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Polly Nicholson at Bayntun Flowers
Polly Nicholson is well known for her tulips. She holds the National Collection of Historic Tulips with Plant Heritage and is the author of "The Tulip Garden", a beautifully produced book that combines her knowledge and experience with the story of her own collection. Her collection includes English Florists’ and Dutch historic tulips dating back to the early 17th century. I remember reading the book when it was first published and hearing Polly talk about how it came about.
Rooted in Cumbria
From Cumbria to the international horticultural stage, some of the greatest achievements begin on the smallest scale. This year, two Cumbrian growers took plants that can be grown in even the smallest garden to the Chelsea Flower Show, where their exhibits were awarded not one but two prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medals. Meanwhile, back in Cumbria, another gardener welcomed visitors from around the world with a carefully curated indoor plant display inspired b
British Craft showcased at RHS Chelsea
The highlight of the gardening calendar is undoubtedly the Chelsea Flower Show and neighbouring Chelsea in Bloom, where designers, florists and brands compete to create some of the most imaginative floral displays in the country. This year, two British businesses made their mark on the prestigious events, showcasing outstanding design and creative talent on one of the biggest horticultural stages in the world. David Mellor Hathersage The theme for Chelsea in Bloom 2026 was "O
Flowers in a Hurry - Book Review
This beautiful book has been written by Victoria Martin who, together with her husband Barney runs Stokesay Flowers in South Shropshire. Victoria and Barney have two walled gardens which are devoted almost entirely to cut flower growing, mainly for florists in London and the Cotswolds. The original garden where they've been established and growing flowers since 2012, is Stokesay Court and the second garden, which they took on more recently is called Downton Hall. In both of
A Tom Stuart-Smith Walled Garden
Sometimes, when you least expect it, you stumble upon a hidden treasure. Discovering this stunning walled garden created by Tom Stuart-Smith was one of those rare and unforgettable "treasured " moments for me. This very private walled garden is particularly distinctive, with its central reflective pool, cloud-pruned hornbeams, and prairie-style perennials and grasses. The beautiful gate feature above comprises a leaf design, reminiscent of William Morris style patterns and l
Kilmacurragh Botanic Garden in Ireland
On a short trip to Ireland, I was lucky enough to visit the National Botanic Garden at Kilmacurragh, where the head gardener Seamus O'Brien kindly gave me a guided tour of some of the highlights. Kilmacurragh is one of Ireland’s most important gardens, well known for its collection of mature and unusual trees, its wildflower meadow, and its extensive herbaceous borders. At the centre of the garden stands Kilmacurragh House, which suffered a major fire in 1976 that destroyed t
A Quarry within a Garden
I felt very privileged to visit this beautiful and unusual garden, which offers the most breathtaking view across the Welsh hills. The garden is made up of many hidden areas that gradually reveal themselves one by one as you explore. Although the entire garden sits on a gentle slope, from the top terrace near the house there is little hint of the series of secret gardens that lie below. Near the house are a series of herbaceous borders where a conscious effort has been made t
Snowdrops at Rode Hall Gardens
I had one of the most enjoyable days out I’ve had in a long time when I visited Rode Hall for their annual Snowdrop Festival. I knew very little about Rode Hall and went quite ill prepared. Years ago, a friend who had worked in the gardens suggested I visit, but for one reason or another I never got around to it. Now I regret not going sooner. The snowdrops were arranged in natural drifts throughout the wild garden, and it was a pleasure to walk along the woodland paths, taki
A Garden In Provence
There were so many reasons why I’d always wanted to visit Provence. The iconic lavender fields and the serene Senanque Abbey had topped my list for years - images I'd seen a hundred times, yet never experienced for real. But Provence offers so much more than just postcard views. There's the scent of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, and the delicate Centifolia roses (or May Rose) grown at Domaine de Manon exclusively for Dior. And then there’s Miraval, Brad Pitt’s vi
June Blake's Garden in County Wicklow
Last Summer I finally made it to the Emerald Isle and, as a garden lover, I went armed with a rather long must see garden wish list. Jimi Blake's Huntingbrook Garden had long been at the top of that list - but what I hadn’t expected was the surprise of discovering that Jimi Blake’s sister, June, has her own stunning garden just nearby in Blessington, Co Wicklow. I was lucky enough to meet June in person and visit her garden during my trip. She began by sharing a little of he
A Garden Writer's Journal
ABOUT
Guinevere's Garden is a garden writer's journal, which encompasses many different aspects of gardening, from trips to a range of private and public gardens, that inspire and enthuse, to the pleasures gained from the beauty of an individual plant.
Everyone can connect with a garden, whether it be to experience the character and history of visiting a garden that has evolved and adapted over many years, or the simple pleasure and comfort derived from your own personal gardening space.
Gardens connect like-minded but often diverse people, from past and present, giving pleasure and knowledge whilst opening and expanding the mind.
I hope you enjoy our garden travels together.............
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