 |
Hopleys
Plants Ltd |
|
Growers of Choice Garden Plants |
Tel: 01279 842509 |
Fax: 01279 843784 |
|
Hopleys
Plants Ltd |
|
Growers of Choice Garden Plants |
Tel: 01279 842509 |
Fax: 01279 843784 |
Tickets for our 16th Charity Concert on 24th July are now on sale - Adults £24, children (up to 16) £18. The Counterfeit Stones will be performing their Rolling Stones tribute with all proceeds from the event going to support the Caroline Johnstone Memorial Fund.
Note that we are also staging a Jazz concert on Saturday 28th August with John Petter's Swing & Jazz Quartet. Tickets are £12 for adults and £8 for children and are also now on sale.
New Website
We apologise for the delay in the release of our new website which we had promised for early March. The new website will allow online shopping from the increasing range of plants we have available. In the meantime, please browse our catalogue here and if you wish to place an order we would be pleased to take details by telephone or by post the old-fashioned way!
Our new 2010 catalogue has now been printed. Please send us 5 first class stamps for a copy.
Our new visitor facility, The Long Barn, opened last year and has been a great success. We can now offer an increasing range of horticultural sundries and produce, such as Japanese Tripod Ladders, High Quality Rustic Chairs and Tables, Back Door Shoes, Showa Gloves etc.
Our tea room has been moved into here also with delicious home-made cakes available during nursery hours. For 2010 we shall be offering simple lunches as well. There is now an outside sitting area adjacent to the garden.
Planning permission has now been granted for us to erect a new toilet block adjacent to The Long Barn. This will incorporate a disabled toilet thereby making our whole site easily accessible to wheelchairs. We hope to start work on this during the Summer.
2009 was also the year when we completed our new 350m2 production glasshouse which has been utilised fully throughout the season and has enabled us to grow plants more evenly and with improved quality. As a result of this we have been able to transfer many stock plants normally kept in our Propagation glasshouse on the Sales Area and so have converted part of this glasshouse into a covered Sales Area for plants - you can now continue to buy plants even when it is raining!
We have been busy over the Winter renovating our old Sales Shed near the house - now to be called 'The Little Barn'. This will be the venue for our increasing range of Workshops, Courses and Lectures.
A whole new calendar of events is planned for visitors to Hopleys in 2010. These include Garden Tours, Lectures, Workshops, Exhibitions, Concerts, Easter Egg hunts etc. Click here to see more details.
We have changed our discount structure to make our prices much more attractive to Trade customers who are asked to apply to us directly. More details.
A wonderful new website is under construction which should be operational during March. This old website has served us well over the years but has become rather tired - the new one will enable purchasing online as well as easy access to the increasing range of plants, sundries and services that we offer.
A ha-ha has been installed at the top of the garden to allow uninterrupted views of the beautiful farmland in the distance. Also we have cleared many of the old conifers from the central conifer bed and installed a secret .... - come and have a look!
Jan Adams Garden Design is based at Hopleys and Jan can be contacted at the above address or by telephone on 01279 841169 (or mobile 07796 495526)
In order to reduce the number of boxes and bags which we give away, may we ask customers to bring their own whenever possible.
Just a reminder that we are happy to take back any clean black pots (not trays) for reuse. Please put in the large bin provided at Hopleys.
Good stocks now available for our new hardy Diascia. Growing to 3ft in height it is a giant of Diascias flowering from June until November. Every garden should have one! (or more!). £3.90 each.
An illustrated booklet describing the fascinating story of the introduction of our Potentilla 'Red Ace' has recently been published and is available from us for £3.
Entry is free to Hopleys garden, however we would appreciate a voluntary contribution towards the cost of upkeep and improvement, particularly if you are not buying plants. A proportion of your contribution will go to support 'The National Garden Scheme'.
We have a selection of fine large millstones available for sale suitable for use as seats, water features or simply as an attractive ornament in the garden. Click for details
We are continuing to offer a mail order service throughout the year. We use a 24hr carrier for mainland UK. Click for details.
Hopleys was purchased in 1963 by David & Barbara Barker at which time the garden was basic and restricted to the area where the car park is now.
Many large trees surrounded the seven acre property, but as these were mainly elm, they have long since gone. A few large oaks remain on the North perimeter as well as a huge common ash tree (currently the fourth largest in the country measuring over 100ft high and 17ft girth). Cables in the crown are designed to prevent the loss of large boughs as the tree stands in a windy location.
The parkland setting in rolling countryside lent itself to island beds laid out in an informal style, inspiration coming largely from Alan Blooms Dell Garden in Norfolk. Conifers, shrubs and roses were the mainstay of the planting.
The soil is neutral - a good layer of loam over clay. However, the garden is in an exposed situation making it windy and cold in Winter. No watering is done in the garden despite a low average annual rainfall.
The pond was dug in 1980 and much hilarity was had laying out the butyl liner on a bed of wet ash and newspaper on a particularly windy day! The result of having water in the garden brought much new wildlife and scope for marginal planting. (The health and safety executive forced us to put the fencing around the perimeter!). The annual general meeting of the frog and toad community ensure both the nursery and garden have active natural pest control.
A three-quarter acre field was purchased from neighbours in 1985 which has allowed us to improve the driveway access onto the site as well as giving us extra parking for 100 cars - often needed when the garden is open on charity days.
The gales in the Autumn of 1987 caused a lot of damage with many trees both large and small being lost. Amazingly, two variegated Spanish chestnuts which were lying horizontally were rescued.
