Knoll Gardens, Dorset

[Brian Ellis]

Last weekends visit to Dorset included a visit to Knoll Gardens and nursery. Here mature trees formed a background to the grasses and perennials which were used in abundance.  I like to see grasses used in borders rather than borders of grasses, so I was pleased to see that the latter was the case at Knoll.  The garden had a relaxed atmosphere and there was a surprise round most corners.There were several elements that you would expect in an ornamental garden including a gravel garden, stream, pond and water garden (which is soon to be replaced). The Dragon garden featured a statue of St Dunstan and the Devil (the dragon).  It was here, under previous owner John May that Phygelius ‘African Queen’ (the first Phygelius hybrid) was bred.  They hold National Collections of Phygelius, Ceanothus and Penniseteum and have a huge collection of ornamental grasses. As you can see within two minutes of the coach parking the nursery was full!

[Brian Ellis]

The whole garden had a really relaxed atmosphere.  I liked the Dragon Garden with its statue and the Phlomis tuberosa 'Amazone'.  St Dunstan is the patron saint of goldsmiths (whose emblem is a harp).  The devil tried to tempt St Dunstan as he worked at his goldsmithing; when the Devil's gossiping became too much, St Dunstan struck the devil on the nose with his red hot tongs!  In the sculpture St Dunstan has become part of the harp.

[Brian Ellis]

The water gardens are due for replacement as there is not a natural source of water, so I understand.  We finished off with a lovely cup of coffee amidst these ornamental grasses.  The only thing I did not get was a Stipa barbata, and they had no seed either   Otherwise, well worth a visit, even if you do not particularly like grasses.  The garden was begun in the 1970s and became known then as Wimborne Botanic Garden, there are however many fine mature trees including a wonderful Liriodendron, and many Eucalyptus as the original nursery specialised in Australian plants.

[Paddy Tobin]

Brian,

What in the name of god is that Dunstan doing to the poor dragon?

You are spoiled for choice over there in England, such a range of gardens on your doorstep.

Paddy

[Luc Gilgemyn]

You are spoiled for choice over there in England, such a range of gardens on your doorstep.

Paddy

I couldn't agree more Paddy !
Another gorgeous treasure you showed us Brian - thanks so much !!

[Brian Ellis]

I'm glad you have enjoyed it, but hardly on my doorstep Paddy it's 235 miles away

[Paddy Tobin]

OK, Brian. Next door then. Paddy

[Joakim B]

Brian thanks for showing these gardens to us and thanks also to all others that do this but I fail to comment them  but enjoys them all.

Kind regards
Joakim

[Brian Ellis]

Glad you enjoy them Joakim, that's all you need to do

[Ragged Robin]

Really lovely and interesting garden visit Brian to Knoll gardens in Dorset - love the sculptures too...the water garden haas some wonderful plants you have captured staturesquely (if there could be such a word 

[David Nicholson]

Thanks for posting these Brian. It's another garden I would like to see.

[Brian Ellis]

staturesquely (if there could be such a word

I think you've just coined it Robin!