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To celebrate Valentine's Day, I have selected some of my favorite quotes about love and gardens.  I hope that you find them inspiring.  I do.

A Queen
As the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle became the backdrop to a turbulent period that changed British history, monarchy and even religion. This medieval castle was rescued from ruin by William Waldorf Astor (yes, the American). Between 1904 and 1908, he completely renovated the Castle and laid out the gardens on a majestic scale. Over 1000 men worked on the grand design of the gardens with 800 men taking two years to dig a 35-acre lake!

I particularly love the eclectic nature of the design:  there is a surprise around every corner. The work on the castle and gardens is reputed to have cost over $1 billion in today’s prices. The result is spectacular

An Author
Rudyard Kipling’s life was a story of fame and misfortune. A most colorful life: from his birth in Bombay and his career as a journalist in India, to his instant success as a writer in England, living in Vermont, and winter holidays in South Africa with Cecil Rhodes. He needed to live peacefully.

To Kipling, Bateman’s house and 33 acres of land was an English idyll. Yet tragedy has left a sense of sadness amidst the tranquil gardens and home that had mellowed over the centuries. It feels very intimate. I was especially moved by Kipling’s voice reciting his poem ‘If’ and imagined him walking through the woods deep in thought.

Two Artists
The Bohemian circle of artists and writers, known as the Bloomsbury Set, spent many creative years at Charleston. Artists, Vanessa Bell (sister of Virginia Wolfe) and Duncan Grant, formed an idiosyncratic household in a modest farmhouse tucked beneath the Downs. They proceeded to craft paintings on every available surface. The neglected walled garden and paddock became a prolific kitchen garden, lawn, and a ‘dithering blaze of flowers, butterflies and apples’.  A place to dream, play and perform amateur theatricals.

Whilst you are in England, you may want to add the Chelsea Flower Show to your trip. It is a fabulous, hugely popular Show that will be staged from Tue 21 - Sat 25 May, 2109. And it is in Central London, so easy to get to by public transport.

I first encountered the Chelsea Flower Show when I worked for the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea in Parks & Rec. We managed the South Grounds at the Royal Hospital, which is the  retirement home of the red-coated Chelsea Pensioners (all former soldiers of the British Army). The Show has been held there since 1913 and now covers 11 acres and has over 500 exhibitors. Parks & Rec actually exhibited at the Show, winning a silver medal (a source of enormous pride). I was blown away by the gorgeous gardens and superb blooms displayed in the Great Pavilion. It was really the start of my odyssey into the wonderful world of gardens.

Enjoy these two short videos: one that excites and one that relaxes. And both inspire!

Highlights of the 2018 Chelsea Flower Show  [1:40]

Health and Wellbeing  [3:40]

The gardens and countryside simply glowed in the warm Autumnal sun of this October. Even the roses were still blooming!

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​Geoff has created a minor miracle in his seaside garden. He has taken the design principle of garden rooms and applied it to his small suburban home. His many ‘rooms’ are tiny, yet packed with exquisite plantings and quirky garden art. I particularly like the references to his family’s heritage as commercial fishermen. He prepares delicious cakes or a light lunch for the occasional private group - last time we had a savory ricotta cheesecake with salad. He has raised many ££s for the MacMillan Cancer Support.
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Geoff’s beloved garden has won many awards and has been featured on the BBC. 

​The owners of a 17th Century Manor began developing this garden into a plantsman’s delight in the 1950s. The 7 acre garden bursts into bloom in spring with displays of magnolias (> 30 varieties), azaleas, and rhododendrons, with drifts of hellebores and bulbs below. In the warm days of summer, the garden is vibrant with crocosmias, dahlias and one of the best collections of salvias in Europe. Ornamental grasses grace the lovely borders and the multi-hued trees of Autumn.
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This is a surprising garden with an enchanting woodland walk, Italian Garden, explorable 'ruins' and 'temple' (hand built by the owner, using sand and stone from the garden). The stables have been converted into a charming tearoom.

Now is the time to dust off your passport and dream about traveling to distant lands. The 2018 World Airline Awards were published recently, so I thought that I would share them with you. They are useful wherever your dreams take you.

Thankful for all the rain over the past few weeks! Although it has been rather dull and chilly at times.  Here is a short video [75 sec] to brighten your day.

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​During last year’s tour, I was struck by the abundance of Garden Art that embellished gardens, both large and small. The sculptures ranged from joyful abandon to tranquil reflection and whimsical amusement. It was so delightful to discover these flights of imagination, whilst wandering through the lovely gardens. And I was impressed by the novel use of materials, so different to the formal marble sculptures of yesteryear. Keep tuned as later in the year, I will share some mobile and interactive sculptures.