Cannington Walled Garden-July 28 2012

[David Nicholson]

When we left home today we had intended to visit Hestercombe but the old knee was playing up and I decided that I probably couldn't cope with Hestercombe's acres. So Cannington Walled Garden became the place to go. Cannington is a village on the outskirts of the small town of Bridgwater to the North West of Taunton

At this time of the year, and taking into account that there are only two roads into and out of Devon and Cornwall, journeys have to be planned around the exit and influx of holiday makers. We planned not to use The M5 which would have been heaving both Northwards and Southwards and opted instead for the old A38 which used to be the main road in and out before the Motorway was built. It's much quieter now, we use it a lot, and as usual the traffic was light. When we neared Taunton traffic became much heavier as a result of Motorway tailbacks from a minor shunt so we headed for the Minehead road from Taunton intending to use bye roads across the Quantock Hills to Bridgewater and hence to Cannington. (note: no satnav in the Nicholson household, maps do just fine!).

Glad we did because the Quantocks are something special. They don't cover a lot of ground and they are not very high but the views are out of this world and the hills are soft and wooded. If you haven't been, then you should!

Cannington Priory was established in around 1138 by the De Courcey family (obviously of Norman origin). An inquiry held in 1328 looked into the illicit wanderings of monks and nuns-it is said there are networks of tunnels leading from the priory to various secluded spots in the village! (Nooky in the Dark Ages!!).  In 1919 the then owners of the Priory, the Clifford family leased the buildings and grounds to Somerset County Council where they were adapted to become Somerset Farm Institute. The successor to the Institute was cannington College which became nationally famous for it's land-based education courses. In 2004 Cannington College merged with Bridgwater College since which there has been substantial investment in facilities including the development of the Walled Garden officially opened by HRH the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward in 2009. Enough words-some pics.

First of all some views to give a flavour of the garden:-

[David Nicholson]

Four more views, and then

Agapanthus caulescens

[David Nicholson]

The next set are all from the botanical glasshouses

First two, an interesting way to grow Habranthus tubispathus on and old log with the bulbs fully exposed.
Scadoxus
Catharanthus tricophyllus
Oncidium 'Butterfly'
Unknown 1 and close up

[David Nicholson]

Some other "unknowns" from the Botanical Glasshouses

[David Nicholson]

and to finish one more from the garden:

Rhus typhina 'Tiger Eyes' and a close up.

A highly recommended garden that should have a wider public. It is used by students as part of their horticultural education and training and they do a first class job. No alpines though, I shall be trying to do something about that.

One final note for anyone going to the area. Bridgwater has some nice looking property on the outskirts and is surrounded by outstanding coutryside, but, the town centre is the absolute pits!

[Maggi Young]

That last pic  in post no.2 is of a rather skinny banana - Musa sp.

Are you sure the gardener just didn't forget he'd laid those Habranthus bulbs on that log?
They look a bit like eggs in a nest.
 
Your tale of the history of the place reminds me of the ventriloquist, Roger de Courcey, and his furry dummy, Nookie Bear - who knew they had such connections?!

[ronm]

Your tale of the history of the place reminds me of the ventriloquist, Roger de Courcey, and his furry dummy, Nookie Bear - who knew they had such connections?!

Almost Maggi It was Roger de Courseulles who was given large areas of Somerset including Cannington, ( for supporting William in 1066 ) while the De Courci family, lords of nearby Stogursey (Stoke Courcy) established Cannington Priory in about 1138.

[ronm]

Musa ornata

[Brian Ellis]

Thanks for those David, it's one that was on the list but we didn't get to it this time!

[daveyp1970]

David the Oncidium orchid is a Zygopetalum orchid.Stunning garden,thanks for the pics

[David Nicholson]

That last pic  in post no.2 is of a rather skinny banana - Musa sp.

Are you sure the gardener just didn't forget he'd laid those Habranthus bulbs on that log?
They look a bit like eggs in a nest.

Thanks Maggi and Ron for the Musa ID there were a few pots of small plants around so some propagating had been going on.

Thanks to Dave for the Orchid ID.

As far as the Habranthus bulbs are concerned they were growing away quite happily. I did a little excavation in the small amount of humus they were in and there was a very healthy root system.

As I said I was disappointed that there were no alpines around and particularly so as the garden has very much a training and educational purpose as well as public display.

[Lvandelft]

Must have been a nice day out David. Some nice groups of perennials in the borders, like the Eryngium!

(note: no satnav in the Nicholson household, maps do just fine!).

You lucky man, having a girlfriend who can read maps      

[David Nicholson]

You lucky man, having a girlfriend who can read maps      

The problem is Luit the co-pilot doesn't react quite as quickly as satvav. My question "Am i on the right road" can result in a least two answers. "You know I can't read whilst we're moving" and  "I can't find my glasses". By which time...........................

[Lvandelft]

"You know I can't read whilst we're moving" and  "I can't find my glasses". By which time...........................

David, as you'll know, there is always a clue   

[David Nicholson]