Some of the lilies from earlier in the year.
The plants are pretty much done for the year – a handful of raspberries each time I visit and lots of cutting back, trimming and weeding to be done in readiness, once again to move the plants.
Funny how two years ago I moved up to the North East of England, along with my plants, hoping to find the land for the project. It has not happened and lock down gave me the opportunity to sit and think, and somewhere in there I asked what is holding me back and the answer was immediate – I want to be in the South West.
My time in the North East has been interesting – one allotment worth of plants has turned into three…so I have been collecting, finding, been given and buying plants for the project. I have also completed a year’s course with the School for Social Entrepreneurs, been in the local paper, and a national magazine talking about the project, and learnt an astounding amount about plants, how to grow them, and medicinal herbs.
I think I counted around 1800 pots in mid summer, and I have bought a fair few since then. I have found a courier to ship them for me and the Unltd grant will cover the cost, so that part is ok.
I have also had some really good conversations with organisations in the Bristol and surrounding areas and feel the plot that will provide a home for the pots will be found sometime soon, lockdown allowing of course.
So what have we in the collection?
A lot of fruit bushes – Black, Red, and White currant, Honey Berry, Sea Buckthorn, Aronia Berry, Raspberry, Blue Berry, Goose Berry, Josta Berry, Worcester Berry, Tay Berry, Logan Berry, Black Berry, Boysen Berry, Wine Berry and Elderberry.
Many herbs – Mint, Rosemary, Oregano, Chives, Garlic Chives, Tarragon, Marshmallow, Elecampane, Fever few, Lavender, Thyme, & Marjoram.
Trees- Cherry, Damson, Pear, Apple, Apricot, Peach, Quince, Lemon, Orange, Lime, Blood Orange, Oak, Hazel, Sweet Chestnut, Eucalyptus, Autumn Olive, Fir, Monkey Puzzle, Fig, & Mulberry.
Perennial flowers – Echinacea, Black Eyed Susan, Peony, Rose, Iris, Lily, Gladioli, & Chrysanthemum
Other perennials – Rhubarb, Golden Rod, Walking Tree Collards, Jerusalem Artichokes, Asparagus, Fuchsia, Hydrangea, Grasses, Kiwi, Jasmine, Geum and Daisies.
There are many others I am sure, but the variety will help us to create a more biodiverse plot, hopefully encouraging insects, toads, newts, and birds so that the eco-system is eventually better able to look after itself. We will be doing as much as possible to encourage this as we plant, but it could take a few years to get to where we want it.
I am going to show case some of the lesser known herbs and plants that we are going to grow, so that there is a reference point I can send people to look at if they want to find out more about the herbs we will have on offer.
Some of these will be Autumn Olive, Sea Buckthorn, Honey Berry, Aronia Berry, Elecampane, Walking Tree Collards, and anything else that I get asked a lot of questions about.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, do get in contact and I will do my best to answer you as soon as possible. Best way to get in contact (no spam please) on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wildnettlegardens
Stay safe, and keep well.
Caroline
Wild Nettle Gardens