I’ve always been obsessed with gardens - the sight, scent and sound all culminate in a wondrous, visceral experience. The English Garden is, to me, the most romantic and beautiful of all gardens. Billowing borders, old brick walls covered in lichen, crusty wrought-iron gates and achingly beautiful planting vignettes at every turn of the head, helped of course by our moderate climate. In my own garden in Bath I have sought to incorporate elements inspired by those great gardens of England - Chatsworth, Dixter, Sissinghurst, Heligan.
At the start of lockdown, when (like many others) my love of gardening intensified, I wanted something to grow seedlings under - but it had to be elegant. My partner had seen cloches in use at Audley End House when visiting as a child and knew they would do just the trick, but tracking down antique ones was tricky. I decided to make my own - exact reproductions of those from the Victorian period. They were delicate and fine looking, but possessed impressive sturdiness owing to their cast-iron frame. They were a portable slice of the great English Gardens that I adored so much, enabling me to infuse period charm into my garden. They are, of course, immensely practical too - essentially acting as a small greenhouse by encouraging seedlings and protecting plants from inclement weather and pests.Â
Before I knew it, I had a list of orders, and it grew from there. They’re properly made, with no shortcuts - the aim is that your children’s children will be using them. I’ve sent cloches from our small Bath workshop to beautiful gardens across the world, including some of the very gardens that I drew inspiration from, such as Highgrove House, Kew, The Newt and Holkham Hall.Â
This spring, I launched a Beautiful Garden Hose with much aplomb - it’s a timeless British racing green colour with durable solid brass fittings, and it looks right at home in my garden - and if I have to see it every day by the back door, it may as well look fantastic. I’ve heaps of ideas for more beautiful, well-made garden apparatus built to furnish The England Garden, so keep your eyes peeled!
My Garden Wish List
Terracotta pots - I can never get enough and have accumulated many from flea markets, bric-a-brac shops and ebay. I love the ones covered in lichen and white mineral residue. The shabbier, the better.
Plant etageres - Said sprawling pot collection necessitates a display. I adore vintage french etageres, or plant staging, and couldn’t believe my luck when a few years ago I found a pretty one at a market for the price of a coffee. Violet Grey Decorative often has lovely examples in stock.
Lead planters - Bulbeck foundry makes the real deal, and their cast lead planters have been on my wish list for the longest time.
Garden tools - I generally try to buy antique tools where I can. There’s a man with a fabulous collection at the Saturday antique market in Bath. For new tools, you cannot go wrong with Sneeboer for hand tools and Niwaki for secateurs; both are family businesses, and both are masters in their field.
Furniture - I love being in the heavenly horizontal, and these rockers from ODD make me tap my toes in excitement. I just need a larger garden to justify it to myself...
Lighting - A few months ago, a customer introduced me to William Sugg & Co., who have been making gas lanterns for the streets of London since 1837. The glow from a real flame is unparalleled, so I’m trying to work out how to incorporate one into my new garden dining area.Â
Optional Extras - If I’m allowed to go all out (this is a wish-list, after all, no one said anything about reality), then I’d like a Capability Brown lake (with rowing boat for picnicking), a neoclassical folly (think Temple of Athena..) and finally, I’d commission Tess Morley to create a shell grotto.
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