What ’ s the best time of year for visitors to see the garden ?
The most popular time of the year in the garden from a visitors ’ point of view seems to be late spring / early summer when the roses are at their best .
What ’ s your biggest achievement as a gardener ?
I think my greatest sense of achievement as a gardener , revolves around the areas of the gardens that I have been able to improve , by being given the freedom to make alterations necessary to produce the garden as I see it in my mind ’ s eye . I also feel I have accomplished something by successfully growing trees from cuttings or from seed , especially if they are from the original garden plantings . It feels important to me that the character trees of the garden are rejuvenated and that in another two hundred years ’ time , people will be admiring and discussing trees that I have propagated and grown .
Do you have a favourite plant / tree ?
My favourite tree , for the reasons mentioned above , is a Pinus Coulteri or Big Cone Pine , which I grew from seed approximately 15 years ago . It is currently around 25ft in height . I like attempting to grow unusual or less common species , and the Big Cone Pine is so named because it has pine cones that can weigh up to 4 1 / 2 pounds .
What ’ s the one plant / tree everyone should have in their garden ?
It is very difficult to state one plant / tree that everyone should have in their garden , as I feel so strongly that it should be down to personal choice , but perhaps a rose . There are so many choices of colour , size , shape , and fragrance that nearly everyone ’ s tastes can be catered for , and perhaps a Buddleia . They are easy to grow and to prune , are suitable for any sized garden , with a range of colours and even has one with a variegated leaf . And of course , more importantly they are great for bees and butterflies .
What ’ s your favourite season in the garden ?
My favourite season in the garden is spring . The new leaf growth of the trees in the garden never ceases to amaze me with its astonishing range of colours . Added to that we have left the gloom of winter , are optimistic of what the year will bring , look forward to seeing recently planted trees / shrubs produce fruits , blooms etc , and the weather is generally the most comfortable for working in .
Mount Ephraim Gardens Staple Street Faversham ME13 9TX www . mountephraimgardens . co . uk
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