GardenWeek Virtual Visits September 7, 1999

Editor's Journal

We have saved what may just be the best for last. This page does not look like much yet--but these areas have tremendous potential. Aberglasney is blessed with two Woodland areas--the Upper Woodland east of the House, known as Bishop Rudd's Walk and the Lower Woodland west of the Pool Garden and Kitchen Garden known as Pigeon House Wood. The spring fed stream of Bishop Rudd's Walk flows under the House, through the Cloister Garden, into the Pool and through Pigeon House Wood.The Upper Woodland is scheduled to be planted with ferns, tree ferns, many species of Lilies along with the closely related Nomocharis. Other plants include Meconopsis, Daphne, Primula, Paris and Orchids. The Lower Woodland is scheduled to be planted with Magnolias, Rhododendrons, Rodgersias, Ligularias, Gunneras, Primulas, and many bulbous plants particularly Galanthus and Erythronium. The mild winters, abundant rain fall, and inspired management should all work together for world class results.

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The mild winters and abundant rain fall provide the ideal conditions for Tree Ferns.
Tree Ferns
Tree Ferns
These Tree ferns already seem to be settling in by the bridge in Bishop Rudd's Walk.
At the top of the Lower Woodland is this unassuming looking meadow--but after it is planted with species Narcissus including N. bulbicodium and N. cyclamineus and the White and Purple Snakes Head Fritillaria--F. meleagris and F. meleagris var.alba--it should be quite special.
The Meadow
Cardiocrinum giganteum
While not as tall as the nine foot giant just reported by the RHS at Wisley, this plant was just moved to this location this year and may become a true giant in the years to come.
With head gardener Graham Rankin being the author of Magnolia: A Hamlyn Care Manual I think we can look forward to seeing a very extensive collection of this diverse genus.

book details US
book details UK

Magnolia macrophylla
Manglietia insignisis
This rare east Asian relative of the Magnolia is but a sign of things to come in the Lower Woodland.
The edge of this small pond will be perfect for water loving plants.
A Small Pond
Large Leafed Rhododendron
A large leafed Rhododendron. I am pleased to see that Rhododendrons will be an important part of this Garden.
A large Leafed Rhododendron. In order that the Rhododendrons may thrive for future generations, great care is being taken in selecting species resistant to rust.
Large Leafed Rhododendron
Rhododendron Fortune FCC 38
Rhododendron Fortune FCC 38.
Rhododendron cerasinum 'Cherry Brandy' named 'Cherry Brandy' because it has a beautiful maroon picotee around a pure white flower--A real gem!
Rhododendron cerasinum cv 'Cherry Brandy'
Large Leafed Rhododendron
The large leafed rhododendrons include sinogrande, macabeanum and rex. With very few exceptions only rhododendron species will be planted, as the gaudy colours of the hybrids will not suit the woodland setting at Aberglasney.
Aberglasney--The House and Cloister Garden

Aberglasney--The Upper Walled Garden

Aberglasney--The Kitchen Garden

Aberglasney--The Pool Garden

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