Plantaholic’s Paradise by Helen Picton

Helen is third generation of Picton’s to run Old Court Nurseries and The Picton Garden in Colwall. Having trained as a Botanist at the University of Reading she has been running the nursery since 2009 with the help of her husband Ross Barbour. Co-Author of the 2014 book ‘The Plant Lovers Guide to Asters‘ and author of a number of articles as well, Asters or Michaelmas daisies are very much her speciality but a love of all plants has been key to the continued growth and success of the nursery and garden. The large collection, more than 400 varieties, of snowdrops now plays a key role in the garden and the winter garden aspect has been featured in a number of magazines including January 2024’s issue of The Garden. Tender succulents are also taking an increasingly important role both in the nursery and in the garden.

Old Court Nurseries was founded in 1906 by Ernest Ballard as the home for his Michaelmas daisy breeding programme. The Picton family became involved in 1947 when Percy Picton joined as nursery manager, later buying the business and continuing Ernest Ballard’s work with his son Paul Picton. Over the years the range of plants expanded to include alpines, bulbs, unusual trees and shrubs as well as the ever present Michaelmas daisies. In the early 1980s Paul married Meriel and together they founded the National Plant Collection of autumn flowering asters and related genre (aka Michaelmas daisies). It was also at this point that the garden was laid out to be a feature for visitors as well as stock beds. Helen and Ross are carrying on this important plant heritage and continuing to develop the garden and range of plants that can be found at Old Court Nurseries and the Picton Garden. As of September 2023 Old Court Nurseries also holds a National Collection of Polypodiums, a reflection of the great range of ferns found in the garden.

‘An oasis of peace and tranquillity’, ‘a hidden secret’, and ‘sensory delight’ are just some of the many lovely descriptions of the highly acclaimed, award-winning gardens set on 2.5 acres with a series of interconnecting gardens to beckon you with bright and beautiful blooms.

Stroll and admire each of the 16 gardens; listen to the dulcet sounds; touch, feel and smell the beautiful array of flowers, plants and trees; enjoy the unique sculptures and bask in the tranquil babble of the many wonderous water features throughout the gardens. Refuel with tasty treats from the delightfully colourful and spacious Café Thyme and perhaps pick up some plants to bring home from the garden centre or the local arts and gifts selection. Delta Sensory Gardens focus on the five basic human senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. The gardens offer a great opportunity to switch off from busy everyday lives and delight in the natural environment; appreciate the beauty, the sounds, the smells and enjoy the calm of this hidden oasis.