National Collection

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Planting a national collection isn’t simply about acquiring as many cultivars as possible. At Nobut Manor, the Veronica collection has grown slowly, organically, and with thought – shaped by climate, soil, and personal preference as much as taxonomy.

 

The collection is housed at the far end of the vegetable garden, in full sun and relatively sheltered. This south-facing spot is enclosed by hedges, a barn, and an embankment, providing wind protection and the well-drained but moisture-retentive soil that Veronica thrive in.

 

Over time, it has become not just a catalogue of cultivars, but a living tapestry of colour, form, and bloom sequence. Living with the collection has meant observing closely: noting differences in growth habit, flowering times, pest resistance, and longevity. It’s meant unexpected favourites and the occasional disappointment.