The nursery production area is situated at the end of the garden, and to protect the view from the garden an avenue of fastigiate hornbeams were planted in 1996 and are developing nicely. These are spaced in converging rows and varying separation so as to increase the perspective.
Changes in the type of plants grown in the nursery naturally started to show in the garden which has become a useful collection of stock plants. Thus many more perennials both hardy and half-hardy are grown. The garden has also been a useful trial ground for the many hundreds of new plants collected over the years from all over the world.
Several new beds were added and others altered in shape to create the oval lawn in 1997 in order to give the garden a more coordinated design. Also beds have been made larger with paths and secret hiding places which are fun for children of all ages. Care has been taken not to develop the concert lawn on the South side of the property not only because this would spoil the view from the house, but we use this lawn as the picnic area during our annual charity evenings!
The trees planted over 20 years ago are now becoming established although many more have been planted recently. However, the gales in November 2002 caused considerable damage to many trees in the garden with the huge beech tree next to the pond being the main casualty. Fortunately it didn't fall into the recently renovated pond, although many beds were flattened. An oak tree snapped off 6ft from the ground and landed on our shade structure completely destroying it, and significant branches were broken off a Judas Tree, Catalpa, Blue Cedar, Nothofagus, Prunus and Ash. Luckily most of the newly planted trees survived undamaged. Another gale in January 2004 felled the large Chestnut tree at the top of the Avenue, so more replanting to be done here soon.
There are many more plans afoot to alter and extend - if only there was more time!
The area of the garden surrounding the Nursery Sales Area has been replanted and a new bed to show off Winter stem colours has recently been planted. Come and see our new copper water feature.
There are a few alterations to the garden since the extension of the sales area which are not included above.
Free Parking with 20 spaces extending to over 100 when dry. Please drive in.
Reference Books are available for your use, but please do not remove from the sales shed.
Advice is freely and willingly given - please ask.
We have a wheelchair for you to use. All parts of the garden and nursery are accessible to wheelchairs although there are three shallow steps down to the toilet, but:
Toilet. Planning permission is being sought to build a new toilet block including a disabled toilet.
Umbrellas may be borrowed from The Long Barn.
Self-service Refreshments including Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Canned Drinks, Chocolate Bars and outrageously delicious Home made cakes. An outside sitting area has been created so that you can enjoy these refreshments or your own picnic on picnic tables. Simple lunches will be available in 2010.
The nursery and garden are both open from March to Christmas at the same times as follows:
|
|
March to October |
November to Christmas |
| Monday | 9.00am - 5.00pm |
Closed all day |
| Tuesday | Closed all day |
Closed all day |
| Wednesday | 9.00am - 5.00pm |
Closed all day |
| Thursday | 9.00am - 5.00pm |
Closed all day |
| Friday | 9.00am - 5.00pm |
9.00am - dusk |
| Saturday | 9.00am - 5.00pm |
9.00am - dusk |
| Sunday | 2.00pm - 5.00pm |
2.00pm - dusk |
| Bank Holidays | 9.00am - 5.00pm |
Closed all day |
The office is closed at weekends.
Entrance to the garden is free, however, we would appreciate a voluntary contribution towards the cost of upkeep and improvement, particularly if you are not buying plants. A proportion of your contribution will go to support 'The National Garden Scheme'.
Conducted tours of the garden can be arranged for evening visits during the Summer months only. We regret that we cannot offer to give tours during normal open hours.
The price of £3.00 per person includes a glass of wine.
Plants may be purchased from the nursery on these occasions.
Coach parties are welcome by appointment only please so that we can ensure there are sufficient staff on hand and that refreshments are topped up!
We have dropped the entry charge to the garden, but would appreciate a voluntary donation of £1 per person towards the cost of upkeep, particularly for those not buying plants.
Large coaches cannot park on the property but can disgorge passengers at the entrance making it a short walk to both the garden and nursery. The High Street is narrow and usually busy with traffic so coaches should not park for long periods outside the property.
We recommend that you allow at least one and a half hours for your visit.
Please note that we have just the one toilet!
You may be interested in other places to visit in the area and also places to eat.
We now hold several events each year in conjunction with the RHS. Aubrey Barker hosts a Practical Propagation Day on Tuesday 7th April covering a wide range of propagation techniques including seed sowing, softwood and hardwood cuttings, division, grafting, layering and tissue culture. A tour of the nursery and garden plus an opportunity to get your hands dirty on the cuttings bench is included as well as a light lunch.
In October (20th and 27th) we are offering a full day on Autumn and Winter colour in the garden looking at not only the wonderful leaf colours but at bark and berries. Lunch also included on these occasions.
Tickets for the above should be booked by contacting the RHS direct on 0845 6121 253.
The nursery was established in 1968 to help pay for a gardener and as a means of selling surplus plants grown for the garden.
The first commercial act was to purchase 1000 cuttings of X.Cupressocyparis leylandii (then an exciting new conifer) and 1010 rooted! This inspired a large collection of over 350 varieties of conifer to be grown in the open ground for sale as specimens and hedging.
A short dabble in heathers and roses was quickly replaced by flowering shrubs. Seedlings from the garden were often potted up and grown on, and one such resulted in a most fortunate colour break - the first red flowered shrubby Potentilla 'Red Ace' was born. The huge success of this plant worldwide inspired us to introduce many other new plants both raised at Hopleys and introduced from overseas. (see Hopleys introductions for further details).
