So after a spot of lunch, we continued on to Keith and Melissa's garden, just a few miles from Norwich town centre. To give an idea of the climate in this part of England, a number of established shrubs had completely wilted. Even a couple of tree ferns had leaves that just collapsed due to drought stress.
The first clue to discovering what lay in wait to the rear of the house. This is the giant black tree fern, Cyathea medullaris. Curiously this plant has developed side branches, so it will be interesting to see how it develops!
We were greeted by the Dalmatians.
I think this one wanted its teeth checked!
A super collection of Echeveria (which are also a favourite of mine) and other succulents. Look at the wall too - this was built by Keith and Melissa. Their attention to detail is amazing!
Below, a Nolina that I forget the name of. I find these a bit too similar to Cordyline australis, myself, but it should look very different as it develops.
A Canna, called 'Cleopatra', I think. Interesting foliage.
A very tropical jumble of foliage.
More Ensete 'Montbeillardii' (is that too many vowels?).
I'm not sure if Keith and Melissa took as much care as Will Giles in placing their plants together, but the effect was still totally tropical! I think this picture illustrates how you don't have to have flowers to make a garden colourful.
A fine stand of Tetrapanax papyrifera 'Rex'. Probably one of the best in the country?
2 comments:
Goodness, yes, that T. rex is spectacular. I love the ensete as well - I like the narrower leaves.
The Tetrapanax is simply stunning, we grow them at the nursery but being high in the cotswolds they never look like that, which is always slightly depressing. I think the most fantastic stand of them is to be seen at Crug Farm.
all the best, Paul
Post a Comment