Collection of Plants

PLANTED by succeeding generations of owner-gardeners, Altamont contains a collection of trees dating from 1750 to the present day. In the Ice Age Glen can be found stately sessile oaks of over 500 years old. There is an extensive collection of Sorbus, Quercus, Acer, Cornus, Nothofagus and Rosa and many fine examples of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and bulbs. Especially evident are Galanthus (snowdrops - 40 different varieties), Narcissus (daffodils - hundreds of varieties), Lilium, Colchicum, Cyclamen and Sternbergia.

THE ESTATE gains much of its character from the many mature trees, both natives in the avenues and woodland areas, and exotic specimens throughout the garden. Many of the trees in the avenues date from the 18th century whereas most of the mature exotics were planted in the 19th century. These are interplanted with a very varied selection of more recently planted specimen trees.

THE GARDEN contains many borders, intensively and informally planted with shrubs, herbaceous plants and bulbs. The formal Broad Walk with its clipped Irish yews contains collections of floribunda and shrub roses, underplanted with bulbs and violas.

THE SOIL pH enables a wide range of plants to be grown successfully including acid lovers such as Rhododendron, Camellia and Embothrium.

Principal Collections:

EXCEPT in a few cases, collections are not grouped together. Because of the informal nature of the garden, species and cultivars of each genus listed below tend to be spread throughout the garden and estate.

Conifers:

ALTAMONT contains a good selection of fine mature specimen conifers including species of Abies, Cedrus, Chamaecyparis, Pinus, Taxus, Sequoidendron and Araucaria. Other conifers planted in the last 50 years and becoming established are Taxodium, Metasequoia and cultivars of Chamaecyparis and Thuja. There is also a collection of Dwarf Conifers, displaying an interesting range of form and foliage colour, including cultivars of Cryptomeria, Juniperus, Pinus, Thuja and Tsuga etc.

Broadleaved Trees:

THERE are a significant number of genera of broadleaved trees. The largest collections are of Sorbus, Acer and Quercus, but there are also good representations of Nothofagus, Eucryphia, Malus, Prunus and a fine collection of Cornus. There are several good specimens of Hoheria sexstylosa and Embothrium coccineum.

Shrubs:

THERE are extensive and varied shrub plantings, the most important collections being of Rhododendron and Rosa. The Rosa collection covers all rose types but there is a particularly fine collection of shrub roses. Other genera well represented are Camellia, Pieris, Magnolia, Hydrangea, Viburnum and Budleia.

Herbaceous Perennials:

A WIDE selection of perennials are present due to the variety of conditions available: natural shade areas; sunny dry borders; and damp beds around the lake, ponds and streams. The most significant collections are of Crocosmia, Hosta, Geranium, Iris, Helleborus, Primula, Phormium and Viola.

Bulbs, Corms and Tubers:

THE COLLECTIONS in the group play a very important role at Altamont in maintaining colour and interest throughout the seasons. In the Spring, very good collections of Galanthus and Narcissus can be seen, containing many species and named cultivars. In the Autumn, Colchicum and Cyclamen are the main collections although these two genera are important due to their quantity rather than number of species. For the Summer, there are a good number of Lilium.

Climbers:

THE HOUSE, courtyards and other walls are well clothed with collections of climbers including Hedera, Lonicera and Jasmium. However, the most important are Rosa (climbers and ramblers), and Clematis which are, in many cases, grown to scramble over trees and shrubs.

Herbs:

THERE is a good collection of culinary and medicinal herbs in the Herb Garden, including many decorative leaved cultivars. In particular, there are a good number of species and forms of Mentha, Thymus and Origanum.

Ferns:

A FERNERY is being developed at the north end of the lake which already contains a good selection of hardy native and cultivated ferns.

Specimen Plants:

The following are especially fine individual specimens,
or of particular importance:

Pinus sylvestris - Scots Pine. Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Kilmacurragh'. Rhododendron augustinii. Quercus ilex - Holm Oak. Mespilus germanica - Medlar. Cedrus deodara - Deodar Cedar. Fraxinus excelsior 'Pendula' - Weeping Ash. Cornus kousa 'Chinensis' - Chinese Dogwood. Saxegothaea conspicua. Metasequoia glyptostroboides - Fossil Tree. Davidia involucrata - Handkerchief Tree. Quercus petraea - Irish Oak. Quercus Cerris - Turkey Oak. Quercus x hispanica 'Lucombeana'. Liriodendron tulipifera - Tulip Tree.