
Some of these have found the current growing conditions difficult, but it was noticeable that the Thunbergia (Black-eyed Susan) were largely unaffected. I've seen them growing in their native habitat in South Africa climbing through trees in dry scrubby areas, so they seem well-equipped for the current drought conditions. Of those being trialled, I particularly liked two clear-eyed (no black centre) varieties 'Clear-Eyed Orange' and 'Clear-Eyed Yellow' and elsewhere in the trials, the huge flowers of the morning glory 'Flying Saucers' means that will be one I will be looking out for, even though I generally prefer the purity of 'Heavenly Blue'. I think the two would look wonderful mixed together. After a recent visit to Mallorca, I'm also going to have a go at growing the perennial variety Ipomea indica, I'm sure it will do well grown in a pot in my very warm garden and I will cut it back and keep it in the conservatory over winter.
No visit to Parham is complete without spending time lingering in the glasshouse which is filled with a wonderful array of ornamental plants. I suspect that this glasshouse has been the pride and joy of many of the head gardeners over the years and Tom is certainly keeping it in magnificent style.
Similar Articles
© Copyright The Enduring Gardener 2018. All rights reserved.
Website design by Kolodo
