Based on the Suffolk/Norfolk border The Bressingham Gardens were founded by Alan Bloom of Blooms Nurseries in 1953. The gardens were opened to the public in 1962 with six acres and 500 different species and cultivars. His son Adrian Bloom went on to further develop the gardens as he explained to Ken Crowther when he took him for a tour of the site.
An easy way to create instant summer colour is by using hanging baskets and troughs. Garden centres and nurseries have plenty on display but it’s easy to create your own. Phostrogen Slow Release Plant Food and Moisture Control is an ideal solution for busy gardeners as Tom Cole, Senior Horticultural Lecturer at Writtle University College told Ken Crowther.
Mulberry Trees have a royal connection which can be traced by to the Tudors. Historically the Marks Hall estate near Coggeshall in Essex had trees but they disappeared. New trees were planted in the 90s for their historical reference but also for their fruit as Jonathan Jukes, curator of Marks Hall told Ken Crowther.
Coton Manor in Northamptonshire is a 17th century manor house set in 10 acres of gardens. The gardens were laid out in the 1920s by the present owner’s grandparents, and developed and extended over the years. Susie Pasley-Tyler gave Ken Crowther a guided tour of the grounds.
Garden designer and television presenter Joe Swift has taken on a new job as volunteer Ambassador of the National Garden Scheme. The charity which sees members of the public open their gardens to the public has raised millions for nursing and caring charities. Joe Swift spoke to Ken Crowther about his role.