Gardens In Detail
National Collections
The National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens, (Plant Heritage), was formed in 1978 following
concern that a great number of garden plants were being lost to cultivation. Since 1980 individuals, botanic
gardens, local authorities, colleges and nurseries have registered collections for National Collection status.
The National Plant Collection® scheme has gone from strength to strength with some 650 collections all over the
United Kingdom.
Apart from their aesthetic appeal, the plants we grow in our gardens are a reflection of gardeners' achievements
throughout history. Without conservation, many of these once commonly grown plants could be lost due to changing
fashion, climate and gardening techniques. National Plant Collections® are therefore extremely important in
ensuring the continued cultivation of garden plants and in maintaining the genetic diversity they contain. Leeds
is one of a small number of Local Authorities that has realised the value of plant conservation and maintains
eleven national collections, five of which are established at Temple Newsam.
Please phone 0113 264 5535 for details of collection opening times.
Aster novi-belgii
Commonly known as Michaelmas Daisies, these plants were very popular at the turn of the century. The collection
contains some cultivars, which date back to this time, many of which are not widely available commercially.
There are a good range of heights and colours, which provide a spectacular display in autumn.
Phlox paniculata
These pretty border plants flower in late summer with a colour range from white, slatey blues and palest of pinks,
to vibrant magenta and fiery red. They thrive best in a cool moist position, preferring some shade from strong
sunlight. The collection contains a number of plants that were raised by a local breeder from Otley, and it is
hoped that more of his introductions can be located and added to the collection.
Delphinium elatum (Cultivars)
With their showy spikes in mid summer the collection of Delphiniums is truly a sight to behold. The name
Delphinium derives from the Greek delphis - a dolphin - and refers to the shape of the flowers. Some plants
in the collection date back to the 1930s, but breeding still continues and modern hybrids are constantly added
to the collection.
Solenostemon scutellarioides (sys. Coleus blumei)
One of our more recent additions, this collection achieved full National Collection status in 1990, and represents
many of the unusual and popular cultivars derived from the native species that originate from Malaysia and SE
Asia. Also known as the 'Flame Nettle' due to its nettle like appearance and the brightly coloured leaf markings.
Although flowering is sporadic from early summer through to autumn, these are relatively insignificant and should
be removed to maintain a strong bushy plant. Again this is a group of plants that has seen an increase in
popularity recently with some quite new introductions.
Chrysanthemum (Charm and Cascade cultivars)
Specialists and exhibitors alike have long prized chrysanthemums. There is a strong and enthusiastic group
concerned with the growing and showing of exhibition cultivars. Charm and Cascade Chrysanthemums form a group
of these popular plants grown for their mass of flowers in a managed form rather than individual blooms. Both
are grown traditionally in pots, Charms as a large decorative mushroom like ball up to three feet across.
Cascade cultivars are used for more intricate displays, trained into shapes like giant balls, clouds, columns
and curtains providing a striking floral display. Perhaps the most famous previous practitioners of this art are
Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania USA.
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