larkspur Nursery
Ashley Ramsbottom, the proprietor, has had a long association with Delphiniums during the 20 years he spent growing them at the RHS Garden in Wisley. Despite growing many other plants Delphiniums remained a firm favourite so when the opportunity to run his own nursery came about the choice of plant was simple.
Ashley, left school at 15 to work as an apprentice at Wisley moving to the Propagation Department after a few years. Whilst at Wisley he progressed to Supervisor in the Propagation Department and was responsible for training: staff, visitors and students in propagation techniques and producing many different plants for the RHS Garden and Trials field.
Testimonial
for Ashley from
Jim Gardiner, Curator, RHS Garden Wisley
‘During his time at Wisley he became a skilled propagator, initially pioneering the rooting techniques needed for Delphiniums and latterly with grafting woody plants using the ‘hot pipe’ method’
See Ashley’s propagation tips on the RHS website.
Page 6 of the RHS
Trials Delphinium Bulletin
This is a PDF document so may take some time to open!
OUR DELPHINIUMS
Based in the majestic Lincolnshire Fens we have found the climate ideal for growing these wonderful plants. Our Delphiniums are hardy perennials, from the elatum and belladonna species, these have a winter dormancy and produce long flowering spikes from May to July in a range of colours through the whites, yellows, pinks, purples to the more typical and glorious blues. Delphiniums are good border and cottage garden plants which create a wonderful feature when in flower and are popular for use as cut flowers. Delphiniums have a place in any garden. We hope you enjoy your Delphiniums as much as we do!
SCENES FROM THE NURSERY
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The new plants are still flowering - Sept 2005 |
The stock plants are kept dry over the winter 2005 |
New cuttings appearing - Feb 2006 |
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Fresh cuttings in perlite - Feb 2006 |
The new delphinium bed being prepared - Mar 2006 |
It’s a family affair – all hands to the deck! |
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Gramps to the rescue! Over 60 years of experience gave us much needed help |
New plants ready for despatch - June 2006 |
No dogs allowed as the tunnel starts to bloom - oh dear! |
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Maybe we should sell cutflowers? |
The tunnel is a riot of colour - late June 2006 |
So many to choose from - artwork by Georgia May |
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The potting is nearly over - July 2006 |
An interesting seedling |
The new stock bed is still looking beautiful - Oct 2006 |
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The new tunnels under construction - Nov 2006 |
Is everyone pulling their weight? |
Finished just in time for the winter if it ever comes! - Dec 2006 |
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Here come the cuttings again - no heat required the weather was so unseasonally warm! |
A craftsman at work - great apron! |
And it rained ...! The new delphinium bed under water - Mar 2007 |
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Ashley back at the potting bench as the cuttings are potted - April 2007 |
A new plant making good growth |
Larkspur Nursery on tour at Chatsworth House - April 2007 |
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Our new seedlings are added to the Delphinium border, now where is that summer weather? - June 2007 |
The Temple Newsam delphinium borders doing well, despite the weather, and ready in time for the open day - June 2007 |
Not even standing room only as the stock bed has to be extended for the latest plants - Aug 2007 |
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The girl with the clipboard - yes we have got a lot and they all need counting! - Sept 2007 |
Still flowering and so beautiful at sunset - Nov 2007 |
A busmans holiday? A quick trip to the lovely new glasshouse at Wisley and to meet up with old friends - Dec 2007 |
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All quiet in the prop house but it will not last long - Jan 2008 |
Snow tunnels - Easter Sunday |
Delphiniums in the snow |
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A Larkspur Nursery Snowman built on Easter Sunday 2008! |
April 2008 - Chatsworth Show |
Our friendly sales team never stopped smiling despite the continual rain at Chatsworth! |
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Elgood Brewery Garden in May 2008 and the sun came out at last! |
Can we fit any more plants in the van? |
A 'corporate' uniform for the sales team? |
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Small plants ready for despatch - June 2008 |
Boxing clever as we prepare to send out the small plants - little sis to the rescue! |
The new stock bed is a wonderful sight - June 2008 |
MORE INFO?
If you have time and want to know more about us read how it all began