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The Roses at Jackson's Wold Garden
I arrived at Jacksons Wold without much of a plan, which, in hindsight, is often the loveliest way to discover a garden, letting it reveal itself slowly, without expectation. Set quietly in the chalky folds of the North Yorkshire Wolds, it doesn’t announce itself from the road, but that only adds to its quiet allure. I seemed to wind my way off the beaten track for miles, passing through a patchwork of agricultural fields and quiet countryside, before finally arriving at the
Fittleworth House Garden
There are places that feel quietly removed from the hurry of the world, where the days seem to unfold more slowly. Fittleworth House, nestled in the folds of the Sussex countryside, is one of those places. I was recently invited to wander its gardens, not alone, but in the company of the head gardener, who has tended this land for nearly three decades. His knowledge ran deep, and as we set off along the drive, it felt less like a tour and more like stepping into someone else’
Wonderlands - Book Review
Step into the world of "Wonderlands - British Garden Designers at Home", a captivating new book written by Clare Coulson and brought to life through Eva Nemeth's stunning photography. This book visits the private gardens of eighteen top British garden designers, not the gardens they create for clients, but the ones they build for themselves. It’s full of personal stories, reflections, and plenty of inspiring ideas, all brought to life through stunning photography. What really
The Ladies and Roses of "Ninfa"
A visit to Ninfa was high on my garden visit wish list. Anticipation was high as Ninfa, nestling dreamily at the foot of the Lepini mountains in Lazio (Italy), embraced by the hauntingly beautiful ruins of a medieval village, has been called the most romantic garden in the world. I arrived at Ninfa during a perfectly idyllic afternoon - golden sunshine caressing the ancient stones, a gentle breeze whispering through the trees, hang gliders soaring against the majestic mounta
The Keukenhof Tulip Garden
Tulips have long been a personal favorite, but my interest intensified significantly following an encounter with Polly Nicholson's beautiful book, "The Tulip." This appreciation deepened further after attending a compelling presentation by Nicholson herself, where she showcased her remarkable collection of historic tulip varieties. Curiosity piqued, I soon found myself drawn to the Netherlands, compelled to witness first hand the internationally acclaimed Keukenhof Garden, h
Where the Old Roses Grow - Book Review
Like many gardeners, my love for roses runs deep, woven into memory and tradition. The front garden of my childhood home was a rose garden, its blooms marking the seasons with colour and scent. Even earlier, my grandparents tended their own collection of Hybrid Tea roses, proudly grown when they were the height of fashion in the 1950s. That early connection has never left me; it’s part of why roses still hold such a special place in my heart, and my garden. In my Nana’s garde
Gwaenynog - A Welsh Literary Garden
Gwaenynog isn’t open often, which only adds to its quiet allure. When I heard - last autumn -that the gates would open for a single weekend, I knew I had to go. Some gardens don’t just invite you; they call you. Tucked away in the Welsh countryside, Gwaenynog is more secret sanctuary than showpiece. Weathered walls, tangled borders, a sense of time standing still - it’s the kind of place that feels discovered rather than visited. The Walled Garden at Gwaenynog is intimate, ti
Patthana - An Artist's Garden
Last summer, amid the gentle hush of the Irish countryside, I was fortunate enough to spend an afternoon at Patthana Garden, a place unlike any other, where art and horticulture entwine in the most exquisite way. Invited not only to explore the garden under the guidance of its creator, TJ Maher, but also to share a quiet lunch prepared with care by his husband, Simon, I found myself immersed in a world that felt both personal and profoundly beautiful. The garden itself, inti
A Garden Designer's Private Space
Several years ago I stumbled upon some Topiary Images in a magazine. This in turn led me to probably my all time favourite garden book - "The Gardens of Arne Maynard". After reading the book I knew that one day I had to visit the garden itself. A couple of years ago my wish became reality and I finally got to stay at and visit Allt y Bela, the private garden of the renowned designer Arne Maynard. It was quite an effort to get to Allt Y Bela as it's tucked away on the borde
A Garden with a View - The Mill Garden
I was lucky enough to be invited to visit The Mill Garden in Warwick on a sunny afternoon in late September. Little did I know that this garden would be one of the best examples I have ever seen of what garden designers describe as a garden with a "borrowed view", where features beyond the boundaries of a garden appear to be part of the garden itself. The borrowed view of the Mill Garden is spectacular with Warwick Castle as a backdrop on one side rising out of the garden wi
The Hidden Gardens of Hill Close
Hill Close Gardens are without doubt one of the most fascinating gardens I have ever visited. Steeped in history, nearly lost forever and not at all well known - these gardens are absolutely charming and a treat to see. Hill Close is a series of almost secret gardens, originally covering an area of five acres sandwiched between the ancient medieval walled town of Warwick and its racecourse. Mr Wilson inherited the site in the 1840s and seeing the need for detached gardens wh
A Garden of Two Halves
From the moment I stepped through the rather unusual entrance gates I knew that this garden was different. I was intrigued and keen to...
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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