Pan Global Plants - A Summer Garden Tour with Nick Macer

Today’s video is a special one for me - a visit to Pan Global Plants for a summer nursery garden tour with Nick Macer and an introduction to the range of exciting exotic plants, fascinating hybrids and beautiful rarities this rare plant nursery has to offer. Located in a stunning walled garden in Frampton-on-Severn, this Gloucestershire nursery is highly regarded as being amongst the most special of specialist plant nurseries in this country and offers a spectacular range of desirable plants. Featuring a group of the most monstrous ‘Great White Shark’ Agave plants you’ll ever see on UK soil (well, on a 60 tonne mound of MOT Type 1 grit!), a towering stand of imposing Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’ and a sensational grove of Phyllostachys vivax ‘Aureocaulis’ bamboo you can almost hear growing juxtaposed with beautiful perennial plants and gorgeous grasses; this nursery garden really should be a destination for all UK plant lovers and not just because of it’s handy M5 motorway links!
From rare trees you can’t buy anywhere else to bold and surprisingly hardy exotics and an encyclopaedic range of the most exquisite, majestic and striking forms of plant groups you thought you knew, Pan Global really is a treasure trove for adventurous plant enthusiasts. Whether keen beginners looking for tough garden plants with the WOW factor or knowledgeable plantspeople tracking down obscure plants on their ever-growing lists - I guarantee there is something for you here. With plants for deep shade, full sun and all UK garden conditions in between; the one factor uniting the diverse and eclectic range is Nick’s passionate belief that all these plants offer beauty and botanical interest rarely seen in UK gardens and deserve to be planted and appreciated more. Hopefully after watching this overview and seeing the plants growing at their best in the beautiful garden whilst facing real UK weather you will agree!
As a self-confessed plant nerd and modern day plant hunter, previous Gardeners' World regular presenter Nick has travelled extensively with his love of botany, propagation and all manner of wonderful plants taking him around the globe on an endless and obsessive hunt for the unusual and botanically diverse. This has inevitably created a curated range of plants at Pan Global which is a million miles away from the uninspiring and predictable offerings at mainstream garden centres and many larger plant suppliers. Whether you grow cottage garden plants, a more modern perennial-based prairie garden style or a bold mixture of big leaves and immersive plants - there’s hardy and exciting plants here that’ll really take your garden to the next level. If you’re very much a plant collector then I also hope Nick’s thoughts on softening your planting and creating a more naturalistic and varied garden landscape allow you to create a more flowing and beautiful environment to show off your prized specimens. More than just plant ideas, planting inspiration and practical garden design tips though; I hope Nick’s insights into how these plants grow and flow together in nature’s landscapes around the world inspire you to try something different and push the boundaries with your garden, no matter the size. As we both agree in the video, a beautiful and well designed garden is one thing, but a truly exceptional and stimulating garden with interest throughout the seasons can only be improved by a greater biodiversity and range of exciting planting beyond the mainstream choices.
Pan Global Plants website, online sales & rare plant catalogue: panglobalplants.com
Facebook: / panglobalplants
Instagram: / panglobalplants
Nick Macer Instagram: / nick_macer
Pan Global Plants address and contact details:
The Walled Garden, Frampton Court, Frampton-on-Severn, GL2 7EX
01452 741641
[e-mail]
0:00 Intro
1:55 Pan Global Plants Garden Tour - exciting shade plants and big leaves
7:45 Sunny, open & naturalistic garden area with grasses, perennials & how to soften your garden planting
11:21 Beautiful 'weeds', easy perennial filler plant ideas, garden design tips and plants for structure
14:37 Huge flowering Agave montana & ovatifolia, beautiful sun loving perennials & what makes an exciting plant
31:59 Trachycarpus wagnerianus ‘Waggy’ hardy palms growth rate & exotic structural plants
34:43 Giant Miscanthus grasses, plant repetition, Autumn colour, huge Tetrapanax ‘Rex’ and rare Dahlia
42:50 Beautiful Bergenias & giant Phyllostachys vivax ‘Aureocaulis’ golden bamboo - exotic plants for UK gardeners
49:11 Conclusion - grow a plant hunter's botanically rich garden for wildlife, seasonal interest & atmosphere
If you enjoy my videos and would like to say thanks for the price of a coffee then please head over to my Ko-fi here, any kind donations would be appreciated and all money is put towards creating more exciting content: ko-fi.com/georgesjunglegarden

[@YorkshireKRIS]

Quality video both in terms of visuals and conversation. The Agaves, bamboo and all the wonderful grasses

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Kris, I appreciate that. The temptation was there to purely produce a 'highlight reel' of the exotics but when you're somewhere as diverse as PGP and lucky enough to have Nick's input, how can you not explore the lesser known and more subtly beautiful plants too. I could absolutely see that Dahlia tamaulipana fitting in perfectly with your garden!

