Summer visit to Millenium Gardens at Pensthorpe
Posted:4 September 2013
A few days ago we were fortunate enough to visit the Millenium Gardens at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve in Fakenham, Norfolk. Designed by Piet Oudolf, this acre of planting displays a magnificent array of colours and textures, demonstrating the effectiveness of planting perennials in large bold and flowing groups.
The design of the borders is breathtaking swathes of Persicaria collide with billowing Deschampsia; Miscanthus stand tall and erect next to the densely planted Echinacea which are drenched in butterflies and bees; Japanese Anemones grace the front of the borders along with Geranium wallichianums.
The gardens here invite you to simply stand and look – to watch the colours change from the midday vibrancy of the Heleniums to the glistening shades of the early evening reflecting off the Asters.
Set in 600 acres of Norfolk countryside in the tranquil Wensum valley, Pensthorpe is suitable for everyone if you are visiting Norfolk dont miss it! www.pensthorpe.com
Also in Norfolk is one of our favourite nurseries, Woottens of Wenhaston. They’re currently offering the Woottens Wildlife Selection a collection of late flowering plants specifically selected to attract bees and butterflies into the garden.
One of each of the following in 2 litre pots for only £24.68. That is 20% off the normal prices:
- Agastache Black Adder lilac flowers open from dark purple black buds July-Oct. Ht 75cm. Any well drained not bone dry soil. Sun. Useful for its vertical lines. Unlike many Agastache this is reliably perennial.
- Echinacea purpurea Magnus wide, purplish red reflexed petals with a prominent bronze boss. July-Sept. Ht. 90cm. Sp. 25cm. Sun, well drained soil, beware of slugs, good with grasses, handsome brown seedheads, loved by bees. AGM (Award of Garden Merit).
- Sedum Matrona purplish green leaves, red stems and pale pink flowers. Aug-Sept. A stately matron indeed, much used by Piet Oudolf, good seedheads. Ht. 50cm. Sp. 40cm Sun. Any well drained soil. AGM.
- Aster x cordifolius Little Carlow wonderful lavender blue flowers Sept-Oct. Ht 120cm. Sp. 50cm. Sun, moist soil, mildew free. AGM. This is a stunning plant and looks great with Nerine bowdenii.
- Verbena bonariensis endless small mauve flowers July-Nov on a tracery of tall branching stems. A lovely see through plant. Ht. 150cm. Sp. 60cm. Sun, good drainage, self seeds. In cold areas take cuttings in autumn. AGM.
Woottens Plants, Blackheath Road, Wenhaston, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 9HD. U.K. Telephone: 01502 478258 Fax: 01502 478888
email : info@woottensplants.co.uk web: www.woottensplants.co.uk