As I can’t get out and about and do my normal, if sporadic, review of gardens my mother suggested I feature some of my readers’ gardens. And quite a few have obliged with some photos. Apologies in advance for a bit of editing…
Helen’s garden
Helen gardens in the grounds of a south-facing London mid-terrace. The standout feature here is the beautiful multi-stemmed Acer at the back. Unfortunately neither of us knows the name.
The view from underneath is pretty impressive.
Helen (along with my dad of course) is one of my veg gurus, although she does have a strange prediliction for beans which I hate. She’s pretty good at bulbs in containers as well, these are Tulipa Queen of the Night, one of my favourites.
Rachel and Peter’s garden
Up to the far north of England now where it’s still winter really. Deep in the heart of the rhubarb triangle Rachel and Peter garden in the grounds of a magnificent rectory with great views.
You’ll have noticed it’s proper gardening up here - wheelbarrows, wellies, outside lavs, old Barbours and flatcaps are a must. But alas there’s no whippet on a bit of string.
On the plus side there’s room for a mini-orchard and dry-stone walling. The latter is put to good use to block up the vicar’s gate into the garden.
Desna and Rob’s garden
Back to London and a garden in the grounds of an Edwardian terrace. One can see immediately that this is a cool garden, not least because it was designed by yours truly.
It’s been a few years now and Desna and Rob have made it their own. Finally they got the steamer chair I’ve been nagging them about. You can see what the garden used to look like here https://www.arthurroadlandscapes.co.uk/designs#/balham-courtyard-garden/. Very good barbecues are to be had here, luckily Rob did not include the BBQ in the photo.
This is a garden that really comes into it’s own later in the summer when Desna’s amazing dahlias hit their stride. We may come back then…
Nicola’s garden
A few miles further south-west is Nicola’s garden, in the grounds of a nice Edwardian semi. I have to admit to a bit of cheating here, this is a garden I designed and also maintain so the photos are mine (perhaps I shouldn’t have said that).
We revamped the garden quite a bit last year and I planted a lot of new bulbs. You can read about the update here https://www.arthurroadlandscapes.co.uk/blog-/2019/8/14/breathing-new-life-into-a-teddington-garden
Somehow though a few rogue red and yellow ones have popped up to interrupt my purple and pink scheme. They’re safe for now but as soon as they’ve finished flowering…
These crocuses are nothing to do with me but every time I see them I think I should plant some more.
A big thankyou to everyone who volunteered for this article…. If you’d like your garden to be featured next time please send me some photos by 20 April.