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Visit to Whetmans nursery 2006 report

Tuesday June 6th was the day of the BNCS visit to Whetmans nursery in Devon. This is the first such visit for some years. I believe the last such visit was in 1966 to Englemans nursery in Saffron Walden, (long since closed), at which 80 members were present. This years’ visit was well attended by around 30 members, mainly from the South. The weather was superb, sunny but not too hot. Some members travelled the day before; others arrived on the day. All found the single track roads a challenge and many stopped at the same farm as I did to ask the way! The farmer was amused.

Initially Carolyn Whetman gave an introductory talk about the business outlining its’ aims to produce plants that are unique and to expand the business.

John Whetman then showed us the cut flowers production and the propagation and plug system employed. The emphasis was on producing plants with blue green foliage and above all scent.

For amateurs it was fascinating to see the workings of such a successful commercial nursery.

Starting with the production of garden pinks members were able to see the propagating process on a massive scale and all were enthralled to see the immaculate display of pinks on show for the commercial buyers to see.

The emphasis on plant hygiene was impressive and will certainly motivate those who attended to strive harder to achieve similar standards in their amateur greenhouses.

Lunch was at the nearby Elizabethan Inn, again reached by single track road. Here are some members enjoying the meal.

In the afternoon we saw the trials house with masses of dwarf and Alpine pinks being assessed for potential commercial value. At this stage all are given a name for ease of identification rather than a number. I was pleased to hear that political correctness has not reached Devon and only girl’s names are used. Most appropriate for such beautiful flowers.

Members were asked to pick their favourites and here is Eileen Galbally with her choice.

Throughout John’s infectious enthusiasm came across, and combined with his encyclopaedic knowledge of dianthus everyone was inspired. At a time when the gardening media seems to shun the genus it was refreshing to hear of new uses for recent introductions. The concept of Patio Pinks with a single plant filling a tub or container with blooms the whole summer long must appeal to a wide range of gardeners who want to endless colour for minimal effort.

The Roselly range for indoor use were an exciting concept. I am going to try them out and will report on how they get on. And pinks growing in a pouch certainly looked attractive. I will not be doing this but if anyone does and would like to share their experience with us do, and in particular send photographs. I will include any articles on this site.

And to round off the day the opportunity to select from surplus plugs of most of the varieties in Whetmans current catalogue. This was greatly appreciated by those attending. I will try to arrange a special deal for some pinks for those who were unable to attend. I do hope members will send pictures of their plants when they mature so that everyone can see the impressive blooms.

All that remains is to thank everyone at Whetmans who made the day such a special event and in particular John Whetman. We now have to plan a visit for next year. This will certainly be a hard act to follow!

The road home!