I find my greatest inspiration directly from nature; not so much in the way that natural floras have evolved and how they co-exist, though this too is interesting, but more in the colours and moods created by light, landscape and water. I’m lucky enough to have the RSPB site of Pulborough Brooks on my doorstep and so […]
GARDEN DESIGN BLOG. IDEAS, INSPIRATION AND NEWS
Please do browse my garden design blog; in it you’ll find garden ideas, inspiration and product reviews, reports from Shows including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, pretty pictures from places I’ve been, a bit of arty stuff (paintings and drawings) and anything else I find interesting that I think you might enjoy too.
Chelsea Flower Show 2013
I was lucky enough to go to the Chelsea Flower Show on Saturday as I was helping a contractor friend with a few last minute bits and pieces. The buzz of Chelsea build-up is something I wish everybody could experience as there is almost nothing to beat it! As always, it’s the gardens that draw […]
Architectural Plants
I recently visited what is probably one of the most beautiful and exciting nurseries in the UK; Architectural Plants. It does what it says on the tin, growing and supplying plants that are architectural in their form, and I’d like to take a moment to expand on what that means. The garden designer Christopher Tunnard […]
Planting design award
I mentioned a while ago that I was a finalist in the Society of Garden Designers’ Awards in the Planting Design category; well I’m delighted to say that I won! The ceremony was held in London on Friday, a bit of a glitzy do with champagne (I didn’t drink all of those…) and posh frocks. […]
natural swimming pond
I’ve recently been back to the Village Garden (see Portfolio, VILLAGE) to see how it’s looking now we’re a few years on from completion. The garden features a natural swimming pond, a concept that is used extensively on the continent but is relatively new in the UK. The idea is that rather than using chemicals (and […]
House and Garden Spirit of Summer Fair
I’m going to be at the House and Garden Spirit of Summer Fair in a couple of weeks time as I’m giving a talk in the Interiors and Garden Theatre on the Art of Planting Design. This is something very close to my heart as I’ve always approached planting design in the same way that I paint – using […]
I’ve moved to Sussex!
I’ve just moved to Cootham, near Storrington in West Sussex. Amazingly, the boxes are now all unpacked and I’m revelling in my gorgeous new (old!) house and in getting to know the area; I’m on the edge of the South Downs and right by Parham House. On Sunday afternoon, as a break from unpacking, I […]
Amelanchier lamarckii
One of the things I love about gardening is the thrill of anticipation. While I’m not immune to the instant gratification of an immediate make-over, nothing quite beats going out every day to see how a favourite plant is doing, watching tiny growth each day, waiting for the moment when the ever fattening buds will burst. […]
Last Lady Gardens for BBC Somerset
I am feeling sad! I’ve come to the end of an era… I’ve been broadcasting pretty much monthly for BBC Somerset for around 8 years and today was my final outing on these particular airways; the reason being because I’m moving to Sussex. For existing and new clients in the West Country, don’t worry, I’m not […]
Open Garden, RNAS Military cemetery, Yeovilton
As part of the Society of Garden Designer’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, 30 gardens across the UK have been selected to showcase the best of British design and I’m delighted to say that my design for the extension to the military cemetery at Yeovilton has been selected as one of these gardens. The Open Garden event is Sunday […]
Read More… from Open Garden, RNAS Military cemetery, Yeovilton
