It’s been gold all the way this year for Fibrex Nurseries with the autumn show completing a run that started with the Malvern Spring Show in May.
The family-run business based near Stratford-upon-Avon has clocked up top honours at shows across the country including Chelsea, Gardeners’ World Live and Hampton Court.
Their stand at the Malvern Autumn Show has a mass of blousey begonia blooms at its heart, surrounded by ivies and ferns from the nursery’s National Collections.
Among them are the rare evergreen Polystichum setiferum ‘Plumosum Drueryi’. An evergreen British native, it is perfect for any shady spot, including the always tricky dry shade.
Noteworthy ivies include ‘Courage’, with bright green foliage, which responds best to good light.
Hedera helix ‘Courage’
Unlike some members of the ivy family, it’s restrained growth means it’s unlikely to get out of hand.
“It will take it’s time about it,” says Angela Tandy, who runs the business with her brother and sister.
And autumn colour is a winner with Hedera helix ‘Garland’, which develops lovely bronze tints, particularly in poor soil.
“If you grow it as a trailing plant, you get garlands of trails.”