Reviving the appeal of chrysanthemums: unveiling the location revitalizing their popularity
Norwell Nurseries, located in Nottinghamshire, England, is a unique destination for garden enthusiasts. Nestled on Woodhouse Road, Norwell, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 6JX, the nursery boasts a National Plant Collection of hardy chrysanthemums, making it a must-visit for those seeking vibrant autumn blooms.
The site of the nursery is a south-facing, sloping two-acre field with heavy clay soil and brambles. Despite the challenging conditions, Norwell Nurseries has transformed this site into a thriving haven for a diverse range of hardy plants, including several varieties of chrysanthemums.
One of the rare and endangered plants at Norwell is Chrysanthemum 'Picasso', which features peachy-pink flowers with an attractive darker centre. Other hardy chrysanthemums grown at Norwell include 'Capel Manor', 'EH Wilson', 'Mrs Jessie Cooper', 'Helen Ward', 'Andrew', and 'Old Norwell'.
Chrysanthemum 'Capel Manor' boasts creamy golden-yellow quilled double flowers, while 'Andrew' is a luscious semi-double crimson, cherry red with a contrasting golden eye, bred at Norwell. 'Ruby Mound' offers masses of ruby-red, double flowers, and 'Helen Ward' presents double pompom heads of dusky-coral crimson with a gold centre.
In addition to chrysanthemums, Norwell Nurseries also grows other late-flowering perennials such as dahlias, sanguisorbas, and euphorbias. Some of the plants thriving at Norwell despite the cold and clay soil include salvias, Epilobium canum 'Olbrich Silver', various cultivars of Oenothera lindheimeri, Echinacea, Erodium, Geranium wallichianum 'Crystal Lake', Acis autumnalis, Tricyrtis 'Tojen', and T. 'Taipei Silk'.
The nursery's interest in hardy chrysanthemums began 30 years ago when Helen Andrew Ward and her partner were given a hardy chrysanthemum named 'Innocence'. Since then, they have cultivated a wide variety of hardy chrysanthemums, some of which are now rare and endangered.
Hardy outdoor spray chrysanthemums like 'Pennine Jane' and robust garden mums are the best choice for a UK garden in November. These chrysanthemums are known for their durability, late-season color, and ability to survive UK winters when mulched properly. To ensure plants survive through to November and beyond, established mums should be cut back after flowering and mulched with straw or dry mulch for winter protection.
While chrysanthemums are the key choice, pairing them with other late-season plants like asters and goldenrod can extend garden interest through November. Hardy chrysanthemums are also excellent for containers and flower beds, offering color when many other flowers have faded.
For those interested in visiting Norwell Nurseries, chrysanthemums are propagated for mail order in spring. See the website (norwellnurseries.co.uk) for details of opening times and for dates of special chrysanthemum openings in November. Norwell Nurseries can be contacted via telephone at 0163 6636337.
In summary, Norwell Nurseries, with its National Plant Collection of hardy chrysanthemums, offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate these beautiful, hardy plants. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice, a visit to Norwell Nurseries is sure to inspire and educate.
[1] Gardening Know How. (2021). How to Grow Chrysanthemums in the UK. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/chrysanthemum/growing-chrysanthemums-in-the-uk.htm [4] RHS. (2021). Chrysanthemum. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/23313/Chrysanthemum/details
For more information about the top 16 chrysanthemums grown at Norwell Nurseries, visit their website or contact them directly. Each chrysanthemum is described by its flower color, size, growth requirements, and RHS hardiness rating. Some of the top chrysanthemums include 'Barbara Lambert', 'Chelsea Physic Garden', 'Mary', and 'Gelbe Spinne'.
For those seeking something truly unique, Chrysanthemum 'Neue Kokarde' offers orange-red, semi-double flowers tipped in gold, resembling Gaillardia more than a chrysanthemum. Another standout variety is Chrysanthemum 'Carmine Blush', which features soft pink-carmine, single flowers, and is good on improved clay.
Chrysanthemum 'Rumpelstilzchen' offers double flowers with flamboyant petals in bright and rusty reds, while 'Chrysanthemum 'Eugens Bitterschokolade' boasts red buds that open to velvety, deep-red, semi-double blooms with a highly contrasting gold eye.
Chrysanthemum 'Burnt Orange' features distinctive jagged grey-green leaves and masses of unusual and attractive spider-like, burnt-orange flowers in autumn, with cut flowers lasting ages in water. 'Chrysanthemum 'Ruby Raynor' presents multiple rich semi-double, golden-yellow flowers, making it ideal for cutting.
In conclusion, Norwell Nurseries provides a diverse range of hardy chrysanthemums that can brighten any UK garden in autumn. With careful cultivation and care, these hardy chrysanthemums can continue to bloom from July through the second week of December, providing a beautiful spectacle of autumn color.
- The lifestyle of gardening enthusiasts can be enriched with a visit to Norwell Nurseries, a unique destination that specializes in growing hardy chrysanthemums.
- Norwell Nurseries offers a wide selection of late-flowering perennials, including dahlias, sanguisorbas, euphorbias, and various cultivars that thrive despite cold and clay soil.
- Fashion-and-beauty aficionados may find inspiration in the unique flower arrangements created with the diverse range of chrysanthemums and other plants grown at Norwell Nurseries.
- Food-and-drink connoisseurs can enjoy a autumnal feast with the abundance of fresh produce from their home-and-garden, as many plants at Norwell Nurseries continue to bloom through the second week of December.
- Travellers seeking a memorable destination to add to their itinerary can explore the beauty of Norwell Nurseries, while sports enthusiasts could potentially take part in harvest season activities or gardening competitions.
