Gardeners World 2023 Episode 23 – As the first hints of autumn start to color the air with a crisp chill, Adam Frost surveys the panorama of his garden. With a keen eye for detail, he begins to strategize for late-season blooms and foliage. All of this unfolds under the watchful gaze of Ash, his feline companion who seems to serve as a vigilant supervisor. Meanwhile, Frances Tophill sets off on an excursion to a captivating garden nestled in the heart of Kent. There, the flora thrives in such a way that it becomes a veritable feast for all sorts of insects. The garden buzzes with life, making it a non-stop buffet for nature’s smaller creatures, from bees to butterflies.
Not too far away, Nick Bailey makes his way to Cornwall, intrigued by the prospect of exploring gardens rich in hardy palms. There, he marvels at how these resilient plants can not only survive but also flourish in the UK’s unpredictable climate. It’s a glorious celebration of exotic beauty, right in our own backyard. In another intriguing twist, a culinary artist turned horticulturist reveals a passion for growing an array of unusual but delectable crops. From rare herbs to obscure vegetables, this chef-gardener opens up new possibilities for garden-to-table cuisine.
Lastly, we take you on a journey to a sloping garden located in Swansea. Stepping into this space is like entering an outdoor art gallery, offering a slew of design insights that could transform even the most challenging terrain into a landscape masterpiece.
Gardeners World 2023 Episode 23
As the first hints of autumn start to color the air with a crisp chill, Adam Frost surveys the panorama of his garden. With a keen eye for detail, he begins to strategize for late-season blooms and foliage. All of this unfolds under the watchful gaze of Ash, his feline companion who seems to serve as a vigilant supervisor.
Adam Frost’s Approach to Late Summer Gardening
Adam Frost is known for his relaxed and natural gardening style that works in harmony with nature. When it comes to late summer gardening, Adam focuses on prolonging color and interest in the garden for as long as possible.
One of Adam’s go-to techniques is to leave seed heads and spent blooms intact instead of deadheading. This allows self-seeding annuals and perennials to drop their ripe seeds back into the soil, ensuring another season of flowers. Lavender, verbena, cosmos, rudbeckia, calendula, and poppies are some of the plants Adam allows to self-seed in his garden.
Another strategy Adam uses is cutting back any tired-looking perennials by about a third. This rejuvenates the plants and encourages a flush of fresh new foliage and late flowers. Good candidates for a midsummer chop include daylilies, catmint, and geraniums.
Adam is also a big fan of late-flowering perennials that provide a continuity of color from summer into fall. Some of his favorites include Japanese anemones, asters, sedums, and grasses. Evergreens like hebes and dwarf conifers also keep structure during the cooler months.
When asked about his gardening style, Adam says he aims to work with nature rather than impose too much control. He believes in experimenting and observing how plants respond to different conditions. His garden has an informal, naturalistic style with drifts of perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees.
Frances Tophill Explores a Captivating Garden in Kent
Meanwhile, Frances Tophill sets off on an excursion to a captivating garden nestled in the heart of Kent. There, the flora thrives in such a way that it becomes a veritable feast for all sorts of insects. The garden buzzes with life, making it a non-stop buffet for nature’s smaller creatures, from bees to butterflies.
Frances is impressed by the kaleidoscope of colors and textures that create an immersive sensory experience. She notes how the garden includes plants specifically chosen for pollinators, like lavender, verbena, cosmos, echinacea, and nepeta. Frances says these nectar-rich blossoms act like a magnet, drawing in bees, hoverflies, lacewings, and an array of butterflies.
The gardener has also been careful to include host plants like nettles where butterflies can safely lay their eggs. Frances observes numerous caterpillars munching on these plants, an important sign of a healthy ecosystem.
Beyond flowers, Frances points out design details like meandering paths, stone walls, and little nooks that invite guests to linger. She explains these secluded spaces offer shelter for insects and become oases of life. Frances is struck by how every element seems intentionally designed to nurture biodiversity.
When asked about her gardening style, Frances says she embraces an organic approach focused on plant health and encouraging wildlife. She lets plants self-seed and tolerates a more relaxed aesthetic to support nature. Her passion is crafting sustainable gardens in harmony with their surroundings.
Nick Bailey Discovers Hardy Palms in Cornwall
Not too far away, Nick Bailey makes his way to Cornwall, intrigued by the prospect of exploring gardens rich in hardy palms. There, he marvels at how these resilient plants can not only survive but also flourish in the UK’s unpredictable climate. It’s a glorious celebration of exotic beauty, right in our own backyard.
Nick is impressed by palm species like Trachycarpus fortunei, also known as the Chinese windmill palm. He notes how their fan-shaped, bamboo-like leaves add striking architectural drama year-round. Even more remarkable is the sight of exotic blooms and fruits forming on these tropical-looking trees.
Another tough palm variety that thrives in Cornwall’s coastal microclimate is Chamaerops humilis, or the European fan palm. Nick describes how this palm with handsome divided leaves can cope with temperatures down to 5°F once established.
While some Cornish gardens opt for in-ground plantings, Nick also highlights the use of hardy palms in containers. This allows the plants to be moved into a greenhouse or sheltered spot in winter. Favorites include the dwarf mountain fan palm, Rhapidophyllum hystrix.
