New plant collections confirmed
Plant collections found new homes in lockdown
HORTICULTURAL conservation charity Plant Heritage has accredited 13 new National Plant Collections, or ‘living libraries’ of plants, including two that were relocated during lockdown.
A collection of Nerine sarniensis (known also as Guernsey or Jersey lily) and hardy Nerines formerly held in Devon have been moved to Cotswold Garden Flowers in Worcestershire, and RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon.
This means that more than 2,000 of the plants had to be prepared and relocated within lockdown constraints!
The second rehoming was of an important collection of Ruscus. Also known as butcher’s broom, these unusual sub-shrubs can now also be seen throughout RHS Garden Rosemoor and in the site’s Bicentenary Arboretum.
Vicki Cooke, conservation manager at Plant Heritage said: “We are delighted that after the challenges of 2020, people still found the energy and enthusiasm to look out for our garden heritage.
Plants for future generations
“These ‘living libraries’ of plants help to conserve our nation’s rich horticultural history, and with the help and enthusiasm of our collection holders, plant guardians, local groups and members, we can continue working to ensure that cultivated garden plants are looked after for future generations.”
Other plant groupings awarded National Plant Collection status include: The UK’s only collection of Abutilon, held in Herefordshire.
■ Rowden Iris (bred by the local Rowden Gardens) at RHS Garden Rosemoor.
■ A collection of plants named after Sir Winston Churchill at Churchill College, Cambridge .
■ Several acres of Eucalyptus growing in an Oxfordshire woodland.
■ Portland roses growing in Fife with an amazing scent
■ Parthenocissus, which are glorious sin autumn, at RHS Wisley in Surrey.
For more details visit plantheritage. org.uk or call 01483 447540.