We have chatted before about my ambition to develop our garden. We had the joy of making massive changes to the hard-landscaping last summer. In the autumn we begged, borrowed and stole plants from various gardens we knew, in the most part from my generous parents. This year has been an utter joy. Even though our plot is relatively small I can lose a few hours in the evening or at the weekend, just pottering around. Happy pootling moments. However I still lack confidence in my plant decisions, finding the right spot, knowing what works and what doesn’t. I need inspiration.
A couple of weekends ago, we spent a glorious weekend visiting my folks in the West Country. If I needed inspiration, I didn’t need to pay any entry fee. I just popped outside after breakfast. If I had any request it would be to inherit their eye. In their garden they spend hours, thinking, planning, editing and doing basic hard graft. Beauty is not automatic, it is hard won.
I think perhaps the real joy and indeed genius is that they have thought about the views. How arches, gates, trees can frame the scene. They have created curved paths and pretty journeys. An enchanted space.
However they also think about the small details, the placing of an interesting pot, a pretty sculpture, the opportunity to sit and enjoy. All these things, the views, the plants and the details make a delightful garden. This year more than ever I have studied plant combinations. Our climate and soil are very different, but there are some shared varieties that look elegant and pleasing throughout England.
Perhaps the clearest take-home message is that if you garden you never finish gardening. I was telling my Dad what a pleasure and a triumph their garden is. He shocked me with his surprise; ‘Do you think so? It isn’t exactly how we would want it. There is always something that you would change.’
Well I think it is magical and I am always fortunate enough to be able to enjoy it. That is if they don’t charge me entry next time we visit for the weekend.
Stunning pictures of your parent’s garden. Magical is definitely the right word you are so lucky to be able to visit there. I agree with your dad. I can’t resist buying new plants (especially when visiting NT properties) and then having a change around. Need some rain though!