When it comes to growing hardy palms, Nick recommends selecting sheltered, sunny spots with well-drained soil. He says sites near coastal areas or urban heat islands have proven most successful for overwintering these exotic beauties in the UK climate.
A Chef-Gardener’s Passion for Unusual Edibles
In another intriguing twist, a culinary artist turned horticulturist reveals a passion for growing an array of unusual but delectable crops. From rare herbs to obscure vegetables, this chef-gardener opens up new possibilities for garden-to-table cuisine.
The chef explains how many herbs prized for their intense flavors and aromas can be grown successfully in the UK. Some examples include lemon verbena, Vietnamese coriander, and Cuban oregano. These unusual herbs inspire unique seasoning blends and infusions.
For vegetables, the chef encourages venturing beyond the ordinary. Exciting options include salsify, scorzonera, tomatillos, okra, Cape gooseberries, and kohlrabi. Many of these can be harvested into fall and early winter.
When choosing which exotic edibles to grow, the chef looks for plants suited to the UK climate. Focusing on heat and drought tolerant varieties helps ensure a bountiful garden feast.
The chef also stresses the importance of proper care when cultivating more unusual crops. This includes researching ideal soil conditions, sunlight needs, and providing supports or protection where required. With some specialized attention, gardeners can be rewarded with a cornucopia of intriguing flavors.
A Sloping Garden Transformed into an Outdoor Art Gallery
Lastly, we take you on a journey to a sloping garden located in Swansea. Stepping into this space is like entering an outdoor art gallery, offering a slew of design insights that could transform even the most challenging terrain into a landscape masterpiece.
The garden’s owner explains how he leveraged the sloping topography to create a multi-layered landscape. Gentle grassy slopes contrast with steep rocky screes and retaining walls constructed from local stone. These level changes provide visual interest while addressing drainage and erosion concerns.
Winding gravel paths invite guests to meander through the garden and appreciate vignettes from different perspectives. Clever planting schemes take advantage of microclimates, allowing a diverse array of plants to thrive. The designer points out how dwarf conifers, asters, grasses, and other alpine plants flourish in the lean, fast-draining soil of the sloped areas.
Water also plays a starring role, channeled via runnels and rills carved into the rock-faced slopes. The soothing sounds of miniature waterfalls provide an enthralling audio backdrop as visitors explore the garden rooms.
Every few steps reveal decorative touches like architectural salvage, bespoke sculptures, and handcrafted benches. This creative spirit elevates the entire space into a living work of art for all to enjoy.
Key Takeaways:
- Late summer gardening can be extended through techniques like allowing self-seeding and cutting back perennials. Adam Frost and Frances Tophill use these organic approaches.
- Gardens designed with pollinator-friendly flowers, host plants, and shelters nurture precious biodiversity. Frances Tophill praises these thoughtful touches.
- Hardy palm species like Trachycarpus and Chamaerops add exotic architectural flair in Cornwall’s favorable microclimate, as Nick Bailey discovers.
- Unusual edibles like lemon verbena, tomatillos, and Cape gooseberries bring intrigue from the garden to the kitchen table.
- Sloping sites can become an asset with terracing, rock gardens, water features, and mindful plant selections as shown in a Swansea garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Adam Frost’s gardening style?
Adam Frost has an informal, naturalistic gardening style. He believes in working in harmony with nature rather than imposing too much control. Adam allows self-seeding, leaves spent blooms intact, and cuts back perennials to prolong color. His garden has a relaxed feel with drifts of flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees.
What breed of cat is Ash?
Ash is a British Shorthair cat known for his silver-grey coat. This breed is one of the most ancient in Britain and is adapted to the climate. British Shorthairs like Ash tend to be easygoing, devoted, adaptable indoor companions. They are playful but also happy to curl up in cozy spots.
What is Frances Tophill’s gardening style?
Frances Tophill embraces an organic, sustainable gardening approach focused on plant health and encouraging wildlife. She lets plants self-seed, tolerates a more relaxed aesthetic, and chooses flowers to support pollinators. Her passion is crafting gardens in harmony with nature.
What are the best gardens to visit in Kent?
Some of the top gardens to visit in Kent include Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Great Dixter, Pashley Manor Gardens, Hever Castle, Emmetts Garden, Rochester Cathedral Garden, and Godinton House & Gardens. Each has outstanding landscaping to admire.
What are the best gardens to visit in Cornwall?
Top gardens to see in Cornwall include Trebah Garden, Eden Project, Trelissick Garden, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Glendurgan Garden, Trewidden, Minack Theatre Gardens, and Kestle Barton. Cornwall’s mild climate enables exotic plantings.
What are the best hardy palms for the UK?
Great hardy palms for the UK include Chinese windmill palm, European fan palm, dwarf mountain fan palm, Mediterranean fan palm, and hardiness cultivars of Canary Island date palm. Many tolerate temperatures down to 5°F when established.
What are some unusual crops that chef-gardeners grow?
Chef-gardeners seek out intriguing edibles like lemon verbena, Vietnamese coriander, Cuban oregano, salsify, scorzonera, tomatillos, okra, Cape gooseberries and kohlrabi. These unusual crops inspire creative flavors.
What are the best gardens to visit in Swansea?
Top gardens in Swansea include the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Singleton Park Botanical Gardens, Bryngarw Country Park, Swansea University Campus Gardens, Clyne Gardens, and the Secret Garden at Gower Heritage Centre. Each has unique horticultural highlights.
