Pruning

This is the story of the eucalyptus tree growing out of my decking - turn your back for a minute . . .

Meudon, Mawnan Smith

Driving along a lane in Mawnan Smith, I saw a group of Monterey Pines, Pinus radiata, from the Pacific coast of North America, which were planted in two rows. I knew from my reading that these trees are not native and are often used as shelter belts (a planting scheme designed to protect more tender plants below). I stopped to investigate. The trees are located behind what is now the Meudon Hotel. I was not prepared for the exciting and exotic valley garden hidden beneath these trees. There were enormous rhododendrons, introduced to this country from Asia at the beginning of the 1800’s, some of the biggest tree ferns, Dicksonia Antarctica, from New Zealand I have ever seen, unusual camellias from Japan, as well as groves of Myrtles, Myrtus luma, with their luminous
orange bark, from Chile, and a stream full of Gunnera, Gunnera manicata, from South America. The path led down to a rocky beach at Bream Cove. This garden is the work of Robert Were Fox, who also designed Penjerrick Garden in Budock Water and Fox Rosehill Garden in Falmouth.

Finding this garden was a pivotal moment for me – there were no signs announcing its existence. There was no activity at all (I have since been back a dozen times at least, and have yet to meet another soul). The garden seems to just sit there quietly, having been carefully laid out and planted over a hundred and fifty years ago. Since this ‘discovery’ (and after reading The Origin of Plants), I wanted to find out more about Cornish gardens, plant introductions and the people behind them.

More succulence, Tresco

Abbey Gardens, Tresco, Isles of Scilly

I recently went to the Abbey Gardens on Tresco, the Isles of Scilly. I was doing some research on succulents in Cornwall, as well as having a great time. Tresco is beautiful. The sand is fine, the sea is turquoise, the gardens are exotic and the people are so friendly. We stayed at the Island Hotel, details at: tresco.co.uk. Our room had a wonderful view of the sea and the food was fresh and delicious. We rented bicycles to ride around the island. It was great way to get around as there are no cars - only a few mad, crazy golf carts and tractors. I have been several times and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend it, I want to go back again. Soon. Very soon.

Aloes of the Abbey Gardens, Tresco

Aloes in bloom

Aloes in bloom

Aloes in bloom

Agaves

Agaves are also rosette growing, but on a much larger scale. They are part of the Agavaceae family and are thought to have originated from the deserts of North and Central America. This genus (like the two previously listed) is rosette forming, but is characterized by its sharp spines at the tips of its leaves as well as a series of sharp teeth along the margins of its leaves. Agaves range in size from 15cm to 5m.

This beast is growing near the Falmouth seafront.

The larger members of this genus are commonly known as Century Plants, as they are very long lived and take many years to flower (typically up to thirty years though, not a hundred). The parent plant normally produces many smaller plants by stolon before flowering. After flowering, the parent plant dies. The flowering spike of these mighty plants can reach up to seven metres. Agaves get hardier as they increase in size.

There are three, large varieties that are found growing outside in the Falmouth area: Agave americana, Agave ferox, and Agave celsii (which is not as prickly as its cousins). As with other succulents, Agaves demand well drained soil, especially in winter.

Aeoniums

Aeoniums are a relatively small genus of multi stemmed, rosette growing plants from the Canary Islands, Madeira and North Africa. Many grow into relatively tall shrubs, up to 2 metres, with naked stems and large, often flat rosettes of leaves on top. Some, such as Aeonium tabulaeforme, are stemless, and grow flush with the ground. They are monocarpic, so the rosette that bears the bloom will die, but a new stem will soon take its place.

The inflorescence will have hundreds of yellow, pink or white flowers opening over a long period. A. cuneatum also stemless, but has a flower stalk shaped like pyramid, covered in yellow flowers.

Most varieties are bright green, except for the purple, deep maroon varieties:

A. arboretum var. ‘Atropurpureum’, or A. aboreum ‘Schwartzkopf’. These varieties are very decorative and can often been seen in large scale bedding schemes. Aeoniums have been included in this study as they have escaped and naturalized themselves all over the small island of Tresco, as well as certain parts of Cornwall. Like their cousins, they don’t need rich, or even much soil (it is common to see them growing out of tiny cracks in walls and rock faces), and over watering will make them rot. They cannot tolerate frosts, so some protection should be given.

