The new stumpery. Blog 20. October 21st 2008.

Posted on 21 Oct, 2008 8 comments

The wonderful part of gardening is that it never stands still. There is always something that can be ‘fine tuned’ or improved upon.
We decided that we wanted to make our stumpery even taller and more dramatic. So, yesterday was spent in the rain and cold winds preparing for the arrival of our latest additions.
They are two very large tree stumps that are beautifully gnarled and weathered, and they have been linked together and placed near the wildlife pond. The total height of the structure is 7 feet or approximately 2 metres.

This photo was taken with the floodlighting that accentuates the gnarled and twisted wood.
Pots of ferns have also been placed inside the new hollow stumps, and the floodlight uplights the new feature in the evening creating dramatic shadows around the entire area.

We have designed it so that it leans towards the wildlife pond, but also ‘frames’ the Grotto to the rear of the water feature.

Later in the season, Hellebores (in cream and chocolate brown) will also displayed in and around the structure.

To the left we have moved and re-sited the hollow oak stumps that are planted with ferns.A smaller, hollow trunk has been raised on to the faux rockwork at the rear, and this is planted with several varieties of British native ferns.

A photo of one of the hollow stumps situated near the large garden urn.

Stumperies are a Victorian garden convention, and were used to great effect to display ferns, hostas and other shade – loving plants in hollow tree stumps.They are now making something of a comeback.

The hollow oak stumps were lined with plastic and then perforated to provide ample drainage, and filled with a high quality compost before the ferns were added.

See our Blog 15 ‘Celebrating the Victorian stumpery’ for additional information.

Grenville & Alan.
Bristol.U.K

Comments

Terratoonie

21 Oct, 2008

Grenville ~
These are interesting improvements.
You're so right that gardens don't stand still.
They're forever changing, whether it's because of our own endeavours, or with the influence of the different seasons. :o)

Grenville

21 Oct, 2008

Thanks T.T.
It was really hard work as the new stumps are very heavy and it was raining and a very cold day, but you know what its like -once you start a new garden project you have to complete it despite the weather!

Sal1914

21 Oct, 2008

This all looks really effective and beautiful... well done.

Sandra

21 Oct, 2008

we have a shady bit of garden under our apple trees. i've been thinking of planting ferns there. your photos are giving me ideas...thanks...

Spritzhenry

21 Oct, 2008

Well done - your garden never stands still, does it. You always come up with something new. Amazing, considering its size! Did you have to get rid of anything to place the new stumps or did you just 'fit' them in?

BTW there's a question for you just asked today - right up your street - on a courtyard garden and what to do with it...

Janey

21 Oct, 2008

Your new stumpery is looking wonderful, and beautiful photos capturing the turn of the last century feel.

Marguerite

22 Oct, 2008

You sure know how to make the most of natural shapes and textures. I love wood too, and it adds so much character and original design, no artist could ever copy that. Your garden is alive with ideas and love, that is very clear.