Clematis For Every Season. Peter Skeggs-Gooch, October's meeting.

If you were not sure which variety of clematis to grow in your garden before last month’s meeting, then you would certainly know following Peter’s talk. Peter Skeggs-Gooch, from Thorncroft Nursery, was a most professional speaker with an abundance of knowledge on clematis. Peter’s nursery specialises in clematis from around the world, and has won twelve Gold Medals at the Chelsea Flower Shows.

Peter explained how clematis make excellent companion plants as they easily grow through larger shrubs along with trees and are ideal at covering up old sheds or fencing. Some clematis, such as vanilla scented Montana Van Gogh, is a vigorous grower where as Integrifolia Alba, is small and has dainty sweet scented bell shaped flowers, making it ideal to scramble through other shrubs. Peter reminded us of the importance of planting most clematis into a deep hole below the first leaf joint, to avoid dieback and wilting. It is important to keep the roots cool, in shade and moist.

We were treated to a wonderful selection of stunning photographs from Peter’s collection most of which are available to purchase. Peter provided a useful handout of clematis for the different seasons, if you would like a copy let John know.  Peter’s nursery has two sites the one at Eversham in Worcester is for collection but plants can be ordered online at:  thorncroftclematis.co.uk.

If you are looking for a great variety and selection this is the place to go to.