Ashwood Nurseries & Garden

It was John Massey's (owner of Ashwood Nurseries) winter open day on Saturday. It's not far from Duck Pools so, for a birthday treat, we went on Saturday afternoon. The weather was dry but bitterly cold and the sun never made an appearance! John's chosen charity this year is Macmillans. For £5, it's nice to see the ;bare bones' of the garden.

On arrival one is greeted by this magnificent hammamelis. Tastefully underplanted with snowdrops and winter aconites.

 

 

John's front garden. An eclectic mix of shrubby and herbaceous planting with some wonderful feature boulders.

Another star winter performer here in the form of Cornus mas. Beautiful yellow stems on bare branches. Positioned to receive some sun, this shrub lights up dark winter days.

Brightly coloured salix stems, pruned hard each year to encourage fresh new growth which holds the most colour.

The stone pergola that guards John's patio area. The dry stone wall in the picture is planted with many lewisisas

A view across ornamental conifers and alpine planting.

Oh Dear!

Just by Johns back door- a great combination of fern and snowdrop.

Cornus Midwinter fire

Ashwood's new hellebore- 'Rebekah'. Very nice larger than normal flowerheads which almost look up at you!

I love this form of cloud pruning...

Some of the Hammemalis in the garden must have been planted some time ago as they are a good size and well-established.

As you can see the pond was frozen Even the canal was icy in places.

This cloud pruned holly was a wonderful piece of topiary. This borders the driveway up to John's bungalow.
We have visited this garden many times and have enjoyed it throughout the different seasons. Winter colour and scent now; throughout summer there are anemone pavonina, lewisia and burgeoning borders and in autumn there are scores of autumn bulbs and vivid autumnal hues. Ashwoods is well worth a visit if you have never been before. Specialists in hellebores, lewisias, hepaticas and salvias amongst others; you will find something for every taste. If you live too far away they have a very informative website and do mail order too!
I certainly didn't come away empty handed- I nearly had a trolley full -again!