[@YorkshireKRIS]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Yes that Dahlia looked pretty unusual. Wonderful looking plant

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@YorkshireKRIS Certainly, the overall size and glossiness really are exceptional 😃

[@1ilgrillo]

I agree completely with Nick's view that, after the standard sub-tropical plants, why not put in a variation of something that no-one else and consider its long term characteristics over the season amd over its life cycle. That's obviously not a GC but a lifetime of collecting, learning, loving, expertise, a showroom. What a marvelous supplier.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Very true, that's it and exactly what I wanted to convey. If you're interested in tropical / subtropical / jungle / exotic plants then chances are you're also going to be interested in the huge range of rare plants out there, even if the differences can sometimes be more subtle. I think it's something you move onto over time and whilst the Agaves and bamboo were understandably my 'highlight' spectacles, I came away wanting an even larger range of plants. It really is fascinating to see Nick's plant journey and how it's influenced what he grows and offers plus a privilege to share it too.

[@GrowParadise]

Absolutely phenomenal tour George. Nicks collection and knowledge is incredible. So many fantastic nuggets of wisdom in this video👌

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks so much Craig and you’re absolutely right - the hardest thing was actually filming a walk through the garden against a time limit (which I may have gone over slightly 😬) when there were so many fantastic plants we could have stopped by and spent 5 or 10 minutes on! It was certainly an inspirational visit again for me and beyond the more basic tips about repetition and structure etc, I find it fascinating when people break down a planting scheme which visually works as a whole and how differently you then see it when you know the plants better. Happy to learn from Nick and share his wisdom and experiences and I’m pleased it made a good video!

[@tikitropicals65]

Watching this video I think theirs a deep passion their from you to help people create the best gardens they can that people may not always pick up on. From the design to repeat planting, finding the best version of plants to creating all year round interest and bringing life into the garden. These are all the details that are needed to create the one thing that makes a garden special. Atmosphere.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, that's very kind of you to say and I'm pleased you agree that the atmosphere is really what makes a garden special, however you get there with a blend of planting, hard landscaping, structure, design, sound etc. The enthusiasm was definitely ramped up for this one and yes, I guess ultimately, it's all about sharing what I find interesting and helping others get the same enjoyment out of their plants and gardens, wrapped up in KZbin packaging! I tend to lean into whoever I'm filming with for these kind of videos and try to get across what they do well, differently or have a lot of experience and knowledge in. In a garden like this, there's definitely a lot of practical tips to be teased out as well as the more general inspiration and unusual plant ideas so it was a privilege to be able to quickly visit and share it.

[@mrchuffy6535]

That vivax bamboo is incredible!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Absolutely, it's hard to convey the feeling of walking around it! Certainly a beast with that 'wow' factor!

[@missdimples1982]

Those Bamboo are really something special

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Aren’t they just, so chunky and majestic! The sound of them blowing in the wind is incredible too 😃

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

Amazing tour George. Beautiful waggy was the highlight for me of many. What strikes me about this video is two things 1. Modern day plant discoverers still live, breathe and operate. Nicks knowledge is amazing borne from miles and miles of travel together with years of experience. Incredible that in these modern times of internet etc that new discoveries are still being made by these true pioneers 2. There's a whole world of exotic-style plants I've never even heard of nevermind considered. You've certainly opened my eyes to the possibilities. Cheers to you both for the cool tour

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much and yes, that Waggy really is sensational isn't it - there's not much more you could want from a Trachycarpus is there! Regarding your two comments, I completely agree on both (as you might guess) and that's part of my fascination around Nick's experiences, knowledge and plants. I think it's easy to begin with the 'standard' exotics then slowly take a deeper dive into the other arid, tropical style plants and palms etc. as your knowledge increases. Visiting a place like this though, really does encourage you to think wider doesn't it. So many of the plants we class as standard garden centre fare or even natives (/weeds!) represent such a small example of the catalogue of exciting garden-worthy variants out there that even die hard exotic gardeners are missing out on if they don't include in their garden. Don't get me wrong, I'm obviously a huge fan of the full palmage and exotica experience but how cool do they look as part of a more varied and flowing landscape of more subtly unusual and cool plants. Something to think about for sure and I imagine there's a few plants mentioned in this video which could even complement the exotic planting of a high end hotel up north!

