"Currently we have 625 collections though there are still a lot of gaps. Even the highly popular lily lacks collection status, and I've a list of hundreds of plants that need an enthusiast to take them on. We're looking for collectors with long-term commitment who are prepared to keep records and research into the genus"

Some plants have no problem in finding several good homes, while occasionally enthusiasts hold more than one collection. There are six collections of Lavandula and two of Rosmarinus, and Dr. Simon Charlesworth. has examples of each. When he started a mail order service at Downderry Nursery in Kent he noticed that lavender and rosemary were the most popular purchases so "decided to go with the flow and concentrate on them". But why take on the responsibilities of a national collection rather than simply holding a large stock?

"I wanted to do more than propagate them as a run-of-the-mill nurseryman. I was interested in the research aspect and keen to make sure that their genetic diversity was conserved."

Holding a national collection is time-consuming. Dr. Charlesworth finds that running a business as well means that there are never enough hours in the day to spend on the collection.

"The high season is most difficult when everything is in flower and you need houebsite"rs to look at the structure of the plant, its habit and botanical characteristics. But it's a great thrill to have the incentive as a collection holder to do this."

The NCCPG encourages multi-collections of a particular plant so that there is a network of specialists who exchange information and cultivars and provide replacements if necessary. Having examples of a collection in different parts of the country means that they're accessible to more of the general public. Also there may be characteristics of a particular location which are advantageous or detrimental to a species and make a useful contribution to research.

Holding a national collection is a considerable responsibility according to Sophie Hughes. "People imagine it to be rather like the National Trust, manicured and beautifully neat. I always warn visitors not to expect something on a grand scale, because it is just part of our cottage garden, but at certain times of year there is a lot of work involved." With a full-time job as a social services manager, she relies on help from her husband Michael to maintain and propagate dianthus.

There are no problems in getting willing workers to maintain the Elaeagnus collection - it's owned by the 130 members of the NCCPG's Norfolk Group.

Lesley Ash, the collection's co-ordinator, says "The whole point of tiie NCCPG is plant conservation so we decided as a group that we should hold a national collection to remind us of why we exist and to distinguish us from other gardening clubs. The local church at Brundall near Norwich bought a field to use as a new burial ground and invited the group to base its collection there. It works brilliantly because the parish council does the day-to-day mowing, while our people do the weeding and planting. Members going on holiday take a list of plants we need, and being plantaholics it's a good excuse to call in on every nursery en route."

The Elaeagnus collection is accessible at any time but many collections can only be visited by appointment. A selection is on show at the RHS Flower Show at Hampton Court in July and at other RHS events around the country.

Holding a collection can be an expensive business, for the NCCPG provides no financial support, Simon Charlesworth says that having a national collection adds kudos to a commercial nursery and attracts business. But for others the money for plants and maintenance comes out of their own pockets.

"The scheme is a typically British concept" says Sophie Hughes. "It's kept going by amateurs in the true sense,who just love what they do."

Widget Finn

Some local National Collections

Molinia A new plant collection in Norfolk

For those who are unfamiliar with the name, Molinia is a genus of grasses native to wet moorland and heaths in Europe and Asia including the UK. Only one species is cultivated, Molinia caerulea (Purple Moor Grass), which is represented by an increasing number of cultivars.

The collection currently includes both subspecies of Molinia caerulea; ssp. caerulea and ssp. arundinacea both of which have several cultivars. They are all tight clump formers and completely deciduous, dying back to a woody base, although many leaves and stems may persist, especially in sheltered gardens.

Molinia caerulea ssp. anmdinacea typically forms largish clumps of slightly greyish, rich green leaves to about 60cm (2') high and 40cm (16') wide. The upright flower stems are produced from early summer and take several weeks to attain their full height of between 1.5 (5') and 2.5m (8'4"). The usual form has a dense panicle of flowers starting green and turning a rich buff by mid-autumn. The flower stems provide excellent autumn colour and are very wind resistant until early winter when they tend to snap off at ground level.

Some cultivars have more open panicles and/or arching stems ensuring a variety of habit from strictly formal to relaxed and flowing.

Molinia caerulea ssp. caerulea is much shorter growing, to no more than 1.2m (4') and typically to only about 60cm (2'). The clump of foliage is usually no more than 30cm (1') to 40cm (16") high and across. There are currently three variegated cultivars named.

All Molinia prefer a good to moist soil in full sun but have proven to be very drought tolerant, strangely the taller ssp. arundinacea cultivars doing better. If you have a small garden do not discount the possibility of using the tall forms as they take up very little width and can be used to provide height in a small flower bed without blocking the view. Cultivars such as the older 'Windspiel' or the newer 'Skyracer' would be ideal for this.

The collection is planted in the nursery stock beds and is best viewed from July till October, the best autumn colour is apparent at the end of October. Please phone to ask for directions and opening times, or call in at the nursery in South Lopham if you already know the details. More information is available at www.plantpref.co.uk

Tim Fuller
Lynwood,
Hopton Road,
Garboldisham, Diss, Norfolk IP22 2QN,
Tel 01953 681439, Fax 688194,
email info@plantpref.co.uk, web www.plantpref.co.uk

Dahlia heritage

The UK's National Dahlia Collection is held by Winchester Growers, one of the UK's leading horticultural companies. The National Collection consists of over 2,000 species and hybrid dahlias dating from the 1800s to 1960. Modern dahlias are still available from retailers, but older hybrids can be lost for ever if they are not kept safe in a collection. If you think you have a long-lost dahlia, get in touch with Winchester Growers! Easy garden plants

Dahlias are easy to look after, and flower abundantly throughout summer and autumn - even in their first year of planting. Plants also increase in size every year - giving you great value. They like regular feeding and watering and a sunny position to produce optimum-size blooms.

When winter frosts blacken the foliage, cut the plants to the ground, lift the tubers and store them somewhere dry. Put them in a cardboard box and cover with dry compost. Plant them out once spring frosts have passed or if you live in a frost-free area, just cover them over in the garden with straw or extra compost to provide a blanket mulch. Uncover them when all danger of frost has passed.

If you think you don't like dahlias, think again! There's a huge choice - flowers like waterlilies, sea anemones, pompoms and daisies; deep reds, bright orange and yellows, pink and purple shades, warm sunset tones, cool whites; striped and splashed, tiny and huge; bronze or maroon leaves; plants tall as trees or only ankle-high. Dahlias are ideal for every situation - herbaceous borders, formal bedding, hanging baskets,colourful patio pots, or prairie plantings!

Call 01736 851033 or email
dahlias@wgltdco.uk for more details and to order a catalogue, or visit www.wgltd co. uk
Andrea Caldecourt
Marketing Manager, Winchester Growers

Plant Collections

Suffolk Collections

Essex Collections

Norfolk Collections

Cambridgeshire Collections

The National Collections - conserving the genetic diversity

Some local National Collections

Molinia A new plant collection in Norfolk

Dahlia heritage