When Aubrey joined full time in 1982 the business expanded in several ways: more perennials were added to the list, a mail order service was started, garden design and planting was offered and exhibits were staged at shows throughout the country.
Collections of long flowering perennials such as Penstemon, Salvia, Diascia and Osteospermum were built up as well as a wide range of half-hardy perennials following plant collecting trips to New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Canada and USA.
David & Barbara retired to half an acre of good growing land in Dorset in 1990 and continued to grow many plants for the nursery from seed and cuttings.
Over 1500 varieties of trees, shrubs, perennials and rockery plants selected from the 6000 or so varieties grown at the nursery. Our catalogue changes by about 20% each year so that we can include new varieties and also bring back others.
In particular we offer a wide range of Campanula, Diascia, Euphorbia, Geranium, Helianthemum, Hemerocallis, Osteospermum, Penstemon, Salvia.
Nearly 300 varieties have been added since our last catalogue was issued. See full catalogue listings.
Free Parking with 20 spaces extending to over 100 when dry. Please drive in.
Reference Books are available for your use, but please do not remove from the sales shed.
Toilet.
Florist - with local, national and international delivery.
We have a wheelchair for you to use. All parts of the garden and nursery are accessible to wheelchairs although there are three shallow steps down to the toilet.
Umbrellas may be borrowed from the sales shed.
Self-service Refreshments including Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Canned Drinks, Chocolate Bars, as well as outrageously delicious home-made cakes and biscuits. An outside sitting area is available for you to enjoy these refreshments or your own picnic on picnic tables. You are welcome to picnic in the garden.
The nursery and garden are both open from March to Christmas at the same times as follows:
|
|
March to October |
November to Christmas |
| Monday | 9.00am - 5.00pm |
Closed all day |
| Tuesday | Closed all day |
Closed all day |
| Wednesday | 9.00am - 5.00pm |
Closed all day |
| Thursday | 9.00am - 5.00pm |
Closed all day |
| Friday | 9.00am - 5.00pm |
9.00am - dusk |
| Saturday | 9.00am - 5.00pm |
9.00am - dusk |
| Sunday | 2.00pm - 5.00pm |
2.00pm - dusk |
| Bank Holidays | 9.00am - 5.00pm |
Closed all day |
The office is closed at weekends.
No dogs are allowed.
All plants are given alphabetically. Comprehensive descriptions, prices and availability are given for each plant with the use of symbols and abbreviations in the same format as our published catalogue (Please send 5 first class stamps for a copy).
We often have plants available not listed in our printed catalogue. These are included on this website.
Note that plants cannot yet be ordered online.
Select first letter of Genus:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W X Y Z
Over the last 40 years we have introduced over 100 plants to the British gardening public from varieties bred at Hopleys, from other nurserymen and customers both here and overseas. The following list gives details of many of these. We gratefully acknowledge the help and generosity of the numerous people who have enabled us to do this.
- Abelia x grandiflora 'Hopleys'
- Abutilon x 'Cynthia Pike'
- Abutilon 'David Barker'
- Abutilon vitifolium 'Samford Pink'
- Alyogyne huegelii 'Santa Cruz'
- Antirrhinum majus 'Taff's White'
- Campanula persicifolia 'Pike's Supremo'
- Cedrella sinensis 'Flamingo'
- Clerodendrum trichotomum 'Hopleys Variegated'
- Commelina coelestis 'Hopleys Variegated'
- Coprosma 'Evening Glow'
- Cuphea hyssopifolia 'Riverdene Gold'
- Dianthus 'Cindy'
- Dianthus 'Pretty'
- Diascia barberae 'Hopleys Apricot'
- Diascia 'Coldham'
- Diascia personata 'Hopleys'
- Erica tetralix 'Phyllis'
- Escallonia laevis 'Gold Ellen'
- Evolvulus nuttalianus 'Blue Daze'
- Felicia amelloides 'Read's Blue'
- Felicia amelloides 'Read's White'
- Forsythia intermedia 'Spectabilis Variegated'
- Helichrysum bracteatum 'Skynet'
- Helleborus foetidus 'Chedglow'
- Iris sibirica 'Red Flare'
- Lavatera arborea 'Variegata'
- Lavatera 'Barnsley'
- Lavatera 'Pink Frills'
- Linaria purpurea 'Ansty'
- Lithodora diffusa 'Compacta'
- Lobelia 'Kathleen Mallard'
- Lonicera 'Horwood Gem'
- Malvastrum lateritium 'Hopleys Variegated'
- Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys'
- Origanum pulchrum 'Newleaze'
- Osteospermum 'Bodegas Pink'
- Osteospermum 'Buttermilk'
- Osteospermum 'Giles Gilbey'
- Osteospermum 'Hopleys'
- Osteospermum 'Pink Whirls'
- Osteospermum 'Silver Sparkler'
- Osteospermum 'Whirligig'
- Pelargonium 'Augusta'
- Pelargonium karooense 'Grollie's Cream'
- Pelargonium 'Phyllis' Variegated'
- Penstemon 'Barbara Barker'
- Penstemon 'Mother of Pearl'
- Penstemon 'Mrs Morse'
- Penstemon scouleri 'Hopleys'
- Phygelius 'Caborn Variegated'
- Polemonium caeruleum 'Hopleys'
- Potentilla fruticosa 'Cascade'
- Potentilla fruticosa 'Chelsea Star'
- Potentilla fruticosa 'Honey'
- Potentilla fruticosa 'Hopleys Orange'
- Potentilla fruticosa 'Hopleys Little Joker'
- Potentilla fruticosa 'Hopleys Pink'
- Potentilla fruticosa 'Pastel Pink'
- Potentilla fruticosa 'Red Ace'
- Potentilla fruticosa 'Royal Flush'
- Potentilla 'Silver Schilling'
- Primrose - over 50 double forms
- Primula auricula 'Coffee'
- Primula auricula 'Hopleys'
- Prostanthera melissifolia 'Pink Form'
- Prostanthera 'Poorinda Ballerina'
- Pyracantha coccinea 'Sparkler'
- Salvia patens 'Chilcombe'
- Salvia patens 'White Trophy'
- Scabiosa caucasica 'Mt Cook'
- Scabiosa 'Chile Pepper'
- Scabiosa 'Chile Sauce'
- Sphaeralcea 'Childerley'
- Sphaeralcea 'Hopleys Lavender'
- Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Coral'
- Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Pink'
- Tradescantia 'Blue 'n' Gold'
- Tradescantia 'Chedglow'
- Verbascum 'Helen Johnson'
- Verbena 'Glimmer'
- Verbena 'Pink Parfait'
- Veronica peduncularis 'Georgia Blue'
- Viola cornuta 'Tony Venison'
- Westringia fruticosa 'Wynyabbi Gem'
- Zauschneria californica 'Olbrich Silver'
- Zauschneria californica 'Western Hills'
We are looking for the following plants:
We operate a mail order service throughout the year excluding January & February.
