Nicholsons Plants division were allowed to break free from the nursery yesterday to go on a trip out. We were privileged to have a guided tour of the Waddesdon Estate by the forestry manager, Pete. Pete showed us how well the trees and hedges, which we supplied to him over the years, were growing. It was very informative to see a 12 year old hedge planted from our bare rooted plants which had been laid 2 years ago now stood as a bushy, stock proof, Saxon mix hedge 2 years later. The Millenium oak arrow avenue (see picture) was a stunning site and can already be seen on Google maps. It was obvious that Pete and his team work with incredible effort and pride in their nurturing of the parkland.
The second picture shows woodland planting which is seven years old planted using all our trees and shrubs both in bare rooted and potted form. Species included cherry, copper beech, holly, larch, ash, Scots pine and even Davidia (the pocket handkerchief tree).
The third picture shows our transport for the day!!
After our tour of the parkland and woodland planting we were treated to a guided tour of the walled kitchen garden by the head gardener Sue. I have never seen such an aesthetically pleasing, productive kitchen garden ever before. The varieties and quality of vegetables were outstanding and it was nice to hear that the Rothschild family use them in their kitchens on a daily basis. There were unusual varieties of cabbage and potatoes; the greenhouses were full of tomatoes, peppers, aubergine and plants for the house. The fruit ranged from pot grown dessert cherries, peaches, grapes, nectarines and a pear and apple arched walkway to die for. Next came the cut flower area to provide flowers for the weekly, colour schemed flower arrangements.
A big thank you to Pete, Sue and all the staff for putting up with us and showing us around their outstanding areas. The experience was amazing and we have all learnt something new!
