English Gardens with Significant Fuchsias

Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996

To: kenneth.nilsson@mbox3.swipnet.se

From: Kathryn Lewark <klewark@BayNetworks.COM> in Californa !!

Subject: English gardens with significant fuchsias

Hello Kenneth --

Jim and I recently returned from a tour of English Gardens. As I was preparing our itinerary for the trip, I was desperately seeking information on publicly accessible English gardens with significant fuchsia collections. I never found anything so it occurs to me to contribute such a list (see below) to your page in hopes it may be useful to others planning similar trips. Of course, Jim and I didn't conduct a comprehensive survey tour of English gardens (although I'd apply for the job any day!), so there are certain to be gardens with worthy fuchsia collections not reflected here. My hope is others will submit their lists for the U.K. . . . and perhaps for gardens in other countries! These should be publicly accessible gardens with significant plantings of fuchsias.

Kathryn Lewark

(Links in descriptions will (hopefully) take you to a picture, from my picture gallery, of the fuchsia mentioned - Kenneth)

Beth Chatto Gardens Elmstead, near Colchester, Essex Great Dixter, Northiam, near Rye, East Sussex Hidcote Manor near Chipping Campden, the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

Hever Castle near Edenbridge, Kent Wisley (the RHS gardens)

Sissinghurst Castle near Cranbrook, Kent Kiftsgate Court near Chipping Campden, the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

Beth Chatto Gardens

Elmstead, near Colchester, Essex

Many fuchsias planted in the shade and water gardens, including Hawkshead, Sharpitor, Genii, lovely magellanicas and, in containers, Checkerboard.

Hever Castle

near Edenbridge, Kent

Hever is simply chock-a-block with glorious fuchsias! In long, lush, variously planted hedges and in containers. Also a vigorous magellanica hanging over the moat between the castle and the maze. Unfortunately, my U.S. educated eye was unable to put names to most of Hever's fuchsias. I'd say there were 20 different varieties.

Sissinghurst Castle

near Cranbrook, Kent

Lots of lovely fuchsias well displayed, including Gartenmeister Bonstedt, Genii, what looked to be a highly variegated magellanica.

Great Dixter

Northiam, near Rye, East Sussex

Many thriving fuchsias in exquisite settings! Wonderfully huge magellanica hedges, also Genii, variegated magellanicas, a red and white (Jim and I can't name it), variegata, tricolor.

Wisley (the RHS gardens)

Fuchsias, fuchsias and more fuchsias! In fact, there's an entire wing of a glass house devoted exclusively to our favorite plant . . . a delightful representation of hybrids from many countries including rather new U.S. varieties. In addition, fuchsias are planted in the various gardens. I can't help noting Wisley has the most extensive gardening bookshop I've ever seen!

Kiftsgate Court

near Chipping Campden, the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

Highly effective fuchsia plantings in the gardens and in containers including gorgeously variegated magellanicas, Sharpitor, Constance and several other varieties. Often planted in tandem with lavenders . . . great pairing!!

Hidcote Manor

near Chipping Campden, the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

Many gardens make up the collective known as Hidcote Manor, and one of them is named the Fuchsia Garden. Indeed, it sports a most spectacular circular center crowded with extremely variegated magellanicas -- diameter must be 20 feet! Around the garden's square sides are many more fuchsias we could not name. However, the BEST collection of fuchsias (at least in September) at Hidcote is to be found in the Pillar Garden where ten different varieties joust joyously for attention. Hidcote varieties we could name: Hidcote Beauty (to be sure!), Gartenmeister Bonstedt, Sharpitor, F. mag. molinae, F. mag. riccatonii.

Please, contributions from others!

Cheers,

Kathryn, 14 Nov 1996

Beth Chatto Gardens Elmstead, near Colchester, Essex	Great Dixter, Northiam, near Rye, East Sussex	Hidcote Manor near Chipping Campden, the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
Hever Castle near Edenbridge, Kent	Wisley (the RHS gardens)
Sissinghurst Castle near Cranbrook, Kent	Kiftsgate Court near Chipping Campden, the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire