Notes from April Cottage in July

From mid-July onwards one of my favourite Sussex gardens really comes into its own. Marchants Hardy Plants near Ringmer is a plant nursery specialising in unusual perennials and ornamental grasses. It is owned by Graham Gough and his partner Lucy Goffin a textile designer. Graham is that rare combination of highly skilled plantsman and creative garden designer. With Lucy's imaginative eye for colour and texture combinations, the planting throughout the garden is amazing. At this time of year the garden, which flows across gently curved land, shows off to perfection the plants that can be bought in the nursery.

As I live so close it is very tempting to jump in the car on those all too rare misty late summer mornings and dash over. I love the garden and always enjoy talking with Graham and Lucy, not only about things horticultural but also about art and culture . .  though last time I was there we spoke about dentists which is always a great leveller.

I have shot some of my own favourite photos at Marchants and this one of Verbena bonariensis is one of them.

http://marchantshardyplants.co.uk/index.php