Payment is required before despatch. Our aim is to despatch orders within 28 days of receipt, weather permitting.
Mail order prices shown in our catalogue apply to plants of the following sizes:
Rockery Plants 7cm (3") or 9cm (4")
Perennials & Small Shrubs 9cm (4") or 1litre (5")
Shrubs and Climbers 1litre (5") or 2litre (6")
If these sizes are out of stock, other sizes may be offered at corresponding prices.
The following Postage and Packing charges now apply: (we use UK Mail).
Mainland Britain £8.00 plus 10% of order value Northern Ireland £12.00 plus 10% of order value Please note that re-orders for unavailable plants do incur the Postage & Packing charge.
We shall advise you when your order is ready for collection. If we have not heard from you within seven days we shall assume your order is to be cancelled and the plants will be offered for sale.
To avoid delay when collecting, please give us at least 2 days notice of your visit so that we can assemble your order.
Please note our opening times.
Orders may be collected from any of the shows at which we exhibit excluding the Chelsea Flower Show.
Orders must be received in writing by the Monday of the week prior to the start of a show.
A charge of £2.00 is made towards the cost of administration. Payment is due on collection.
An advice note will usually be sent to you prior to the show; please bring it with you.
Orders not collected by 4pm on the last day of a show (unless by prior arrangement) will be cancelled, and the plants offered for sale.
Delivery can be arranged at a mutually convenient time for orders exceeding £500 to one address within 30 miles of Hopleys at a charge of £35.
At present we do not export although we are pleased to arrange phytosanitary certificates at cost if required. At least two weeks notice is required to do this.
We reserve the right to alter prices without notice.
Prices for plants vary according to pot size.
10% discount is given for 5 or more plants of one variety.
A 5% discount is given on orders exceeding £100 in value and 10% if the total exceeds £300.
See also Trade Terms
Cheques should be made payable to 'Hopleys Plants Ltd'
Visa, Access, Switch, Solo cards accepted (except at shows)
Postal Orders
Hopleys Gift Tokens
We do not accept National Garden Gift Tokens
We are on the Agriculture Flat Rate VAT Scheme which means that no VAT is included in our prices, nor is any chargeable. VAT rated customers may, however, reclaim a 4% addition --- please ask for a VAT receipt.
Substitutes of the same Genus may be offered when plants are sold out, but they will not be supplied until confirmation is received.
Every effort is made to name the plants correctly and supply them in good condition. Should you have any complaint with any plants supplied, please inform us in writing within 14 days of purchase. After this time, we can accept no responsibility.
Liability for all plants supplied is limited to the purchase price paid for them.
Coming Soon.
Coming Soon.
Trade terms are offered to Garden Designers, Landscapers, Nurseries, Garden Centres and Gardens open to the public for more than 6 months a year. Two trade references are required to prove your status as a trade customer after which you will be issued with a trade card entitling you to trade discount.
Please contact the nursery on 01279 842509
Plants that are rare, difficult to propagate or in short supply may not be eligible for discount. No other discounts apply.
We have no minimum order, but ask that customers benefitting from trade discounts should purchase within the spirit of wholesale.
We are on the Agricultural Flat Rate VAT Scheme so if you are not VAT registered we do not charge any VAT, so don't forget that our prices should be compared with other suppliers VAT inclusive prices! VAT rated customers may reclaim a 4% Flat Rate Addition.
Delivery by our own transport can be arranged at a mutually convenient time for orders exceeding £250 to one address within 30 miles of Hopleys at the following rates:
Orders under £250
Orders over £250
Within Much Hadham Parish
£5
£5
Within 5 miles
£20
£20
Within 10 miles
£35
£35
Within 20 miles
NA
£50
Within 30 miles
NA
£65
Within M25
NA
£80
Within London Emission Zone
NA
£150
Over 30 miles
NA
NA
Delivery is offered to kerbside only. We cannot accept any responsibility for damage to property should customers request us to enter their site.
