Jim Gardiner

A day in the country at Wisley

2010-06-08T16:56:00Z

June is spectacular in many gardens. June is outstanding here at Wisley. One of my favourtie areas at this time of year is the Country Garden. It was orignially desgined by Penelope Hobhouse over three levels (as the site is on a gradient). Recent changes here have included the planting of new cherry trees along the flanks and honeysuckles up the arches.

Sunshine and flowers at Wisley

2010-05-19T15:09:00Z

Let there be warmth, let there be light. Let there be glorious flowers. What a wonderful week. You really must come during this warm spell. The garden is looking simply amazing.

Shows, fairs, family fun and gorgeous plants at Wisley.

2010-04-14T14:45:00Z

We're still in full flow with Easter holidays here this week. The Garden is full of happy families, including brooding birds as well as the human form. A duck has decided to nest amongst the chyrsanthemum plants in our propagation area, and in doing so has pulled out all the plant labels!

Wisley's enchanted Wild Garden this Easter

2010-03-31T20:37:00Z

At the physical and historic heart of Wisley, the Wild Garden is bursting into life at this time of year. With the winter plants still hanging on (see the witch hazel in my last blog) the seasons seem to be colliding, and the effect is truly enchanting!

Busy spring days at Wisley

2010-03-24T16:09:00Z

Well I say, what a difference a few days make. As the temperature rises, so the jobs needing to be undertaken increases. We've held back, or been held back, by the weather, and all of a sudden it's all rush, rush, rush. And with all this, I still see visitors, staff, and catch myself, stopping mid-path to try to work out just where a particular fragrance has come from, often a winter-flowering honeysuckle like Lonicera x purpusii or witch hazel, like this Hamamelis 'Aprhodite' in the Wild Garden, still flowering at the end of March. Incredible!

Sunshine at Wisley, spring is here.

2010-03-02T17:30:00Z

Well, with a little bit of sunshine the garden is a different place. It has been buzzing with visitors, coming out to enjoy the warm rays, just like the crocuses that open up with bright light and the winter stems that look amazing in the sunlight.

Plenty to see in the Garden

2010-02-05T17:27:00Z

There is plenty to see around the Garden. This is a magical time of year, with the snowdrops slightly delayed by the cold weather. We usually see plenty in January, but February is set to provide us with a beautiful carpet of white. See them up close in the Alpine areas, and in woodland settings of the Wild Garden. The hoop petticoat daffodils are already starting to emerge on the Alpine Meadow - they'll be a beautiful sight. And the crocuses are just waiting for a sunny day to open into a sea of purple and blue, white and yellow around the garden. Don't forget to look out for the hepaticas in the Alpine Display House.

This year the Hamamelis (witch hazels) are particularly attractive, in bright yellows like 'Wisley Supreme' in the Wild Garden to fiery orange (look for 'Orange Peel' on Battleston Hill) or even red. Sarcococcas, winter-flowering honeysuckles and daphnes are filling the air with fragrance too. The cold weather has meant they are still flowering strongly. Camellias are joining the show, although they are must susceptible to frost damaged flowers. Right now, though, another personal favourite of mine are the furry buds on the magnolias. It's all part of the anticipation of their glorious flowers to come.

Wisley's happy hippos

2010-01-26T11:57:00Z

'Hippo and Baby' by Stuart McCarthy was one of the most popular sculptures in the garden last September when we hosted the Surrey Scultpure Trail.

Updated - What can you do when wintry weather shuts Wisley?

2010-01-07T12:04:00Z

The garden will be open today (Friday) from 12pm – 4pm. (Last entry into the garden at 3pm). Saturday and Sunday we will be aiming to open the garden from 10am - 4pm. (Last entry into the garden at 3pm) These are obviously subject to weather conditions. Also please note that there is limited car parking facilities as we are still clearing this area.

Many of our garden staff live in Wisley village, and have walked in to work. They've been busy taking care of the plants and structures by knocking off the snow - heavy snow can cause substantial damage to trees and shrubs and it is worthwhile doing in your own gardens. They're also busy removing snow from poly tunnels and glasshouses around the Garden for the same reason, and clearing paths. The Pinetum is out of bounds even to staff. It is essential to think of your personal safety around snow-covered trees - you never know when a bough might break.

Wisley wintry weather updated

2009-12-22T09:31:00Z

We are pleased to say the Garden is open today, Tuesday 22nd December. We are, though, implementing restricted access:-

Using the path network currently utilised for the Lumiere event route, access will be from the Garden Entrance, past the Conifer Lawn and Rock Garden, around to the Glasshouse and back along Seven Acres (this includes access to the Conservatory Cafe and Restaurant). It finishes up by the Canal and then links back to the Garden Entrance and Gift Shop. This is also the route of the WI Christmas trees, so it makes a pleasant walk to get you into the Christmas spirit!

Wintry weather at Wisley

2009-12-21T16:10:00Z

Unfortunately the glorious snow has turned to icy slush and we have had to take the decision to close Wisley this afternoon, Monday 21st December because of the slippery conditions. This means that the Lumiere light show will not be on tonight, and we are sorry for any inconvenience if you were planning on coming to enjoy this spectacle tonight (it is well worth seeing in more pleasant weather!). We will keep assessing the situation, and hope to be open again on Tuesday 22nd December. For the most up to date information please check the main Wisley web page or call 01483 224234. Although the Garden is closed, the Wisley Gift Shop and Plant Centre are open.

Take care.

Christmas sparkle at Wisley

2009-12-15T13:19:00Z

We had an exciting time at Wisley last week when, for the first time, we saw the spectacular sight of our iconic buildings and historic trees lit up in a range of colourful ways.

Wrapping up at Wisley this winter

2009-12-02T14:35:00Z

Winter seems to be firmly setting in now. The Garden Teams have been hard at work and this week it was time to put the warm coats on the subtropical plants.

Sowing the seeds of an idea for something new next year

2009-11-24T11:43:00Z

It's that time of year again. Time to start planning ahead for next year in the garden. Time to think about what edits to make, how to improve your patch, or give yourself the challenge of propagating something new, something we grow here in our own RHS Gardens. How? By applying for seed that our Wisley-based Seed Department has collected, cleaned, dried and packed in-house.

Quick! Get to the Glasshouse at Wisley to see the Peruvian daffodil

2009-11-17T09:46:00Z

You have just a few days to enjoy the beautiful, yellow, fragrant Peruvian daffodil. It isn't common in cultivation, and this is the best I have ever seen this rarity flower, so I extend my congratulations to the team in Glass.