Larch Cottage Nursery

Visited on September 18, 2007

Larch Cottage Nurseries was included on the Cumbria, Lake District Internet site that my daughter had sent to me for vacation planning.  Interestingly, it is listed under a page called “Wildly different.” They labeled the nursery as unique, with one of the most comprehensive collections of rare plants in the country – a “shoppers paradise.”

A local newspaper labeled it as “The Lake District’s best kept horticulture secret.” Apparently the secret is out.  While visiting Holehird Gardens, the volunteer gardeners strongly recommended that we visit Larch Cottage.

Larch Cottage was my husband's favorite gardening destination. Dave has been a performing artist (singing and acting) and quickly recognized Peter Stott as a person whose artistic sensibilities and vision put him in a class by himself. Also, having been a craftsman in the building business, Dave appreciated the detailed craftsmanship in the creation of this nursery.  

Background

• Location – Larch Cottage Nursery, owned by Peter Stott, is located in Melkinthorpe, Penrith, Cumbria UK. The historic red-sandstone town of Penrith is referred to as the “Gateway to the Northern Lakes.” This predominantly farmland area, called Eden Valley, is above the Northern Lake District and beside the North Pennine mountains. The nursery was located in the small country hamlet of Melkinthorpe, approximately 4 miles south of Penrith. It is easily accessed by car.
• Transportation – We took the train from Manchester to Penrith on a crisp, dry day. At the visitor centre on the main street we were told that bus transportation was not available to Melkinthorpe. We took a taxi, which was approximately $45.00 round trip. Taxis can be obtained at the bus station about two blocks from the visitor's centre. 
• History – Larch Cottage is a nursery that evolved from Peter Stott’s own hard physical labor, an interest in the arts and horticulture, and skill in landscaping. According to an article in “The Garden” he had lived in London with a career as a freelance ballet dancer. He returned to his home area in the north where he became involved in landscape gardening. He acquired skills in masonry and stained glass window cutting and assembling, which he used in the creation of this nursery beginning in 1985. The manager of Larch Cottage at the time of our visit was Joanne McCullock, who has worked with him for a number of years.
• Marketing – Our visit to Larch Cottage Nursery was an unexpected break from traditional garden centres we had been visiting. Many of the same principles apply for making a business profitable for an owner, whether a nursery or a garden centre.  From conversations we had with other customers there, it was our impression that Larch Cottage Nursery had a base of serious gardeners that are loyal customers. Peter Stott created an unusual niche in the marketing world of horticulture. His advertising stated that they “specialize in unusual and old-fashioned perennials, old-fashioned roses, rare and dwarf conifers, climbers, alpines, and Japanese Maples”. They can provide over 15,000 varieties of rare and unusual plants. He stated in “The Garden” article that if he ”hears or reads about a rare or desirable tree or shrub I don’t stock, then I leave no stone unturned in acquiring it.” He has integrated his landscaping skills in hardscaping with artistic expression. With his knowledge of horticulture that enables him to grow his own stock, he has claimed a unique spot in a competitive business. After reflecting on our visit, I am of the impression that he has translated some of the theatre and art scene of London to this rural Cumbria area in the presentation of his landscaped gardens and the Red Barn gallery. What sets Larch Cottage apart from other businesses selling plants and/or landscaping products, are the two passions of art and horticulture combined into a living that goes beyond profit motive. His artistic temperament shows thru as the guiding force of his business.
• Service – There are educational classes provided at Larch Cottage by Peter Stott and other individuals with horticulture expertise. Upcoming events were posted on his web site. He also contributed articles for The Cumberland and Westmorland Herald newspaper. A mail order service was available on the web site stating that they ship plants, statues, and garden furniture world-wide. Joanne McCullock writes the plant catalogue, which contained approximately 11,000 plants with brief details.