Help unloading would be appreciated.
We reserve the right to charge customers who postpone a delivery if this entails unloading and reloading etc.
Courier delivery can be arranged to other areas of mainland Britain in which case trade discounts will not apply.
We do not export, but phytosanitary certificates can be obtained and will be charged for at cost.
We make no charge for collating orders but request 2 days notice of collection. Customers are asked to bring their own crates/boxes.
We will reserve plants for a maximum of 2 weeks following a confirmed order.
We do not operate customer accounts. All orders must be paid for on collection or before delivery.
Please feel free to ask the availability of any of the plants in our retail catalogue or indeed for any of your requirements - if we do not grow it, we may well be able to offer suitable substitutes. Send us your list and we will give you a quotation. Quotations are valid for a period of 4 weeks with offers subject to availability at time of order.
We guarantee that our plants are true to name and supplied in good condition. Any discrepancies must be notified to us in writing within 14 days of receipt, and if found to be upheld will result in replacement or a refund not exceeding the invoice value of the plants in question. After this time we accept no responisibility.
Orders are processed on the understanding that these Trade Terms have been accepted by the purchaser.
Date (2010) Event April 3rd, 11am
Family Easter Egg Hunt
May 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Hopleys Spring Plant Sale
May 7th, 3pm-5pm
Walk, Talk & Tea Garden Tour
August 20th, 3pm-5pm
Walk, Talk & Tea Garden Tour
August 28th, 7pm-9pm
Jazz in the Garden
October 15th, 3pm-5pm
Walk, Talk & Tea Garden Tour
October 30th, 31st
Cider Making Weekend
December 12th
Christmas Market
Christmas until March
Nursery, Garden and Tea Room closed
See dates for Shows, Exhibitions, Workshops, Courses and Open Days below:
Over the last 20 years we have exhibited at nearly 250 shows across the country and won gold medals at Chelsea Flower Show and Hampton Court Flower Show. We won the coveted award for most innovative display at the Gardeners World Show in 2006.
We have shown or will be showing at the following shows during 2010:
Dates (2010) Venue Award (2009) May 4th
Glorious Gardens, Furneaux Pelham, Herts
June 16th - 20th Gardeners World, NEC, Birmingham Silver Gilt July 6th - 11th Hampton Court Flower Show Gold July 18th
Chenies
September 10th - 12th
Wisley Flower Show
We would be pleased to bring your orders for you to collect from our display at these shows.
Date (2010) Event April 9th to 18th
Much Hadham Art Society Exhibition
June 12th to 20th
Sculpture Exhibition
We offer an increasing range of workshops run by well qualified tutors in our renovated Little Barn and in the gardens at Hopleys.
Date (2010) Event
Details
March 17th
10am-4pm
Basketry
Garden Willow Weaving
with Sandra Barker
Explore the variety of ways woven willow can enhance your garden. This is an opportunity to learn the craft and make anything from small plant supports, plant protectors, edgings to willow dragon flies. Suitable for any level of experience. Lunch available if requested.
Participants to bring: Secateurs, stanley knife, spray bottle, string, small weight (size, ½ brick), ruler, old cloth (like a curtain to wrap the materials in).
Tickets £40
March 26th
10am-4pm
Floristry
Spring has Sprung
with Fiona Franklin
With fresh ideas using spring flowers we will make 2 or 3 stylish designs with a contemporary twist that will reflect the season and be suitable to enhance anyone’s home. The day will include tips and advice on how to make the most of your spring flowers. Suitable for beginners and the more experienced. Lunch available if requested.
Participants to bring: Scissors and secateurs, suitable clothing/apron, closed in shoes.
Tickets £68 (includes significant materials costs)
April 7th or 9th
11am-4pm
RHS Event
Shrub and Perennial Propagation
with Aubrey Barker
Come and enjoy a mix of lectures and hands-on demonstrations on all aspects of a wide range of propagation techniques including preparation of stock plants and aftercare. Suitable for all levels. Lunch is included.
Participants to bring: Warm clothes and stout shoes.
£45 (RHS members £36).
April 21st and 23rd
10am-4.00pm
Botanical Illustration
Spring Blossom
with Gael Sellwood
This is a chance to spend 2 days drawing and then painting in watercolour a study of the beautiful blossom found in the garden at this time of year. The workshop involves demonstrations and individual and group tuition. Suitable for either near beginners or more experienced painters. Lunch available if requested.
Extra costs to participants: Paper is available for sale – about £2 per sheet.
Participants to bring: Watercolour paints, brushes, pencil, rubber, dividers, palette, hot pressed watercolour paper, drawing board. Brushes can be loaned on the day.
Tickets £75 (2 days)
April 28th 10am-1pm or
2pm-5pmSpring Pruning
with Jan Adams
In these sessions learn about the different methods of pruning and why some plants must be pruned in the spring. It will include a practical session in the garden at Hopleys with some ‘hands-on’ pruning followed up with time for questions and answers. Suitable for all gardeners, although some knowledge of plant names would be useful.
Participants to bring: Garden shoes/wellies, warm clothes and coat, gloves, secateurs.
Tickets £25 (each session)
May 14th
10am-4pm
Floristry
Summer Floral Surprise
with Fiona Franklin
Perhaps you have enjoyed our spring floristry workshop and in this session we will be using beautiful summer flowers. We will make 2 or 3 arrangements with a contemporary twist that will reflect the season and enhance anyone’s home. The day will include tips and advice on how to make the most of your summer flowers. Suitable for beginners and the more experienced. Lunch available if requested.