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

😂😂​@@GeorgesJungleGarden

[@TropicalGlos]

Just down the road from me, amazingf gardens and awesome plants

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Indeed! Well worth a visit even from further afield - you’re lucky to live so close though!

[@VanGorogh]

Thank you for the tour George! Absolutely wild nursery!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I’m pleased you enjoyed it! Yes, it’s a rare place for sure, so many botanical wonders 😃

[@user-nu1hz1mt7s]

Ha Ha your enthusiasm at the beginning was like WOW !! brilliant George its mad how we get so giddy over tropical plants ..take care buddy

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha cheers, probably a little too much enthusiasm for anyone who knows me in real life but it obviously comes from a genuine place and some of the plants at this garden really are sensational! It is indeed, but life's too short to not be passionate about and really go for your hobbies and interests isn't it! Thanks, all the best to you too.

[@helenazzopardi1713]

thanks george and nick, inspirational

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I’m pleased you enjoyed seeing it!

[@Plant_Mad_Paul]

Wahooooo waited a good while for somebody to post a walkround PanGlobal thanks George😁 great collection of plants and Nic’s knowledge is fantastic,, I’ve had a few plants from the mail order absolutely great healthy quality plants. If Only everything was always instock 🤣 great video George thanks

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha no worries, it's one from my 'bucket list' of UK nurseries to visit and I had the opportunity so went for it and I'm pleased Nick was happy to contribute. Great to hear that you've had positive experiences too. Regarding stock, yes, I think Nick is a real perfectionist when it comes to the quality and accuracy of the plants offered and I get the impression this does limit propagation options and sources compared to more mainstream garden centres. It can be a bit frustrating when you can't currently get all the plants you want to spread the postage over but what I will say is that it's worth leaving your email up against anything out of stock as they do regularly get items topped up and you get a email from them as soon as the plants are back in stock. I'm pleased you enjoyed the vid thanks and hopefully it's not another 5 years before I'm back again!

[@richardjohnson7984]

Hi George - this is just up the road from me! So glad you visited it! We stumbled across it on the hottest day of 2021 after a visit to Slimbridge wildfowl trust. Driving up the long driveway we were not sure what we were going to find! What an amazing show garden! To stand within established groves of tetrapanax and bamboo on the hottest day of the year we could have been anywhere in the world! One of the huge Agaves had a huge tower of a flower. wonderful place :-)

[@staffordshireShane]

I was down in march and picked up a schefflera nova and some epimediums . He had some fantastic mahonias so unusual . Well worth a drive down, you find plants you have never seen before . Great video and a great place to visit il be going again trying to get my hands on one of nicks unusual mahonias. I drive past twice a year visiting family so i will stop in on the way back again and see if he has any for sale .

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one Shane, always worth a visit and the cool Mahonias / Epimediums are exaxctly the kind of interesting plants I'm on about. Great evergreens, generally tough plants and you may as well go for something a little bit special as well as your usual garden centre varities. Well worth popping in if you're passing like you do!

[@milkweeddreams8828]

WOW...I dropped a few large 6ft yucca starts into a corner temporarily until I found a place for them and I just noticed a large flower stalk...I guess a new garden is formed and time for me to create in that corner...that bamboo, oh my, after 3 years my golden bamboo has finally reached those cane sizes and the sound those glorious clumps make, paradise indeed...thanks for this tour and now back to the trimming...!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Fantastic, it's great when that happens and some planting you didn't expect a lot from suddenly takes you by surprise! I guess for you, a lot of these plants are quite typical in terms of the sizes and variety but over here it really is a treat to see so much in one place and I'm pleased you enjoyed watching it! Happy gardening!

[@user-xx8bj3so1e]

Дякую за прекрасний видио😊

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Большое спасибо за просмотр!

[@Tminus89]

Perfect timing George! I just sat down and was going to select a video to watch during diner, but there it was. No searching needed 😎 Starting off strong with that slow mo shot of the bumblebee in the intro, proper eyecandy (in Dutch we'd call it a Hommel and not a Bij which is our word for a bee, but Google translate said it's also called a bumblebee in english)

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Pleased to hear it! Thanks, I quite liked that bee shot so it might make a few casual appearances 😂

[@Tminus89]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden I saw one flying through a wide shot, as if it was guiding us through it... Very pleasing shot that was!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That one was very much my favourite! Just panned at the right time. Great to see so much wildlife in a garden in the short time I was there and be able to include it in my video, I'm pleased you enjoyed it thanks.

