Garden highlights

Mike Calnan, our Head of Gardens, gives us a round up of some of the exciting projects that have been taking place in our gardens during the summer months.

  • Small but perfectly formed

    Kniphofia, Red Hot Pokers, in the garden at Coleton Fishacre, Devon. © NTPL/Paul Harris

    For the third year running, the exquisitely atmospheric house and garden at Coleton Fishacre have come out top in our visitor satisfaction survey. Visitors can explore the garden along a series of enticing and winding paths, to be rewarded with spectacular sea views and a diverse collection of tender and unusual plants.

    Many congratulations to the whole team at Coleton Fishacre.

  • A decade peat free

    The Erddig plant sales area © David Burton

    Following a 1999 Members' AGM resolution and vote, we have gardened peat free for over a decade.

    Recently, the Government undertook a peat-free consultation across the sector, to which the we submitted evidence and the result is a voluntary peat phase-out target of 2020 for amateur gardeners and 2030 for professional growers.

    The next step is the setting up of a Sustainable Growing Media Task Force under the Chairmanship of Dr Alan Knight OBE, which will include representatives from growers, manufacturers and retailers. I'll be representing us on the taskforce which will have the remit of helping the country reach the voluntary targets.

  • European Garden's Exchange Scheme

    Kevin O'Donnell, Head Gardener at work in the garden, checking the espaliered apple trees, at Llanerchaeron © NTPL/Paul Harris

    In July, we celebrated three years of the European Gardens Exchange bursary with a grand day out in London.

    17 staff who have benefited from or have been involved with the scheme came together to celebrate their achievements. The day included a private tour of the gardens at Buckingham Palace, led by Garden Manager Mark Lane and ended with a reception close to the Houses of Parliament hosted by Mrs Nancy McLaren (related to the Bodnant McLarens).  It is through Mrs McLaren's wonderful generosity and on-going support that we are able to continue the scheme for another seven years.