Participants to bring: Scissors and secateurs, suitable clothing/apron, closed in shoes.
Tickets £68 (includes significant materials costs).
June 11th
10am-4pm
Drawing for Beginners
with Alison Showell
Spend a day drawing from observation in the garden, learning how to create interesting compositions and dealing with perspective, scale and form. The session will also cover shading techniques to create depth and texture. Should the weather be inclement, then we will draw from a still-life arrangement. Suitable for beginners or students with some experience. Lunch available if requested.
Participants to bring: A3 cartridge paper sketch pad, sketching pencils (HB/2B/3B/4B), putty rubber.
Tickets £32
June 25th 2pm-5pm
RHS Event
Behind the Scenes at Hopleys
with Aubrey Barker
Join us for an illustrated talk on the history of Hopleys Nursery and Garden over the last 40 years, including a discussion on the plants we have grown and introduced. This includes a guided tour of Hopleys Nursery and Garden showing current practices. This event is also available on 22nd October. Suitable for all levels.
Tickets £15 (RHS members £12)
June 30th
10am-4pm
Botanical Illustration
Painting the glory of the garden from the herbaceous border
with Gael Sellwood
Drawing and then painting in watercolour the glorious flowers and colours in the herbaceous border. Any unfinished work can then be completed at home. The workshop involves demonstrations and individual and group tuition. Suitable for either near beginners or more experienced painters. Lunch available if requested.
Participants to bring: Watercolour paints, brushes, pencil, rubber, dividers, palette, hot pressed watercolour paper, drawing board. Brushes can be loaned on the day.
Tickets £40. Extra costs to participants: Paper is available – about £2 per sheet.
July 16th
10am-4pm
Landscape Painting
Mixed Media
with Alison Showel
A day spent drawing and painting from observation in the garden. We will use a combination of oil pastel and watercolour to create a striking composition, looking at colour, form and texture. If appropriate, other materials will be introduced such as gouache or acrylic. Photographic reference will be used if the weather is inclement. Suitable for students with some drawing/painting experience. Lunch available if requested.
Participants to bring:
Drawing board, 2 large sheets of watercolour paper (140lb weight)
Pencils (2B/3B),
Basic watercolour set – brushes/palette/water pot,
Gouache or acrylic – yellow, blue, red, white.,
Oil pastels (not necessary, as these can be supplied)Tickets £32
July 28th
10am-1pm
Ceramics
Throw a Pot
with Jane Sleator
Test your throwing skills. Have you ever tried to throw a pot on the wheel? Here’s an opportunity to discover how it is done. Make and decorate your own pot under the guidance of a qualified potter. If you cannot make this date, there’s another opportunity on August 25th. Suitable for both adults and children (aged 6 and above).
Participants to bring: Apron and an old shirt.
Tickets Adults £30/Children £20. (Includes significant materials costs).
July 31st
10am-4pm
Photography
An Introduction to Digital Photography
with Alexandra Murphy
An opportunity to learn how to get better results with your digital camera. This workshop will go through the basics of camera and compositional skills and will be supported by visuals, handouts and the opportunity to practice the skills under guidance in the garden. Suitable for beginners, preferably those with a manual exposure mode on their cameras. (Please come equipped with your own camera). Lunch available if requested.
Participants to bring: Own cameras, operating manuals for cameras, pen and paper, spare camera battery/battery charger, spare memory card, tripods (if owned).
Tickets £60
August 25th
10am-1pm
Ceramics
Throw a Pot
with Jane Sleator
Another chance to test your throwing skills. If you came in July then this session will extend your skills, or if it’s your first time here’s an opportunity to discover how it is done. Make and decorate your own pot under the guidance of a qualified potter. Suitable for both adults and children (aged 6 and above).
Participants to bring: Apron and an old shirt.
Tickets Adults £30/Children £20 (includes significant materials costs).
September 15th
10am-4pm
Basketry
Make a Basket in a Day
with Sandra Barker
Explore the fascinating traditional craft of willow basketmaking, its techniques, cultivation and history. We will make a small fruit basket or platter using the wonderful mixed colours of English willow. Suitable for any level of experience. Lunch available if requested.
Participants to bring the following items if available: Secateurs, stanley knife, spray bottle, string, strong cardboard box (fruit tray ideal) small weight (size, ½ brick), ruler, old cloth (like a curtain to wrap the materials in).
Tickets £40
October 8th
10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm
Autumn Pruning
with Jan Adams
Learn about different methods of autumn pruning and then put this knowledge into practice with a practical session in the garden at Hopleys with some ‘hands-on’ pruning. There will then be a round up talk answering any questions. Suitable for all gardeners although some knowledge of plant names would be useful.
Participants to bring: Garden shoes/wellies, warm clothes and coat, gloves, secateurs.
Tickets £25 (each session)
October 13th
10am-4pm
Botanical Illustration
Autumn fruits from the garden
with Gael Sellwood
If you attended the blossom workshop then you could add the fruit to your work, or just be delighted with the glowing and rich pickings from the garden, drawing and then painting a study in watercolour. The workshop involves demonstrations and individual and group tuition. Suitable for either near beginners or more experienced painters. Lunch available if requested.
Participants to bring:
Watercolour paints, brushes, pencil, rubber, dividers, palette, hot pressed watercolour paper, drawing board. Brushes can be loaned on the day.Tickets £40. Extra costs to participants: Paper is available – about £2 per sheet.
