Garden Themes Part 2: Historical Fiction & Cultural Connections

In this mini  design series I've been challenging you to think of your garden as a personal story. We've covered the introduction and two popular themes; a romance and mystery already. This week we'll look at two additional themes you may like to consider. Historical Fiction Do you enjoy those tales of medieval mischief or…

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Garden Story Themes: A Romance or Mystery?

Do you love a good mystery? Or perhaps you're more of a romantic novel fan? What are the elements of the story that keep you turning the page? Perhaps it's one key character – or the unexpected details which make you reassess your original understanding? We can apply these same storytelling characteristics to our gardens.…

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Barewood: A True Romantic Garden

When you purchase an internationally-acclaimed garden with your new home (itself a historic 100-year old homestead), it's a formidable responsibility. Yet the new owners of Barewood have not only risen to that challenge they have excelled and their enthusiasm is infectious. This four-acre garden, in the Marlborough district of New Zealand, has matured over the…

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Fisherman's Bay Garden – a treasure trove of ideas

Tucked away down a steep, winding lane near the charming French whaling village of Akaroa, South Island, New Zealand is Fishermans' Bay Garden, home to Jill and Richard Simpson. Accessing this gem is not for the faint of heart as the homeowners discovered in December 2021 after extreme rain caused the gravel access road to…

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A visit to St. Fagans, South Wales

When scouting for interesting destinations for my tour guests, I often seek out lesser-known gems that offer unique insights into local history and culture in addition to great gardens. I was struggling for a way to enrich our visit to South Wales that would offer our guests a greater appreciation for the nations past, their…

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