Unveiling the location that's reviving the popularity of chrysanthemums, a flower more loved than ever before.
Extending the Autumn Garden: Norwell Nurseries' Hardy Chrysanthemums
In the heart of Norwell, Nottinghamshire, UK, lies a hidden gem - Norwell Nurseries. Established in 1994 by Helen Andrew Ward and her partner, this nursery has become a sanctuary for garden enthusiasts seeking to extend their gardening season into late autumn and early winter.
One of the star attractions at Norwell Nurseries are the hardy chrysanthemums. These classic fall bloomers are renowned for their vibrant colours and toughness in cooler weather. Among the diverse collection, you'll find a variety of unique cultivars, each offering a splash of colour to your autumn garden.
Take, for instance, the 'Šlapanica Eliška', a chrysanthemum that boasts cerise-pink single flowers with a silvery reverse to its petals. Or the 'Picasso', which opens in October with peachy-pink flowers and a darker centre. For those seeking a more dramatic hue, the 'Andrew' offers luscious semi-double crimson, cherry red flowers with a contrasting golden eye.
The nurseries also have a National Plant Collection of hardy chrysanthemums, and a selection of plants that are hardy in the UK, with the claim that if a plant grows there, it will be hardy almost anywhere in the UK. This makes Norwell Nurseries an ideal destination for gardeners looking to expand their hardy chrysanthemum collection.
But the beauty of these chrysanthemums doesn't stop at their vibrant blooms. They are also beneficial for pollinators, as they are grown next to grasses, autumn crocuses, and in spots that receive sun in November.
To further enhance the visual display, Norwell Nurseries recommend pairing hardy chrysanthemums with other late-blooming perennials. Asters and sedums, such as Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, provide late-season blooms and attract pollinators well into fall. Ornamental grasses add texture and structure to the garden as chrysanthemums bloom. Dusty Miller offers silvery foliage, while salvias provide vertical colour contrast. Balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) bloom late summer through fall, tolerate partial shade, and have a unique flower shape.
Additional hardy annuals that bloom late into fall and can complement this autumn palette include zinnias, cosmos, and cockscomb. For herbs, rosemary, thyme, and parsley are hardy enough to grow well in fall gardens and provide year-round interest in milder climates.
Among the hardy chrysanthemums at Norwell Nurseries, some were raised there, such as 'Helen Ward', 'Andrew', and 'Old Norwell'. Each of these cultivars, like the rest of the collection, is a testament to the nursery's dedication to cultivating hardy, beautiful chrysanthemums that thrive in the UK's cooler months.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice, a visit to Norwell Nurseries is a must for anyone looking to extend their garden's colour and life well into late autumn and early winter. With its diverse collection of hardy chrysanthemums and companion plants, it's the perfect destination to find inspiration and add a touch of autumn beauty to your garden.
[1] RHS. (2021). Asters. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/25556/Aster [2] RHS. (2021). Zinnia. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/20596/Zinnia [3] RHS. (2021). Cosmos. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/1471/Cosmos [4] RHS. (2021). Dusty Miller. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/21158/Senecio-cineraria [5] RHS. (2021). Rosemary. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/195/Rosemary
- The diverse collection of hardy chrysanthemums at Norwell Nurseries, including unique cultivars such as 'Šlapanica Eliška', 'Picasso', and 'Andrew', make it an excellent destination for home-and-garden enthusiasts seeking to add vibrant flowers and plants to their autumn gardens.
- Apart from hardy chrysanthemums, Norwell Nurseries also offer a variety of companion plants that can enhance the late-season visual display, such as asters, sedums, ornamental grasses, Dusty Miller, salvias, zinnias, cosmos, and even herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
- By pairing hardy chrysanthemums with these companion plants, gardeners can cultivate a lifestyle that extends their garden's beauty well into late autumn and early winter, creating an attractive and thriving home-and-garden setup.
