March 2025 Meeting Report:

At the March meeting, Andrew Tolman came along and explained all about stumperies, shady plants and ferns.

The first stumpery was set up at Biddulph Grange in 1856, built by Edward William Cooke. The stumpery at Highgrove was created in 1995. Oak or sweet chestnut are best, the outer layer of soft wood deteriorates over 40 – 60 years to get the desired stump. To form walls or arches the stumps are interlocked, otherwise they are laid out to form a rockery of stumps. Plants and ferns are planted between. Even a small area of 6’ x 3’ could be used to create this idea. Andrew gave lots of examples of gardens to go and visit.

Jacky