I love visiting garden centres and I'm going to show you the one that is top of my favourites list (I think you'll soon see why). It is situated in peaceful countryside in the small hamlet of Melkinthorpe (4 miles south of Penrith in Cumbria). The name is Larch Cottage Nurseries and it sells the largest range of plants in northern England.
The nursery was built on a field 25 years ago and was given a very unusual Romanesque theme. I keep expecting Juliet to be standing on this balcony looking for her beloved Romeo.
The restaurant is open throughout the day and if you don't want a meal you can relax with a cup of tea and look out across the lovely gardens.
The wonderful stone walls and arches that surround the gardens have been cleverly constructed to look ancient but of course they aren't. I'd love to copy this look at home.
The plants in the nursery are protected by more ancient looking stone walls.
There is a surprise around every corner and a glimpse of secret gardens through secluded archways.
The pots that are for sale are displayed on ornate 'Romanesque style' shelving.
Choosing a plant to 'adopt' is an impossible task as they are all so tempting...
...whilst I make up my mind my husband heads for the kitchen garden where long rows of succulent looking vegetables are growing in neat rows.
I love the greens and golds of these hostas but sadly in our garden I know the slugs will quickly demolish them.
I'm tempted by one of these shade loving plants but then a flash of blue catches my eye....
What a colour! It's a magnificent purple/blue sea holly, latin name - Eryngium. Its grows to over a metre high but unfortunately I don't have the ideal spot for it at the moment.
Eventually I make my decision. I have two large pots at home that I want to fill with something that will provide continuous flowers all summer. This purple and pink combination fills me with joy and I'm in luck as there are a number of identical plants on sale at half their original price. I spend a happy 20 minutes making my choice before it's time to leave.
The road home passes through pretty countryside and thankfully it's never busy. Ominous black clouds are gathering but the rain stays away and I'm able to plant my pretty purchases as soon as I get back.
Do visit Larch Cottage Nurseries if you are in Cumbria, I know you'll love it.
Until next time,
Eli
What a beautiful nursery! You would definitely expect Juliet to be on that balcony!
I love looking at all of your pictures. One day I hope to visit your part of the world!
Posted by: Heather | 16 July 2009 at 10:29 PM
Thanks for sharing this garden centre Eli. I have to be very careful visiting garden centres as I cannot trust myself not to spend way way too much! Know how you feel about hostas and slugs. Between the slugs and snails I have lost a lot of delphiniums, irises and tulips. Grrr...
Love your foxglove blog too. Hope you are enjoying summer! Carol :) x
Posted by: Carol (Wee Cute Treasures) | 17 July 2009 at 01:29 AM
Gorgeous photos as always!!
Posted by: Miss julep | 17 July 2009 at 02:04 PM
Dear Eli,
Oh, I have never seen such an incredibly beautiful nursery garden. Thank you so much for the delightful tour! It is certainly something beautiful to behold. I love how they made the stone walls look so old. The garden is amazing, and the flowers gorgeous! I can certainly see how it would be hard to made a decision with so many lovely things to choose from! I love what you chose, and was so glad to read you had time to plant your sweet flowers before the impending rain cloud brought forth rain! You live in such a beautiful place!
Have a lovely day!
Love, Paula
Posted by: Paula | 20 July 2009 at 05:56 PM
What a lovely nursery to visit. I think I might spend every cent I earn there. The stone walls and balconies are gorgeous. I would never want to leave.
Posted by: Cathy Santarsiero | 23 July 2009 at 04:06 AM