Traditional terracing

Traditional terracing

Traditional terracing using local stone sits effortlessly on the steep hills behind Portofino. And the air was alive with glorious fragrance and birdsong. We love working with craftsmen to help create timeless designs in the garden. ← Iris Fields The End of...
Iris Fields

Iris Fields

A glorious Bank Holiday morning – the air was balmy, brimming with birdsong and the soft powdery scent of Irises. Almost 200 varieties of iris are available to see and purchase at Wootten’s Nursery.  Iris ‘Empress of India’ really sang to me – very healthy and a...
National Garden Scheme

National Garden Scheme

Such a wonderful idea to raise money for nursing charities by kind owners opening their garden gates. I love reading ‘The Yellow Book’ in the winter months to try to work a visit to an open garden with other commitments. Rose and I have just visited two spectacular...
A top 10 garden

A top 10 garden

I don’t care for rankings or ratings much… comparisons are indeed odious. However, the gardens at Great Dixter were in the realms of sublime beauty at my visit last week and are definitely now added to my top 10 British gardens list. It rained throughout my tour...
Perch Hill

Perch Hill

Lunch last week was with Sarah Raven. Gosh she is brilliant and so generous with her knowledge and time. Her bunches, all picked from the garden, usually contain “6 ingredients”. This one includes Tulipa ‘Victoria’s Secret’, T. ‘Helmar’ and T. ‘Royal Acres’ with...