[@annclarke9865]

Wow that was amazing I must visit

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I'm pleased you enjoyed it Ann and well worth a visit! Such a fantastic assortment of beautiful and rare plants in one place.

[@shineamenmbs3107]

Beautiful and unique atmosphere in Nick's garden! 18:10 This Agave ovatifolia is phenomenal as you said! I like the leaves of Dalhia tamaulipana and Bergenia ciliata (Bergenia sp took me back ages ago to my granparents garden again...). Gorgeous Phyllostachis 'aureocaulis' and 'inverta'. Gramineae are a real plus! Nick is right... Beauty and Botanical interrest together. George, i like also your anthusiastic conclusion (Changes all around the year...). Big up Nick and George! 💚

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Bernard, I'm pleased you enjoyed looking round this rich botanical paradise with us and yes, the Agave truly are a sensational sight looming out of the more naturalistic 'meadow' planting. The Dahlia and Bergenia really are beautiful, they'd fit right into my garden here (one day in the not too distant future!). The temptation was definitely there to focus more on the exotic 'specimens' but I wanted to give some of the looser, more subtle planting the chance to shine in this one too and I'm pleased you appreciated the enthusiasm. Many thanks as always and all the best!

[@shineamenmbs3107]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Thank you for your time George! They did shine!...

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

They do indeed, there's plenty more at Nick's to share in a future video if I can make it happen!

[@gc4434]

I need to get out more 😂🌴🌵

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Don’t we all 😂 Nahh, it’s overrated!

[@David_Banner]

Amazing.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I'm pleased you enjoyed seeing some of these beasts!

[@markborder906]

Love Pan Global although I’ve only been a few times, rather far from me but always visit if I’m in the area.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one, it's always worth a diversion over to it if you can justify it!

[@barry6717]

I was there just last week. Totally an amazing place and love their T Rex's

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Fantastic, isn’t it just! Such a botanical adventure and those Rex plants are pretty insane! 😃

[@roytate3889]

Here in the Sonoran Desert , the home of saguaros and agaves, Ovatifolia in bloom is a veritable airport of native bees and insects. Humingbirds and bats are also involved as pollinaters. Funny to see it standing without the accompanied swarm of insects and humingbirds. A true sight to behold. Have a small one to plant in a pot now. They actually like a little shade under a tree here in Phoenix, Arizona.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Fantastic, I've actually seen some of Nick's photos of both Agaves in their habitats (there's a section featuring some of his travels on the PGP website) and they do look incredible. On a sunnier or stiller day they'd certainly be swarming with insects in Nicks' garden but although he does see a lot of unusual wildlife like deer and snakes, hummingbirds would be a bit unexpected to say the least! I imagine they're a plant that can tolerate the harshest sun but grow better and are cosmetically improved with slightly more water and a bit less sun than the most extreme ranges of their environments offer.

[@DIMMOCKS1]

Well @georgesjunglegarden you've done it again. Great job filming. So many wonderful specimen plants. Nick has certainly created something wonderful here, showcasing plants that he loves and sells too. I like that as you get to view the plant you're going to purchase growing well in his garden. I particularly loved the Ferula (Fennel) that naturally weaves in and out of the planting. Stunning filming again. Really enjoyed it. PS thank you for the plug for Fifty Shades of Green at the end we really do appreciate that George. 👍🏼🌿👍🏼

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Ahh thanks, that's so kind of you to say! Yes, that's certainly the feeling I get visiting too and inspiration and ideas aside, practically it really does make so much difference seeing a plant growing that's never been mulched or protected etc. versus just reading that on a sales page. I loved the fennel too and it's maybe a 'softening' plant that might just find it's way into my garden too. No worries about the plug, I very much wanted to point people towards actual gardens with exciting plants like those featured in a more 'realistic' sized garden and yours is a beautiful demonstration. Thanks again for all your time and effort replying to people who've left comments on your video, it really does make a difference and I'm sure is much appreciated!

[@karlsorchidparty2395]

Nice❤

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I'm pleased you enjoyed it!

[@derekscheshirepalmgardenuk]

I wish you could spend a day there George, as its to far for me to travel. I've bought a few plants this year off nick year and commented recently that if he posts something that's rare on any Facebook page I'm definitely likely to buy. As you know my plant choices are very eclectic varying towards subtropical. But if I like something that I like will compliment the rarer plant I'll more than likely plant it. As you both intermated it my garden ...s so I plant what I like . Who needs rules. 😂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

On your last point Derek, absolutely, there are no rules! Whilst I appreciate the grasses and softer plants may not be your thing, I could definitely see some of the Bergenias, ground covers and shade plants complimenting your exotics very well as they continue to grow. It's certainly a distance away but well worth a visit if you can tie it in with a trip somewhere else!

