Category: Inspiration

Art, Books, Inspiration

Books: recently bought and on my wishlist – yes, mostly about plants and gardens – October 2019

I’m an inveterate buyer of books, most often about gardening. And whilst I do admit to having a large “to read” pile I always get round to using and enjoying each one. I thought you might like to know what I’ve recently read and what I’m looking forward to reading in future. I’ve provided links direct to their Amazon page should you wish to buy. … Continue reading Books: recently bought and on my wishlist – yes, mostly about plants and gardens – October 2019

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Art, Design, Gardens to visit, Inspiration

The Garden Museum Literary Festival – a long weekend in Norfolk Part 1

A blissful midsummer’s weekend celebrating the best in garden writing I can’t remember when I first heard about the Garden Museum.  I’ve been to a few of their wonderful events over the years, have supported Christopher Woodward’s sterling fund-raising efforts for development, and have become rather fond of the organisation and everything it stands for. One day, when I was clearly in the mood to treat … Continue reading The Garden Museum Literary Festival – a long weekend in Norfolk Part 1

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France, Inspiration

Advice for friends: planting in a difficult situation under trees

Two lovely friends in our French life, P & F, recently asked me for advice on what to plant in a very difficult position under trees which apparently suck all moisture and light from the soil. They’ve tried various plants none of which have thrived or even survived (so they tell me). I’ve always adopted the “have a go” approach to gardening. Someone I knew … Continue reading Advice for friends: planting in a difficult situation under trees

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France, Gardens to visit, Inspiration

Inspirations: Château de Marqueyssac

Three summers ago while on holiday in the Dordogne with friends, before we thought of buying a property in France, we visited the gardens at Château de Marqueyssac, one of France’s Jardins Remarquable. I had read about the gardens, and seen Joe Swift’s * feature on Gardener’s World in October 2011, and determined that we must go. So the opportunity was perfect.   Situated on a cliff … Continue reading Inspirations: Château de Marqueyssac

The Renaissance Gardener10 Comments
Art, Design, Inspiration

Painting the Modern Garden

I am firmly in the research phase for the French garden, gathering inspiration, and recording ideas. Inspiration comes from a wide variety of sources, and yesterday we went to the Royal Academy in London to the exhibition Painting the Modern Garden Monet to Matisse. It was crowded, too hot in places, but very inspiring.   Monet cultivated gardens throughout his life, from his early days … Continue reading Painting the Modern Garden

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