Facility

• Structure – According to an employee at the nursery, the original structure consisted of row houses and grounds in derelict condition when Peter Stott purchased the property over twenty years ago.  Approaching the entrance, we noted an opened heavy oak door with a clock tower above, all built by Peter Stott. The stained glass windows on this structure and other buildings on the premises, were cut and assembled by him. A brick-patterned walkway led us past a collection of statues. A rough-hewn Italian-styled stone wall enclosed the display on the opposite side and continued around the perimeter of the nursery. A wooden bridge over the aquatic pond brings you into the greens, yellows, and reds of the nursery foliage. The Red Barn art gallery located next to Larch Cottage, was opened in June of 2005 by Peter Stott and Jean Wood. The building was an 18th century barn and stable, which was converted into a two-story gallery to showcase the work of contemporary artists.  Walking through the gallery we found paintings, sculptural pieces, glass, ceramics, and jewelry for sale.
• Access – Larch Cottage is located on the main, two lane road of the village with a small parking area on the opposite side of the nursery. There are nursery signs along the country drive from Penrith to keep you headed in the right direction. The facility itself is handicapped accessible.
• Traffic Flow – The layout was designed to lead the customer through the landscape to achieve both efficiency and esthetic objectives.  For example, the plant benches were laid out in traditional rows for easy maintenance and shopping.  The winding paths and strategically placed open arches in the walls, provided new vistas at each turn. 
• Appearance – From the entrance under the clock tower to the vegetable garden in the rear, the appearance of the nursery constantly changes. Brick herringbone patterns on the walkways throughout the nursery showed the detailed touch of an artistic landscaper. In other areas the use of slate laid in diamond patterns added to the richness of the plants displayed along the walkways. Combination stone and brick walls with rounded arched openings formed a theme, moving you forward. One of the paths ended with a STONE WALL ENCASED WITH THREE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS – vivid colored designs of a tree in each opening. 
• Environment – Each time you walk thru an arch you are presented with something different and unexpected.  Seemingly, the artist’s imagination opens the doorway into a past life with a Roman flavor. Italian tenor arias float through the sunshine, transporting the psyche into an altered consciousness.
• Signage
• Interior Signs – NA.
• Exterior Signs – Identification signs were marked on the benches and pots. In-ground plants had large markers next to each variety. Conifers and larger plants in pots were well marked with commercial tags. As if leading you by the hand, the paths and doorways move you from one garden display to another, each with its own theme and place in time.
• Displays
• Interior Displays – NA.
• Exterior Displays – The nursery itself is the display. Peter Stott's interest in the theatre is shown in the display and placement of his unusual plants, original sculpture, and garden-related merchandise. Established in-ground plantings surround the perimeter of benches on concrete blocks. Large sculptures are placed throughout the plantings as well as on the brick walls surrounding the perimeter of the nursery. My favorite was the STAG placed within the tangle of late season blooms of phlox.

Plants

• Outdoor Plants – The categories of plants that were found at Larch Cottage ranged from herbaceous perennial flowers, antique and species roses, herbs, alpine and rock garden plants to bamboo. Hardy fruit trees, berries, and herbs were available. Ornamental trees, shrubs, and Japanese maple were seen. The pond displayed native bog and wetland plants. The Araucaria araucana, or MONKEY-PUZZLE TREE is an example of an unusual conifer that was grown at this nursery and would not be found in typical garden centres. My favorite perennial in bloom at the time was CENTAUREA MONTANA 'PARHAM' (or perennial cornflower, or knapweed.) Another choice perennial in healthy bloom was Acanthus Mollis (Bear’s Breeches) as well as Rosa alba, the wedding day rose suited for the northern climate. His interest in woody plants is obvious by the large collection he displays.  Many of these unusual varieties are not found in commercial garden centres. A recently constructed trellis in the garden had the beginnings of grape vines wrapping across the lattice work.
• Indoor Plants – A Medieval plant house holds conservatory and tender plants. It was not open at the time of our visit.
• Warranty – I did not see posted warranties on the nursery benches. They did indicate on their web site regarding delivery of plants by carrier service that they “cannot be responsible for weather conditions or after care of plants following delivery.”
• Quality of Plants – Many of the plants are grown by Peter Stott in polytunnels off premises. He stated on his web page that the plants are very hardy since they are grown at his site and will tolerate most areas of the British Isles. The plants at the nursery were healthy. The specimens planted in ground were impressive examples of what a good gardener could display in their own landscaping.