[@derekscheshirepalmgardenuk5345]

Funny i bought 2 of the berginia in the spring.😊 ​@@GeorgesJungleGarden

[@roytate3889]

Some agaves probably like Montana in his garden grow in pine forests, so they will do better in England while I have one burning in the shade here in the lower desert. Temperature today is 115 F. or 56 C. Yes, photos of them in the snow are common for some species. Mexico has incredible mountainous areas and places ike Copper Canyon that rival our Grand Canyon. Very little travel to these wild, isolated places by tourists.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, yes, the photos I've seen on Nick's site are from Mexico and I imagine it was the dramatically varying conditions and exposure to cold that made these plants a strong candidate for UK cultivation. 56C is certainly a savage heat for any kind of plant, even those adapted for arid conditions so your comment about shade is understandable and I've seen them pictured amongst pines. Obviously over here our climate is much cooler, our sun a lot weaker and we have a lot of rainfall so whilst they can grow relatively quickly, it very much becomes a case of prioritising a sunny spot and the necessary drainage and overhead covers etc. to get them through our cool, grey and wetter winters.

[@Tminus89]

14:40 I see what you meant by your reaction on my comment in the last video, what an inflorescence!!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yes, it’s sensational isn’t it!

[@hughmartinmcalary7702]

Another good one george. Question I have is - what did u buy?! 😂 Looking forward to seeing the plant haul and plans for it in your garden

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Hugh and good question! Sorry to let you down but on this occasion, regrettably, absolutely nothing! I could easily blame the practicalities of not having enough time there and literally having zero space in the care around our holiday stuff but mainly I was being well behaved as I've invested in a backup camera setup recently so that's pocket money gone for a good while. I do have a list of plants I'd love to get from PGP though (now longer after this visit!) so I'd love to pop back later in the year or next year, we'll see...

[@hughmartinmcalary7702]

@GeorgesJungleGarden I'll let you off the hook this time 😆 I know the feeling of balancing the books and that wish list continually growing.

[@DJSupaflyguy]

Can I just ask I’ve recently got back from holiday and bought a load of seeds, would you start them of now and germinate them or do it next year ? Just wondering if it’s maybe too late in the season now, even though it’ll probably be mild all the way to December knowing our weather recently.😂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, what seeds are they? Annuals I’d wait, longer term plants with potentially longer germination times I’d get going any time 👍

[@DJSupaflyguy]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden some of both really Palms, washingtonia, Dragon tree, Bottle tree, an Chinese fan palm also Rosewood an Casalpinia mix, Coleus an some Agave. An more that are annuals. I know some may not be hardy but can only try with our weather 🌦️ changing.

[@jameswoollam1775]

What is the low growing, large leafed plant growing in the shade shown exactly at 3.36 on your very interesting video

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I'll have to ask Nick about that one, leave it with me! It looks like a thick leaved Podophyllum to me but I'd rather not guess given the variety of planting at PGP!

[@DJSupaflyguy]

Does he have any RHEUM "GREAT BERE' plants or seeds for sale ?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I don’t think PGP do currently but Paul Barney who discovered it has some at Edulis so get in quick 😂

[@DJSupaflyguy]

Does he have any Empress plants or seeds for sale ?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

No Empress unfortunately, it’s not one many people have and I think Nick really favours the Rex form as offering the full Tetrapanax experience!

[@jennifermac8439]

Hey George can I keep a baby tree fern in a greenhouse during the uk winters

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Jennifer, you certainly can, yes. For younger plants in less than sheltered locations it's what I'd recommend after the mild and wet late autumn weather takes a cold turn. Make sure you don't let it dry out though, ideally keep the greenhouse well ventilated when mild and also use fleece over the fern during prolonged or subzero cold spells if your greenhouse isn't heated.

[@jennifermac8439]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden thank you so much

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

No problem, good luck with it!

[@jamespark1997]

Stop interrupting your guests.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, sorry you felt that was an issue. I do want to create videos with a more conversational back and forth tone but leaving space for explanations whilst also moving the video along is very much a balance I realise I need to keep working on. Like with the Dr Simon Olpin video unfortunately the main reason is that I simply didn’t have enough time for the main recording and probably should have reduced the scope of what I intended to film - tricky to do in a place with so many exciting plants as this! I hope you still got something from the video.