The Lost World Nursery

Silver-Gilt here at Southport Flower Show, a medal I'm more than pleased with given the last 12 months. We had sunshine today too! 🌞

Sadly the show had to close before it had opened today. Airborne gazebos are not conducive to a safe family experience sadly. Thanks to everyone at Chorley Flower Show for their efforts, sometimes Mother Nature is a little too enthusiastic than we'd like.

Chorley Flower Show has been cancelled today due to high winds.

Well it's not my greatest display but it IS a display nonetheless and after the last 12 months it's a victory in itself 👍

Chorley Flower Show is open all weekend at Astley Park. If I don't see you there have a good weekend growing ☀️🌵🌴

Well it's been another long gap between Lost World updates again but I'm starting the setup at Chorley Flower Show tomorrow with help from my Super Sister Lou. My back is still on the mend and stamina is low but I'm looking forward to getting back in the metaphorical saddle 🌵🐴

In the meantime my Yucca friends can't get enough of this glorious sunshine ☀️ I hope you and your plants are reveling in it too. Happy growing folks 🙂

Today we had to say "see you later mate" to Gary Ennis. I've only know Gary for just over a year but he was the sort of person that once you'd met him you felt you'd always known him - and always would. He was friendly, kind hearted, generous and the sort of person it feels a privilege to know. Both Gary and Karen were very generous with their time and effort in helping me move the nursery stock back in March. It was greatly appreciated then and is a treasured memory now.

Tragically Gary was injured recently whilst cycling. He was in training for an Ironman Triathlon later this summer. He fought hard for two weeks in hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries. His funeral was today.

Well part of it was, the service had to be shortened as so many people spoke so lovingly of him and at such enthusiastic length that we didn't have time to hear all the readings. This is the only time I've been to a funeral and the minister has basically said "sorry folks, you've over run because you love him so much, you'll have to continue it at the bar". That's quite an endorsement of a life well lived isn't it? There were hundreds of people there and not everyone could fit in the chapel. One group even arrived on a chartered double-decker bus!

Gary's wife, Karen, vehemently instructed us, that under no circumstances are we to live our lives 'safe' despite what happened to Gary. It's not the Gary-way. So I don't intend to either.

Gary and Karen are staunch supporters of and tireless fundraisers for Alder Hey hospital. As such, a Just Giving page has been set up in their name and donations are more than welcome, irrespective of size. So please give generously.

Gary's last act was one of generosity too. He was an organ donor and today thanks to Gary numerous people are starting a better life thanks to him.

What a bloke!

May The Fourth be with you mate

Read Karen's story Karen is raising money to help Alder Hey Children's Charity

Long Overdue Update Alert!

Right, now that spring has sprung it seems apt to issue an update. Firstly, we are no longer in Hesketh Bank - so please don't travel expecting to find us there. Previous landlord Richard has now retired and we have moved to a new location. This location isn't open to the public however but I do aim to recommence mail order in the coming months. My back is, very slowly, on the mend and I'm feeling optimistic as regards a decent recovery - although I'm a doubt for the World Cup. I hope to exhibit at both Chorley and Southport flower shows this year. In the meantime it is a case of moving slowly and not doing anything stupid, rather like a plant emerging from winter dormancy. Anyway, I'll let you get back to your gardens as it's far to nice to be sat inside reading this waffle. I wish you sunny skies and moderate overnight temperatures 👍

Cheers,

Phil 🌴

Good evening Exotic Plant People, I hope late August finds your garden in fine form. As you may or may not have noticed things have been a little quiet on the Lost World front this year. The last 18 months have been difficult from a personal perspective and for that reason I had to withdraw from most show commitments in 2017. What 2018 holds we don't quite know yet but I do know that the nursery will be moving to new accommodation before Christmas. Both I and the plants are still here and I hope to attend some shows next year. Our website is in a process of reconstruction and as such, in the coming months I intend to place some select plants for sale on Facebook. That said, I am currently laid low by a suspected pr*****ed disc in my lower back so timescales are a little 'flexible' even if I am not. When I know more details I shall keep you informed. In the meantime, enjoy your gardens and let's hope autumn holds off for another month at least.

Regards

Phil 🌴

Aechmea nudicaulis var. capitata