Llantwit man’s donation to gardens comes at the perfect time
VOLUNTEERS at the Old Hall Gardens in Cowbridge were delighted recently to receive a stunning collection of Astilbes, kindly donated by Lyn Owen of Llandaff.
Mr Owen is a regular visitor to the gardens and is a real enthusiast for Astilbes, noted for its delicate, feathery flowers.
Biga John is a volunteer at the Old Hall Gardens and she told the Glamorgan Star: “Lyn tells me that he has about 100 different varieties in his own garden – I had no idea there were so many!“
Astilbes like to grow in humus-rich moist soil with, ideally, some dappled shade to shield them from the summer sun. We had just the place for them: beneath the Magnolia tree.
“This area had been looking rather sorry for itself since the springtime daffodils and bluebells had finished flowering, and we had been wondering how best to fill the void. Lyn and his friend happened to be strolling through Old Hall Gardens at just the time when we were having this discussion, and they stopped for a chat.
“That was several weeks ago and we are so grateful that he remembered us when he decided to dig up some of his surplus plants.
“Lyn tells me that he has been to visit Holehird Gardens near Windermere, which houses the National Collection of Astilbes. There are now more than 200 cultivars registered in the collection – so there is still scope for Lyn to expand his own! Several of the plants he donated to us have come from there and we feel privileged to have them.
“Even as I was planting them, people stopped to admire the vibrant colours that lit up the dark shady area. There are pinks and lilacs, burgundy, cream and an unusually bright white. There are different sizes, too, and their dense fern-like foliage fits well with our ‘Fernery’ behind them. We are hoping that they will settle in well and provide a stunning display for all to enjoy.”
Biga John
Like or comment on this article below