October 22nd
2pm-5pm
RHS Event
Behind the Scenes at Hopleys
with Aubrey Barker
Join us for an illustrated talk on the history of Hopleys Nursery and Garden over the last 40 years, including a discussion on the plants we have grown and introduced. This includes a guided tour of Hopleys Nursery and Garden showing current practices. Suitable for all levels.
Tickets £15 (£12 RHS members)
December 4th
10am – 1pm
Floristry
Christmas Wreaths
with Fiona Franklin
Learn how to make your own Christmas door wreath. This session will take you through the construction of your own wreath using blue pine and mixed foliage which will be decorated with a choice of natural or artificial sundries. Suitable for beginners and the more experienced.
Participants to bring: Scissors and secateurs, suitable clothing/apron, closed in shoes.
Tickets £38 (includes significant materials costs).
December 4th
2pm-5pm
Floristry
Christmas Flowers
with Fiona Franklin
In addition to our morning workshop we will be making an attractive design to take home which will be suitable for the Christmas table. This will incorporate candles, fresh flowers and a touch of glamour! Suitable for beginners and the more experienced.
Participants to bring: Scissors and secateurs, suitable clothing/apron, closed in shoes.
Tickets £38 (includes significant materials costs).
About our Course Tutors:
Jan Adams has 15 years experience as a garden designer and 25 years experience as a professional gardener whilst also looking after her own 5-acre garden.
Aubrey Barker is the owner of Hopleys Plants and has extensive horticultural knowledge propagating and growing plants. He is keen to share this experience and has for some time been delivering lectures, tours and demonstrations.
Sandra Barker is a Yeoman member of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers working for societies such as English Heritage, National Trust, Workshipful Company of Basketmakers Association, and the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust. Her aim is to preserve every aspect of her craft through workshops, course and lectures country wide.
Fiona Franklin holds a National and Advanced Certificate in Floristry and has taught at Capel Manor. She is a freelance florist combining working at a local Florist shop whilst also taking classes and workshops.
Alexandra Murphy is an independent photographer and has been delivering photography courses and workshops since 1995 to a wide spectrum of learners and participants, in Higher Education, Further Education and Art organizations.
Gael Sellwood is a member of the Society of Botanical Artists and is an experienced botanical artist and qualified teacher. Working mostly in watercolour she produces highly detailed plant and flower portraits using live plant specimens.
Alison Showell initially trained as a book illustrator but has been teaching art classes for 18 years at Hertford Regional College in addition to running private classes. At the College she teaches students up to A level as well running leisure painting and drawing classes.
Jane Sleator is a qualified ceramicist to degree level working in her own studio selling and exhibiting in galleries and outlets around the country.
Date (2010) Event May 23rd
Garden Open for St Elizabeth's July 24th Hopleys Charity Concert August 15th Garden Open for The Red Cross
Our festival of music, dancing, picnics and fireworks etc has become an annual event which we held for the 15th consecutive year on Saturday July 25th last year when we were entertained by The Bootleg Beatles. The purpose is to raise funds for charity whilst having a good time! Our selected charity for last year was Macmillan Cancer Support with approximately £4000 being raised for this worthwhile cause.
This year The Counterfeit Stones will be performing on 24th July - book now for tickets (Adults £24, Children £18).
Previous events:
Year
Main Feature Charity Supported Gift
1995
Pasadena Roof Orchestra Multiple Sclerosis £5000
1996
Opus One Retinitis Pigmentosa Research £5000
1997
George Thorby Orchestra St Elizabeths School & Home £5000
1998
Real Steel Action Research £5000
1999
Souled Out Much Hadham Youth Groups £5150
2000
Zig Zag Band Much Hadham Millennium Party N/A
2001
Opus One Cystic Fibrosis & Prostate Cancer £7600
2002
Fri - Diarmuid O'Leary & The Bards (Irish night)
Sat - John Olivers 'Live' (Popular classics)Children with Autism
Mencap (Grove Cottage)
Much Hadham Recreation Trust£6500
2003
Fri - The Overtures
Sat - Humphrey Lyttelton & His BandIsabel Hospice, Willow Trust
Much Hadham Recreation Trust£8800
2004
Fri - Fairport Convention
Sat - John Olivers 'Live' (Popular Classics)Leonard Cheshire, Isabel Hospice
Much Hadham Recreation TrustNil
2005
The Rockin' Armadillos Local charities £1300
2006
The Swinging Blue Jeans
Much Hadham Scouts
£1300
2007
Bjorn Again
Motor Neurone Disease Association
£7890
2008
Queen on Fire
Herts Air Ambulance
£13006
2009
Bootleg Beatles
Macmillan Cancer Support
£4000 ish
Each month during the year we shall be focussing on a specific groups of plants at Hopleys. A wide selection of varieties will be available on these occasions, so come and have a look.
Month (2010) Focus on March Hellebores
Hopleys is situated at the North end of the High Street in the village of Much Hadham, 50 yds north of the Bull Pub.
By Car from Cambridge - Take M11 South to Jn8. Turn right onto A120 bypassing Bishops Stortford towards Little Hadham. At Little Hadham turn left at traffic lights onto B1004. Follow for 2 miles into Much Hadham. We are on the right.
