What is a stumpery?

As in a rockery you use rocks to create the landscape in a stumpery you use tree stumps, branches and logs creating an environment for frens, woodland plants and bulbs

In design a stumpery can be naturalistic or abstract or a combination.

First, mark out the area you wish to place your stumpery using string lines or sand.

Next dig the area over with a spade, incorporating leaf mould and cambark into the soil with a fork.

Rake the area to a rough level and tramp to remove any air pockets.

Now you are ready to place your logs, branches and stumps into the area.

The more twisted and interesting shaped branches and logs you can find the better.

Large branches can be cut into sections and partially buried to give the impression of a partially exposed tree root. Logs can be placed horizontally, vertically in groups or singularly …use your imagination.

If you have any particular interesting logs I would suggest placing them vertically as they will make good focal points.

If you are placing logs vertically bury approximately one third of the log to ensure it is secure.

If you have children or pets you may wish to concrete them in for extra security.

Any soil which is left over from placing logs into the ground can be piled up behind logs and branches to create a more interesting undulating landscape.

The next step is planting. I would suggest using a mixture of ferns, ivy and woodland bulbs.

Some of the plants I would suggest are Dryopteris and Athyrium ferns, Hedera helix (ivy) of which there are many varieties to choose from are and crocus, bluebells and snowdrops.

It is also possible to use non hardy, more exotic fern such as staghorn and the mother fern, in your stumpery in summer but these plants must be taken in at the autumn time before any frost and overwintered in a glasshouse or conservatory.

Once you have selected you plants place them in the stumpery and when you are happy with their positioning plant and water them thoroughly.

You are not finished yet as with a stumpery you are never finished.

The logs and branches you have used will rot and break and this is part of a stumpery’s beauty and interest.

As it is constantly evolving you will see different fungi and moss growing on the logs and branches as they decompose. Just put in another log or branch to maintain the stumpery as an ever developing landscape.

George Robertson