Echeverias

Echeverias are more tender, originating from the New World; from southern USA to Mexico, from Central America to Argentina. They are very similar in appearance to Sempervivums, having fleshy rosettes and are similar in nature as they are simple to grow, propagate and hybridize easily. The genus Echeveria was named after Atanasio Echeverria, a Mexican botanical painter. An Echeveria’s offshoot may also be called a ‘chick’ or even a ‘pup’, but this genus does not produce as many offshoots as its cousin. They are commonly propagated by stem or leaf cuttings.

A major difference between these two genuses is that Echeverias are polycarpic, meaning that they do not die once they have flowered. This genus produce rather large (in proportion to the plants themselves) bell shaped flowers that range in colour from yellow and orange to deep red. They flower freely throughout the year. There is great variation in leaf colour and shape – from plain and green, sometimes crinkled, to purple or blue with red tips; some have bristly hairs, called cilia, whilst some have a white, waxy coating. Most are a brighter colour during the growing season.

Echeverias are not as hardy as Sempervivums, not tolerating the cold well. Most temperatures below freezing will damage or kill them. They are also very sensitive to over watering; their roots must be in free draining soil. They do not like water on their leaves. Care should be used when handling certain Echeverias, as oil from one’s hands can leave marks on their leaves. Light is also essential for this genus, plants growing in low light will be tall and spindly, suffering from etoilation (lack of light).

Sempervivums

Sempervivums are alpines from North Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia. Their Latin name may be broken down into; semper, meaning forever and vivum, meaning to live. They are very easy to propagate. Given a well drained soil, they will produce attractive, rosette forming plants which are deservedly popular. There is a wide range of hybrids available. Not all forms are hardy, certain varieties may need some protection, but as a group, they are very reliable and rewarding. They also benefit from a top dressing of small gravel, as the leaves do not like to be damp. This may also help to deter slugs and snails, which seem to enjoy eating these plants.

These plants are monocarpic, meaning that once the plant flowers, the rosette bearing the bloom will die. Hopefully, before the flower appears, the main plants will have also produced a number of small offsets or stolons (hence the common name, Hens and Chicks).

These plants hybridize easily – if two plants flower at the same time, there is a good chance that their seed will grow into a new variety. There are approximately 35 species of sempervivum, but countless numbers of hybrids and cultivars. Many of these hybrids are unnamed and are of unknown parentage.

Sempervivum rosettes can range in size from 5mm to 15mm in diameter. Their leaf colour ranges from pale to deep green, from pale blue to deep red. Flowers may be white, yellow, pink or red.

Succulents for the Garden

Water is front page news, whether too much or too little. Global warming is happening; the evidence surrounds us. Water shortages, hosepipe bans, water metering and domestic water consumption are issues that are not going away.

Hosepipe bans are already in place throughout much of South East England. Information on drought resistant plants and water
conservation has become readily available from gardening programmes on television and radio, gardening websites, as well as magazines and newspaper articles. Chelsea Flower Show is beginning to reflect a growing interest in water conservation in the garden as well as the use of drought resistant planting schemes. Succulents can play a significant role in gardens that are designed to use less water.

These succulents are growing outside in the Abbey Gardens, Tresco, Isles of Scilly.

Succulents have developed unique ways of storing water. In periods of temporary drought, they are able to draw on reserves, unlike many other plants communities which would quickly wilt and die without water.

They are incredibly versatile, and adaptable to container gardening, requiring very little care or maintenance whilst providing an interesting and varied display.

The Origins of Plants

The Origins of Plants by Maggie Campbell-Culver, is a great book that talks about how plants from all over the world came to live in England. After the last Ice Age, Britain had the smallest natural, native flora of any country in the world. Yet, by the twenty first century is has the widest range of plants in the world.

Cornwall has been especially effected by the introduction of many species, which have become naturalized aspects of the landscape. This photo is of Tregrehan, St Blazey, near St Austell. It has a vast collection of plants from the southern hemisphere.

When looking at these plants I cannot help but think of the places from which they came, the plant hunters that brought them here, as well as the plant collectors that nurtured them.

Cornwall has a mild climate, not too hot and not too cold with plenty of rain. These conditions are not always welcome by holiday makers and beach goers, but they are perfect for plants from lush rain forests. Cornwall can also sustain a wide range of plants from dry environments as well.

The Cornish Experience

I have lived in Cornwall for eleven years. I have loved it and hated it in equal measure

I am somewhere in the middle at the moment. But I am still here. And I am still gardening.

I love Cornish gardens. They are incredibly diverse, wild and full of history.

My blog is about gardening and life in Cornwall.