Holder: Hallsworth, Mr C
Address: Mr C Hallsworth, 27 The Promenade, Maylandsea, Essex, CM3 6AR,
Telephone: 01621 740994
E-mail: c.hallsworth@btopenworld.com
Description: Bergenias bred by or associated with Eric Smith
Opening Times: By appt
Entry: Donation to NCCPG.
Directions: Take Maylandsea turning on Latchingdon-Bradwell rd; 5th turning on R.
Facilities: Toilets available. Plants for sale. Mail-order sales.
Status: Full
National Plant Collection® of Bergenia (Eric Smith cvs.)
This small National Collection is held by Chris Hallsworth in Maylandsea, near Maldon. The collection of 12 rarely seen cultivars represents the work of the famous plant propagator, Eric Smith., during the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. Eric worked as an herbaceous plant propagator at Hilliers Nurseries (Winchester) for a number of years before becoming associated with other famous gardens such as Hadspen House and Buckshaw Gardens - The Plainsman’s Nursery. He also was friendly with Beth Chatto during the formative years of her garden at Elmstead Market, Essex.
Eric Smith worked with a number of other plant genus’ as well as Bergenias and many of the plants he bred are still well known garden plants. Hosta’s and Hellebore’s were a particular favourite of his but he also worked with Kniphofia, Agapanthus, Crocus and Symphytum. Gardeners will recognize Hosta ‘Blue Moon’, Hosta ‘Gold Leaf’, Hosta ‘Hadspen Blue’, Kniphofia ‘Painted Lady’, Brunneria ‘Hadspun Cream’, Schizostylis coccinea ‘Sunrise’ and Symphytum ‘Goldsmith’ to name but a few. His work with Bergenia is best recognized by the group of cultivars named after composers whose names began with the letter ‘B’ such as ‘Beethoven’. Eric Smith sadly died in 1986.
The garden at Maylansea is small and not generally open to the public however interested persons are welcome and should contact Chris Hallsworth to arrange a visit. Flowering time varies slightly from year to year but there is bloom to see during late March and April.