By Car from East London - Take M11 North to Jn7. Go through centre of Harlow following signs to Hertford and follow A414 for 2 miles. Turn right signed Hunsdon & The Hadhams. In Hunsdon, turn right at T junction. In Widford filter right onto B1004 from Ware and follow for 2 miles into Much Hadham. We are at the far end of the village on the left.
By Car from West London - Take A10 North until sign for A414 Harlow & Chelmsford. Follow A414 towards Harlow for 2 miles. Turn left signed Hunsdon & The Hadhams. In Hunsdon, turn right at T junction. In Widford filter right onto B1004 from Ware and follow for 2 miles into Much Hadham. We are at the far end of the village on the left.
By Car from Ware - Follow B1004 for 5 miles through Wareside and Widford into Much Hadham. We are at the far end of the village on the left.
By Car from Royston - Follow A10 South to Puckeridge. Turn left onto A120 to Standon. In Standon, turn right and follow narrow winding road for 3 miles. At T junction turn right into Much Hadham and we are on the right.
By Train - Bishop's Stortford, our closest station, lies on the Liverpool Street to Cambridge main line with frequent services.
By Bus - The 351 Lee Valley service runs between Bishop's Stortford and Ware every 2 hours. Alight by the village hall, 50yds from the nursery.
By Taxi - Premier Taxis offer a service from Bishop's Stortford Station (Tel 01279 655444)
By Plane - Stansted Airport is only 8 miles away with access at Jn8 on M11.
Once in Much Hadham, you will find us at the north end of the High Street, 50 yards North of the Bull Inn. A green sign overhangs the road.
Ring Nursery for details
Place |
Address |
Telephone |
Distance |
| Beth Chatto Gardens | Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DB. | 01206 822007 |
45miles |
| Capel Manor | Enfield | 22miles |
|
| Benington Lordship | Benington | 16miles |
|
| Langthorns Plantery | Little Canfield, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1TD | 01371 872611 |
16miles |
| Priorswood Clematis | Widbury Hill, Ware, Herts, SG12 7QH | 01920 461543 |
6miles |
Over the last 30 years we have been using wavy spades at Hopleys as indispensable tools. They cut through the ground with much less effort than the conventional shape as all your effort is transferred to the three points so that it penetrates the ground like a fork, and they are brilliant for moving shrubs or dividing perennials as they slice cleanly through roots. We have often been asked for the name of a supplier but this design seems to be impossible to obtain. So we have decided to offer them at Hopleys!
They are priced at £35 each for a good quality small stainless steel border spade 14cm (5.5") wide, 1m (39") long as illustrated and would make an ideal present. Postage and packing is £8.50 extra.
They are made to order, so allow 21 days for delivery.
We have a selection of fine large millstones available for purchase. The smallest is 43in diameter, 16in thick, weighing about 1.5 tonne . The largest is 72in diameter, 22in thick, weighing nearly 4 tonne. Contact Hopleys for further details.
LECTURES
Aubrey Barker gives lectures during the months of October, December, February and March. Please book early as dates are limited.
Plants can be brought for sale if requested. All equipment such as projector, screen etc is provided.
Note that conducted tours of the garden can be arranged during summer evenings.
- Bark & Berries - Slides & Plant Material
- Lovely & Smelly - Slides & Plant Material
- Variegated Plants - Slides & Plant Material
- The Modern Herbaceous Border - Slides
- Shrubs for the Small Garden - Slides
- Putting on a Show - Talk with some slides
- Winter Colour in the Garden - Slides
- Cottage Garden Plants - Slides
For evening lectures in 2009 a modest fee of £60 is made plus a contribution to travelling expenses of 35p per mile. Daytime lectures at £105 plus 35p per mile (higher fee because we have to employ someone to look after customers at the nursery during the day)
Jan Adams is the Garden Design expert that we recommend. She has 10 years experience in all aspects of design and garden maintenance together with an excellent plant knowledge. As part of our team at Hopleys, she has been involved with the design and setting up of many of our major exhibits at Chelsea Flower Show, Hampton Court and Gardeners World Live Shows.
Full garden design with scale drawings of the garden to suit any budget.
Full planting plans drawn to scale.
Revitalisation of existing gardens and tired borders.
Organizing any hard landscaping.
Procurement of plants.
Placing and planting.
Maintenance schedules.
General garden advice and consultancy.
Contact Jan Adams direct at Hopleys: Tel: 01279 841169. Mobile: 07796 495526.
Full details can be found on her website: www.janadams-gardendesign.co.uk
LINKS
We recommend the following Nurseries
| Specialities | |
| Bluebell Nursery | A wide selection of trees and shrubs |
| P.W.Plants | Bamboos, grasses, choice shrubs & perennials |
All of us at Hopleys are pleased to help with your enquiries although:
- To check progress of orders: ask for Aubrey
- To place an order: ask for Aubrey (please write in if possible)
- To check plant availability: ask for Aubrey or Jan
- For details of garden design: ask for Jan Adams
- For money matters: ask for Beverley
- If you would like a printed catalogue, please send 5 first class stamps.
Please note that the nursery is closed on Tuesdays, and that the office is closed at weekends. The telephone will also not be answered if we are already dealing with a customer - please try again. We have no answering machine.
Hopleys Plants Ltd, High Street, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, SG10 6BU
Telephone: 01279 842509
Facsimile: 01279 843784
Email: sales@hopleys.co.uk
Thank you for taking the time to read our web site which we hope you have enjoyed. We are in the process of completely redesigning it to allow purchasing online so let us know if you have any suggestions.
We look forward to doing business with you.
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