{"id":1477,"date":"2015-02-20T11:24:41","date_gmt":"2015-02-20T11:24:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.terrafirmaconsultancy.com\/landscape-architect-blog\/?p=1477"},"modified":"2022-10-20T12:34:37","modified_gmt":"2022-10-20T11:34:37","slug":"spectacular-february-colour-rhs-garden-wisley-surrey-alice-cooper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.terrafirmaconsultancy.com\/landscape-architect-blog\/spectacular-february-colour-rhs-garden-wisley-surrey-alice-cooper\/","title":{"rendered":"Spectacular February colour at RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey – Alice Cooper"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \t<\/i> Read Time:<\/span>4 Minute, 1 Second <\/div>\n\n <\/div>

In search of inspiration, this was my first visit to the gardens at RHS Wisley on a cold, bright February weekend. It did not disappoint. For anyone who has yet to visit I thought I\u2019d share a few photographs and thoughts.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

On arrival a display of Hellebores set within a raised bed was a reminder that this is a really good way to appreciate the variety of the individual delicate flowers and subtle differences between the varieties so often missed when planted at ground level.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Whilst exploring the Wild Garden I come across two superb looking shrubs \u2013 the pink and white flowers and sweetly smelling, pungent fragrance of the Daphne bholoua \u2018Limpsfield\u2019 and a mature Hamamelis x intermedia \u2018Sunburst\u2019 adding a bright yellow splash of colour.\"tree<\/a><\/p>\n

On leaving the woodland I was greeted to a spectacular display of Cornus, Rubus and Salix surrounding the far bank of the Sever Acres Lake. The combination of colourful stems and the reflections proving to be irresistible draw for both photographer and the visitor alike, many armed with pens and notepad seeking inspiration for their own gardens.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Woven willow sculptures inspired by the waterside theme.\u00a0 Brightly coloured stems and reflections.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Next stop the Alpine glass house with its colourful spring bulb display. The display inside the glass house was a hit with families lingering over the plants and overheard choosing their favourite daffodil (maybe inspired by Carol Klein\u2019s recent daffodil appeal in series 2 of The Great British Garden Revival and being able to shelter for a while out of the cold wind!).\u00a0\u00a0 The outside rockery feature was both imaginative and arresting. The planting in crevices and the design of the vertical of the stonework allowing each plant to be appreciated from all angles, provided a real sense of how these miniature plants might be found within their natural habitat.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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Next to the Alpine house, a walkway flanked on either side by a feature display of bonsai trees on pedestals. \"\"<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Pruning work has started in the orchard with gardeners hard at work.\u00a0 Very interesting to see the process half completed and comparing the individual crown shapes before and after. \u00a0\u00a0It will be interesting to return to see the orchard in full blossom and see the range of fruit being harvested later in the year.\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In addition to the courses run by the RHS and you are looking to develop your skills, learn a new one or just be generally inspired about community and traditional orchards and would like hear about local events I can highly recommend visiting www.orchardnetwork.org.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n

During the winter walk a number of trees and shrubs seen below merit a special mention, plants such as:<\/p>\n