As we continue our celebration of 150 years of William Robinson’s book The Wild Garden, we find out more about Samuel Reynolds Hole, whom William Robinson dedicated The Wild Garden to, and their friendship, forged by a common love for gardening in its ‘natural’ form. “He who would have beautiful Roses in his garden must […]
Read more "The King of Roses by Philip Hesketh, Dean of Rochester"The Wild Garden, first published 150 years ago, is considered one of the most influential horticultural books published. Charming, thoughtful and outspoken, it was a reaction against the controlled, over-managed landscapes of the time. Its significance today has never been more relevant and its influence can be seen in many of the most exciting modern […]
Read more "The Wild Garden at 150 by Rick Darke"One of the most exciting jobs at the end of the autumn is our bulb planting, and in particular the tulips in the flower garden. Each year we plant between six to seven thousand bulbs through the flowerbeds. This burst of colour in the spring is the perfect antidote to a grey English winter, and always delights […]
Read more "Tulips"Kniphofia rooperi– stunning spikes of vibrant orange at the end of the season, like autumn fireworks. Miscanthus nepalensis– one of the most graceful grasses who’s nodding tasselled heads give beautiful movement to a planting. Can be a little tender but will thrive in a sheltered spot. Salvia x jamensis ‘nachtvlinder’- translating as ‘Night Moth’, this […]
Read more "Tom’s top Autumn border perennial stars"Hedychium ‘Tara’ This plant is about seven years old now and the best it has ever looked. As well as taking a few years to bulk up it has appreciated this past years mild winter, as well as the recent heat wave. Phlox ‘Princess Sturdza’ One of the loveliest phlox with excellent flowering season. Our […]
Read more "The Summer House Border"Late summer is one of the most exciting times for a gardener, when the borders are at their most vibrant and we start preparing for the next seasons plantings. In the flower garden our tender perennials have performed especially well, benefiting from the recent summer heat. The Dahlias have been particularly pleasing, working as spots […]
Read more "Late summer in the garden"Anyone visiting Gravetye recently may have noticed that our lake is not looking quite as attractive as usual. This is unfortunate as it is such an important part of an iconic view, but thankfully this is a short-term step back for a long-term leap forwards. Over the years this beautiful lake has slowly filled with silt, resulting […]
Read more "Water lilies"Throughout the year the garden delivers us a constant supply of seasonal delicacies and our fruit crops are of particular importance. First to crop are the red currants in June, closely followed by the strawberries and gooseberries. We continue to harvest fruit right through to the last apples in November but the highlight has to be […]
Read more "Peaches"The garden has been so beautiful through this warm Spring, giving us a lot of mixed emotions. Of course, we have the joy and reward of being able to continue caring for such a beautiful place, but sadness that we haven’t been able to share the garden as usual. The asparagus has been particularly good […]
Read more "May Newsletter"The blossom at Gravetye has been just beautiful this spring. It started at the end of February with Magnolia campbellii, putting on its flamboyant display to start the show. Soon follow the cherries, with new plantings of Prunus ‘The bride’ looking especially rewarding. These beautiful blossoms open pure white and fade to pink as the […]
Read more "Blossom"
The Gravetye Gardeners Journal 