Eden Project

Countrywise uncovers Eden’s exotic treasures

Some of the treasures of the Eden Project’s “secret back garden” will be revealed in the new series  ITVs Countrywise.  Presenter Rachel de Thame was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Watering Lane nursery which provides many of the plants for the outdoor exhibits  and Biomes.

Rachel was met by our very own Roger Wasley (nursery manager) and skilled horticulturist Tim Grigg who gave her an insight into our fantastic collection, including the Titan Arum, which has been nurtured from seed over several years. In its growing form the rare plant, a native of the Indonesian rainforest, looks like a cartoon tree, later it develops into the world’s biggest, smelliest flower before collapsing and dying and given off a foul-smelling odour, lending it the popular name of corpse flower.

Rachel also took a look at our quanrantine facilities. Plants brought in from other locations are kept in quarantine to make sure they have no pests or diseases before they go up to the Biomes.

Back at the main site, co-presenter Paul Heiney talks to Eden chief executive Tim Smit about the origins and aims of the project, and looks ahead to the many exciting projects being developed, including the second annual Big Lunch on July 18. Paul also sees how Eden’s “sky monkey” gardeners ascend ropes to heights of 50 metres to trim the fast-growing balsa and kapok trees in the heights of the Rainforest Biome.

The programme, the second in the second series of Countrywise, is due to be broadcast at 8pm on April 5- don’t miss it!

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Horticulture, Tourist attraction