My Garden

It seemed like a good idea at the time … a phrase I find myself using with increasing regularity since taking on the task of designing three show gardens for Quilted Velvet. Chelsea alone would be a challenge but to take on Hampton Court and Tatton Park is bordering on the insane. That said, after exhibiting... Read more..

I have long held the view that a great deal can be told about people and organisations by examining their lavatorial arrangements. This is not a view I have arrived at hastily or without a great deal of research! For example, the lavatories at my secondary school were totally in keeping with my overall... Read more..

There are some things in life that only those who have actually experienced them can truly comprehend. Amongst these I would imagine looking at the Earth from space, being the Queen, and becoming a mother, ouch! One that I don’t have to imagine is designing a garden for Chelsea. If you add to this that... Read more..

With less than a week before we arrive on site it’s a case of checking and double checking all the plans. No matter how many times I go over the build schedule I still feel there’s something I have forgotten. You try to think of everything, knowing full well that something unexpected will come along... Read more..

Hillier Nurseries (stand D16). The slender, upright, sword-like leaves are striped in grey-green, pink shades, brown and almost white with rich pink margins. It's not a quick grower, rarely reaches more than 1.2m/4ft in five years with a spread of about 1m/90cm, and has very short internodes (the... Read more..

Winners of sixty four Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals, and famous for introducing new plants since the inception of the nursery in 1864, Hillier Nurseries have introduced a grand total of more than 230 new varieties over the years - with two more this year. Pride of place go to two dramatic new multicoloured... Read more..

Well, rather a lot of the former and a small glimmer of the latter. Just after posting my last blog, rashly entitled Turning the Corner, my neck and shoulder seized up; a consequence of a minor cordyline-induced injury and a considerable amount of tension. Can’t think what came over me, after all it... Read more..