Merchandise

• Gifts – They did not have a commercial gift shop. They did have items for sale such as copper wind dancer chimes, bamboo hand crafted chimes, stainless steel wind chimes, and cooper weather vanes, which would make nice gifts. The stoneware and beautifully designed pottery that was incorporated into the landscaping designs were for sale. Gift vouchers were also available on their web site.
• Food – The RESTAURANT at Larch Cottage prepares fresh food daily using organic ingredients (as much as possible). The kitchen garden also provides fresh organic herbs and vegetables for the restaurant. Examples of the garden produce that made it to the kitchen were purple sprouting broccoli, carrots, and garlic. Peter Stott indicated in his newspaper article that he has used Italian vegetable seed Franchi with great success in the garden. He has made these seeds available for purchase through the web site. The vegetable garden, soft fruit trees, and blueberry bushes were a recent addition to the nursery for restaurant use. The fine workmanship, from stained glass on the entrance door, tiled floors, brick and wooden beams as well as fresh flowers on the table, and Peruvian music provided an environment conducive to pleasurable dining. There is outside seating on a Spanish style veranda where an overlook of the gardens and pond can be enjoyed.  Since we have had the benefit of eating fresh food from our own organic vegetable garden and fruit trees, the restaurant fare was an much appreciated meal during our travels. The Larch Cottage restaurant provided MY FAVORITE MEAL OF THE TOUR.
• Seasonal – There were no seasonal displays.
• Clothing – I did not see any clothing for sale.
• Furniture – They carried several outdoor furniture items (tables and chairs).  I did recall seeing a solid teak bench for sale. The sign stated that the bench was in the style of Edwin Lutyen, one of the most important architects of the early 20th century.
• Stoneware – There were numerous exquisite statues of men and women in the Greco-Roman sytle.  There were urns imported from Italy. A large display showed gremlins, gargoyles, cats, squirrels, birds, and cupids. There was stoneware for hanging on brick walls.  We saw diverse birdbaths with pedestals. Buddhas of various shapes and sizes for the meditative gardener were in this collection. They also carried hand-carved items from Asia.  As I wandered thru the nursery I found a pair of lions guarding an entryway and a Greek god directing traffic.  A selection of beautiful but useful terracotta and glazed pots with artistic designs and patterns were available for the indoor and outdoor garden. These are pieces of pottery that I normally find at an art show rather than a commercial supplier.
• Gardening – There were no gardening products such as tools, fertilizer, etc. that are typical of garden centres.
• Aquatics – A NATURAL POND was complete with a wooden bridge and hardy aquatic native plants of Britain. Joanne McCullock had chosen plants for this pond that can survive the Cumbrain winters. Examples of the plants they provide for pond planting and the wet, boggy grounds were Veronica beccabunga (brooklime speedwell), Potentilla palustris (marsh cinquefoil), Typha minima, a bulrush suitable for small ponds and Cyperus longus (galingale).
• Structures – I did not see any merchandise structures (such as greenhouses or conservatories).
• Landscaping/Hardscaping – This is the strongest point since that is his business. Most garden centres have materials and a couple of displays.  Larch Cottage Nursery itself is an extensive display.
• Flower Shop – There was no flower shop.

Ecology

• Recycling – Compost bins on the premises were available for kitchen waste and garden debris. For mail order items they use (as much as possible) recycled packing products and cardboard boxes for their plants. Building materials are also reused.
• Environmental Policies – Providing customers of his restaurant with organic food from the cottage garden is a practical example of Peter Stott's concern for the environment and health of his customers. He uses companion planting in his vegetable garden to deter harmful insects. An example he gave in his article with the Cumberland Herald was the carrot and garlic combination to ward off Root Fly attraction to carrots. This keeps chemicals out of the garden and maintains the organic philosophy.