It’s such a treat to have the opportunity to buy from specialist nurseries, all under one roof at the Garden Museum in the centre of London. As the heavens opened, even traders outside in the gardens still seemed to be doing a brisk trade.
Seen on Friday night on Gardeners World, this Euphorbia amygdaloides Purpurea, on the Swallowfields Nursery stand, just stopped me in my tracks. Gorgeous large airy lime green bracts atop delicious dark foliage was more than I could resist. A bit taller than its close cousin Euphorbia robbiae, and without its creeping habit, this plant will perfectly replace a larger Euphorbia wulfenii, which has outgrown its space and is crowding other plants in a client’s garden. Plus it can take some shade too. Perfect! Swallowfields nursery had bought plenty of choice perennials up from Ashford in Kent to tempt and I while I mulled over where I could squeeze in a couple of Euphorbia polychroma, they were quickly snapped up by another plant hungry gardener!
On the hunt for a purple Heuchera for another client, Rotherview Nursery from Hastings had plenty of choice specimens to choose from, plus some gorgeous looking Tiarellas and much more.
‘Rustic Garden Things’ from Rye in Sussex offered many enticing vintage tools. By chance I’d already bought a border fork when on my travels out of London in Rye, which I love and use every day. Couldn’t stop myself buying another of these perfectly formed objects as I find their size and weight (and good looks) ideal for everyday use.
Resisting the cosy cafe, with piles of pastries for a Sunday morning, I ventured back out into the rain to stock up on herbs. ‘Herbal Haven’ from Saffron Walden in Essex had a wonderful selection to choose from and as well as stocking up on regulars such as Parsley and Basil, I also bought an African Blue Basil and a Black Peppermint.
The African Blue Basil, aka Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘Dark Opal‘, is a perennial Basil and although not hardy, I shall endeavour to nurture through the winter so I can savour its gorgeous purple leaves, year after year. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed buying plants at this wonderfully eclectic plant fair. Hats off to the Garden Museum and all the exhibitors who braved the downfalls. Much appreciated by this London gardener.
I agree about the Euphorbia… it’s a knock-your-socks-off beauty! I also love all the vintage tools and have a hankering for an old fork with a mellow wooden handle. Great post x
Hi Sharon, Yes, love the E. Purpurea-off to plant it in in the rain today!
Heather, just can’t resist a beautiful old border fork-proportions just right.
LG, yes great to be able to buy from such a diverse group of quality nurseries.Will definitely be returning again.
The Garden Museum has loads of other great events over the year too. Going to hear the great Joy Larkcom talk in June. Can’t wait.
Wow! What fun! Totally am loving those rustic tools. Thanks for sharing the experience.
Lovely blog post to wake up to.
Looks like I missed a great shopping opportunity!
Plant and tool shopping is just the best!
I agree with above comments – that is indeed a most gorgeous euphorbia; the basil is very striking too – and the tools… heaven! I don’t think I could have resisted if I’d known about this event. How do you hear about these things?
Hi Caro-You can follow me on twiiter! Or look at the Garden Museum website. They have a whole list of events and talks that I check from time to time. Same goes for the RHS shows in Victoria and fab gardening courses at King Henry’s Walk Hope that helps.
Looks like a great day. Always fancied a visit to the garden museum. Need to have a look at their website and see if I can time a visit with an event. I loved Euphorbia purpurea when I saw it on Gardeners’ World. I need some Euphorbias in the garden. Will add it to my plant wish list.
That euphorbia is stunning! I got lots of lovely things from Herbal Haven at our local farmers’ market. The Garden Museum is a great place, especially when there’s a plant fair.
Hi WW, I’ve developed a thing about Euphorbias over a number of years without really realising it. The ground covering E.cyparissias and myrsinites seem to not mind battling with tree roots in my garden and the sculptural (and slightly bonkers) caper spurge (E. lathyris) pops up all over having planted once many years ago. Begged for a bit E. palustris from a friend, which I now can’t get rid of, and E. robbiae does well in the shady bits of my dry garden too. Would love a E. Wulfenii or E. mellifera if only I had the space and a E. Schillingii too as it just about matches my surname!
Anna-how great to have Herbal Haven nearby. Their herbs looked so healthy and delighted with my purchases.
The Garden Museum always seems to come up trumps. My next visit will be the Chelsea Fringe Disco! in May and then a talk by the wonderful queen of veg, Joy Larkcom, in June. Can’t wait.