IN THE GARDEN
HOLIDAY SPIRIT As we return from summer escapes spent soaking up the climate and culture of destinations near and far, Sally Petitt explains how we can harness horticultural inspiration to keep those sweet holiday memories alive in our own gardens A s gardeners, we can find horticultural inspiration in many places, including holiday destinations all over the
Indeed, many of us glean ideas for our gardens from trips within the UK. Cornwall is a Mecca for garden lovers, who can revel in the lush growth of plants such as tree ferns ( Dicksonia antarctica ). While this species relishes the mild, damp Cornish weather, it’s not so well suited to conditions here in Cambridge – but there are a host of plants seen in Cornwall that can also be happy here in East Anglia. Exotic species such as the cabbage palm ( Cordyline australis ), Chusan palm ( Trachycarpus fortunei ), agapanthus, red valerian ( Centranthus ruber ), Fuchsia ‘Hawkshead’ and Aeonium arboreum ‘Schwarzkopf’ are all non-native species that thrive in Cornwall and grow well here at the Botanic Garden, where they benefit from our low rainfall, mild winters, well- drained soils and a south-facing aspect.
world. Often, the ideas we bring home are not so much about a complete overhaul of our garden but introducing a touch of the exotic into our own plots – a gentle reminder of happy, carefree time spent away from the everyday. I know I’ve found inspiration for both my own garden and Cambridge University Botanic Garden while on holiday in various locations, ranging from clifftop plantings in southern Italy to the alpine meadows of Switzerland and gardens of Provence. Inspiration also comes from closer to home. The introduction of Alexanders ( Smyrnium olusatrum ) to my garden – a plant admired on holidays in Suffolk – has allowed me to enjoy its lime-green umbels from the comfort of my own home, while reminiscing about times on the east coast.
A SEA VIEW Mediterranean Beds at the Botanic Garden (left) are inspired by warmer climes
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