'Places to Visit in the UK'

For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation and exhibition of cacti & other succulents.
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macavity
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Re: 'Places to Visit in the UK' forum?

Post by macavity »

Not strictly speaking a public collection, but one of the RHS open gardens in Cobham (Chestnut Lodge) has a fairly large collection of succulents. They are only open the one day a year so I'm not sure if it's worth putting on your list, but it is definitely worth going to if you are in the area. I have some photos from last year's open day round September if anybody would be interested in seeing them?
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Stuart Estell
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Re: 'Places to Visit in the UK' forum?

Post by Stuart Estell »

An advocate for Southfields Nurseries here - my good lady and I visited them yesterday. We were extremely impressed with the scale on which Brian and Linda grow their plants - and how beautifully-grown they all are. I came home with yet more new stuff (hence my Summer Sale list in the Sales forum...)
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Apicra
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Re: 'Places to Visit in the UK' forum?

Post by Apicra »

A couple of years ago, TonyR mentioned the small display of cacti at the Capel Manor Horticultural College in North London. This was created with donations for the local BCSS branch who meet on-site, Lea Valley Branch: http://www.leavalley.bcss.org.uk/capelmanordisplay.html (photo from 2010?).

Here are some more recent photos to show how the display has grown. If you can find spare time during the busy day, these plants can be visited during the Zone 6 Convention on Saturday October 20th 2012 which will be held within the gardens. Speakers are Petr Pavelka and Martin Lowry. More info: http://www.bcss.org.uk/foruma/viewtopic ... 2&t=156402.
Lea Valley Branch display of cacti at Capel Manor
Lea Valley Branch display of cacti at Capel Manor
Capel Manor Cacti P1040639.jpg (207.45 KiB) Viewed 27634 times
The Cerei have grown well!
The Cerei have grown well!
Capel Manor Cerei P1040641.jpg (191.04 KiB) Viewed 27634 times
Unusual variegated Agaves
Unusual variegated Agaves
Capel Manor Agave P1040640.jpg (220.45 KiB) Viewed 27634 times
The display can be found in the largest "Display House" greenhouse in the walled garden. The doors were very difficult to open when I visited in March!

Best wishes,
Derek Tribble,
Host Branch Chairman
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Tony R
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Re: 'Places to Visit in the UK' forum?

Post by Tony R »

Information on Edinburgh Botanic Garden after Lindsey's recent visit is here:
http://www.bcss.org.uk/foruma/viewtopic ... 1&t=158288
Tony Roberts
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(Gasteria, Mammillaria, small Opuntia, Cleistocactus and Sempervivum are my current special interests)
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Apicra
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Re: 'Places to Visit in the UK' forum?

Post by Apicra »

A worthwhile place to visit in the middle of London is the compact Chelsea Physic Garden http://chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/ . It is surprising how much is grown in this small walled garden. There are not many cacti & succulents, but much of general garden and historical interest. It was a shame we could not get near their Welwitschia "forest" - about 20 plants in a closed, sunken greenhouse. I enjoyed smelling their Pelargonium leaves. Watch out for special events - we saw an accomplished exhibition of botanical art.

Alena Phillips also from Harrow branch has shared some pictures online: http://www.mycacti.info/Chelsea%20Physics%20Garden/ (you may spot me in a couple of photos!)
Open late on Wed summer evenings and free entry to RHS members on Tues & Wed.

Best wishes,
Derek Tribble,
Harrow Branch
ajm389
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Re: 'Places to Visit in the UK' forum?

Post by ajm389 »

Also a must is a visit to the Durham University Botanic Gardens.
Excellent use of a poster at the entrance to the 'Greenhouse' to advertise the society 'Teesside Branch'.
Picture below.
_D040002_copy-2.jpg
dalesmatt
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Re: 'Places to Visit in the UK'

Post by dalesmatt »

I admired the display in the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens back in March, especially a nice long raised bed display against a sheltered wall of outdoor grown hardy cacti. (tu)
Matt
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Cactusgirl
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Re: 'Places to Visit in the UK'

Post by Cactusgirl »

Does anyone know of any places to visit in the Suffolk/ North Essex area? Years ago there was even a cacti club in Ipswich with regular meetings but it doesn't seem to be in existence now which is a shame :sad:
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Tina
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Re: 'Places to Visit in the UK'

Post by Tina »

Have you checked for nearby zone &/or branch Open days, normally a good day especially as you get a few collections open.
Tina

varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.

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Cactusgirl
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Re: 'Places to Visit in the UK'

Post by Cactusgirl »

Hi Tina, thanks for that & I will certainly speak to the branch at Clacton as I think they will be my nearest. Debbie
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