May 6, 1905. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
37 9 
Round the Nurseries. 
The Elsenham Hardy Plant Nursery. 
If one travels on the main line of the Great Eastern Railway 
from London to Cambridge, one cannot fail to notice when 
some thirty-five miles from town the extensive hardy plant 
nursery of Mr. H. C. Pulliam, situated on the left-hand side of 
the line, as the whole of the nursery—some ten acres.in extent 
_is plainly visible from the carriage window if one is not too 
deeply engrossed perusing the pages of The Gardening W orld. 
Throughout the country there are many establishments of the 
kind, but it is doubtful whether one would find a nursery 
possessing better advantages for cultivating hardy plants, trees 
and shubs, as it lies in a very exposed part of Essex, and the 
soil consists entirely of deep, heavy loam. A natural water¬ 
way which has been much enlarged is also a distinct advantage, 
and has been utilised largely for growing all kinds of aquatic 
plants. Although not a nurseryman of many years’ standing, 
Mr. Pulliam lias got together a veiy large collection of all the 
best and rare hardy plants. He is also a prominent exhibitor 
at the Temple and fortnightly shows of the R.H.S. in addition 
to several other exhibitions in the country, and has won several 
medals for his exhibits. In the study of this most inteiesting 
branch of horticulture Mr. Pulliam has spent 
many years, and any hardy-plantsman who 
enters into conversation with him will quickly 
find that he has a thorough knowledge of 
everything appertaining to their culture ; and 
if travellers alight at Elsenham Station with 
the object of spending a few hours very 
pleasantly they cannot do better than wend 
their way to> the hardy plant nursery, where 
Mr. Pulham is ever ready with his courtesy 
and knowledge to conduct visitors round the 
establishment. 
The most important feature is undoubtedly 
the extensive rock garden built by Messrs. 
Pulham and Sons, of Broxbourne, and it is 
probably one of the largest in the country. 
It is composed of large boulders which are 
suitably placed for the growing of all kinds of 
alpines, and between the various parts are 
grass paths and pools of water surrounded 
with natural stone. This gives a very pleas¬ 
ing effect, and the planting of the rockery has 
been canned out on a bold scale, all kinds 
of shrubs, deciduous and evergreen, such as 
the dwarf Conifers, Pernettyas,Berberis Thun- 
bergii, and B. stenopliylla, being especially 
noticeable. A large collection of Cistus, 
Helianthemums, Veronicas, and the like, suit¬ 
able for planting large and small rockeries, are 
placed in groups, which gives a much better 
effect than when planted singly. All the other forms of 
rock plants are also' growing in large masses and give 
a beautiful display as one succeeds the other in flower. 
It is not possible to mention all the plants of interest, 
but notice should be taken of a fine collection of Aubrietias, 
the best being Fire King, Dr. Mules, Souvenir de 
Win. Ingram, and Moerheimii. These in some cases were a 
yard across and completely clothed large rocks with their 
compact growth and sheets of flower. The various forms of 
Alyssum saxatile w T hen well grown prove valuable for produc¬ 
ing a fine show of colour, and though of easy culture, are among 
the most pleasing of alpines. Alyssum saxatile fl. pi., A. s. 
compactum, and A. s. citrinum were especially good. 
A large collection of Primulas is also a notable feature, and 
among the diverse forms and colours grown in masses were: 
Golden Queen, P. ciliata purpurea, P. marginata, P. viscosa 
major, P. viscosa nivalis, and P. calycina, all very beautiful 
and worthy of inclusion in any collection. The charming 
shrub Polygfala Chamaebuxus and its white variety alba suc¬ 
ceed well at Elsenham, and when carrying large quantities of 
flowers are very attractive. The best double and single 
Hepaticas are grown in quantity, and the scarce double white 
was also in evidence. Erica carnea is used with marked effect 
on the rockwork and still remains one of the best shrubs for 
the purpose. The collection of Dianthus is a large one and 
comprises the best varieties for this form of planting; also 
encrusted and mossy Saxifragas which when grown in masses 
are seen to the best effect. Many were in flower, and par¬ 
ticularly good were S. oppositifolia and its varieties alba and 
splendens, all carrying sheets of bloom. The stock of Sax. 
longifolia should also be mentioned, this being very fine, 
though not in flower yet. Other fine plants on the rockery 
were Anemone Pulsatilla and alba, which appeared quite at 
home; Achillea Clavennae with silvery foliage; Megasea cordi- 
folia Stracheyi, of dwarf habit, with white and rose coloured 
flowers; many sorts of Thymes, Iberis, Arabis, etc. Mr. 
Pulham also has an alpine house, which contains many of the 
scarce varieties, and serves for propagating them. A few r of 
the most noteworthy were the new double Adonis amurensis, a 
charming plant flowering well; Onosma tauricum and albo- 
roseum, Codonopsis ovata, Phyteuma comosum, Incarvillea 
grandiflora (a fine variety), and Oxytropis campestris. In the 
nursery ground there are large beds of the better-known 
subjects, such as Montbretias, a large collection of the best new 
Michaelmas Daisies, Chrysanthemums, Hemerocallis, and also 
some fine beds of Narcissus, these all making a fine displat in 
their respective seasons. 
On one side of the nursery Mr. Pulham has planted a very 
fine herbaceous border about 12 ft. wide, which contains all the 
subjects best suited for the purpose, and as these are planted 
in groups of a sort, the best results are obtained. Anothei 
border of the best flowering and foliage shrubs is also a con¬ 
spicuous feature. One might write much more of the varied 
charms of Elsenham and the good things to be seen, but I have 
already encroached on valuable space. K- E. 1. 
Loniceea tatarica grandiflora has pink flowers about twice 
the size of those of the type, though in other respects it does 
not seem to differ. It is a distinct and beautiful subject tor 
shrubberies and brighter than L. alpigena. 
A field of Daffodils at Elsenham. 
