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| Pam, Sabine, Terry, Gaiostopher and Ilaria (on camera duty) - oh and The Plant as backdrop. |
Watch how this Gunnera manicata, located in the North Staffordshire Moorlands of England, grows and changes
30 July 2015
The Visit
Our friends from South Cheshire made the journey to North Staffordshire on a mission (although they didn't know it at the time!) to see 'The Biggest Plant in the World.' And the outcome? A fabulous selfie!
26 July 2015
Guest Blog from Christian Wagner, Isle of Lewis
Gunnera grows wild and quite freely on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. Here are photos of the plant near Portvoller taken by Christian Wagner. The gunnera is now regarded and described as an 'Island Pest'. Thank you Chris!
Portvoller is a small village on the north tip of the Eye Peninsula (also known as Point), on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, northwestern Scotland. Its most prominent feature is the Tiumpan Head Lighthouse, which is located at the northernmost tip of the village. It is 9 miles from Stornoway.
Portvoller is a small village on the north tip of the Eye Peninsula (also known as Point), on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, northwestern Scotland. Its most prominent feature is the Tiumpan Head Lighthouse, which is located at the northernmost tip of the village. It is 9 miles from Stornoway.
22 July 2015
Guest Blog from Judie Siddall, Palo Alto, California
"I spotted these plants in a charming garden filled with chickens in Sonoma County, USA. The plants are in a garden filled with chickens, vegetables and flowers. The farm is located close to the Pacific Ocean, so there is plenty of moisture."
Thanks Judie!
With more than 400 wineries, miles of rugged Pacific coastline, towering redwood forests, and its close proximity to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Sonoma County is a traveler’s dream vacation spot in California.
Discover more than 50 pristine nature parks that offer travelers miles of hiking and cycling trails through the towering redwoods or oak-studded hills. Rivers entice visitors to kayak, canoe, or simply float along the cool waters. A zip line excursion, a ropes course, or a hot-air balloon ride add a dash of adventure.
Breathtaking Highway 1 — Pacific Coast Highway — delights visitors with crashing waves, sea lions and otters sunning on the beaches, and amazing sunsets that color the sky in brilliant hues.
And a Gunnera!
Thanks Judie!
With more than 400 wineries, miles of rugged Pacific coastline, towering redwood forests, and its close proximity to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Sonoma County is a traveler’s dream vacation spot in California.
Discover more than 50 pristine nature parks that offer travelers miles of hiking and cycling trails through the towering redwoods or oak-studded hills. Rivers entice visitors to kayak, canoe, or simply float along the cool waters. A zip line excursion, a ropes course, or a hot-air balloon ride add a dash of adventure.
Breathtaking Highway 1 — Pacific Coast Highway — delights visitors with crashing waves, sea lions and otters sunning on the beaches, and amazing sunsets that color the sky in brilliant hues.
And a Gunnera!
12 July 2015
06 July 2015
Guest blog just uploaded
Just received - the latest Guest Blog! Many thanks go to Judie Siddall, from Palo Alton in the USA, who has sent me details of the Gunnera which is growing well in the Prehistoric Garden of San Francisco Zoo. More details here>
Biggest year yet?
The gunnera is probably the biggest since we planted it. Even after the very poor start with late frosts, the plant has enjoyed lots of rain, wet ground and hot sun and has put on lots of growth. There are lots of leaves this year. We will need to prune it a little soon so that we can actually get into the garden!
Talking of pruning, at the end of last season we removed a 'leg' of the plant and it was so big and heavy we left it on the path over the winter period. Two surprises ensued. Firstly it started growing on the path and has produced both leaves and roots! Secondly, it is now home to a wasps nest. We found it by chance when we offered the 'leg' to Nick, the painter who has been refurbishing our house exterior and who is also a keen gardener. I started to move the leg and out came some very annoyed wasps. Needless to say that Nick declined taking it away until the nest had been removed! So that's another job ...
Talking of pruning, at the end of last season we removed a 'leg' of the plant and it was so big and heavy we left it on the path over the winter period. Two surprises ensued. Firstly it started growing on the path and has produced both leaves and roots! Secondly, it is now home to a wasps nest. We found it by chance when we offered the 'leg' to Nick, the painter who has been refurbishing our house exterior and who is also a keen gardener. I started to move the leg and out came some very annoyed wasps. Needless to say that Nick declined taking it away until the nest had been removed! So that's another job ...