Blue Daisy Blog

The gods must have been smiling on us as we made our way to the Tatton Flower Show because the rain stayed away for the day and we were able to enjoy all that Tatton has to offer without resorting to waterproofs... and Tatton has much to offer.

We were in our element with 36 show gardens including 10 flower bed displays - all based on a sports theme this year as a nod to the greatest show on the planet being in London just now.  There were also the orchestra themed gardens, community gardens, the now famous back-to-back gardens and more.  So many, in fact, that we didn't know where to turn!  (But only for a minute because, as ever, it was the show gardens that got - and held for most of the day - our attention right from the outset.)

We arrived at Dunham Massey on a very hot and sunny day, the website and literature said that it was the most visited National Trust property in the North West so we thought we were in for a treat. There are three main areas to visit: the Georgian house, the gardens and the 300 acre deer park, the house was yet to open so we decided to go and visit the gardens first.

People dressed in authentic costume greeted us and were walking through the grounds in character; it really did make you feel as though you had stumbled upon a piece of England that simply hadn’t been touched by the 21st Century.

The gardens were beautiful in many ways from a historical point of view and also from a horticultural stand too. We were given a map of the gardens which made sure we didn’t get lost and miss anything out which I thought was a really good idea and did help too! As we entered we came upon the croquet lawn which was surrounded by jolly and colourful perennials as if welcoming us to the main house garden. Luckily for us there was a brass band playing under a gazebo keeping the heat of the sun off them, there was stall selling soft drinks and champagne and everyone simply sat on the large lawn and soaked up the atmosphere. The staff who were dressed in costume walked around the lawn area with their parasols bidding us a good day, children played and band continued to fill the air.  All terribly civilised and lovely too!

Had a lovely day at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show at the weekend.  It was my first time there and first impressions were good.  Thankfully they stayed good too.  If you've never been the site itself is impressive... (well, if it was good enough for Henry VIII...) and as you approach the flower show you are allowed glimpses of Hampton Court Palace and some of its gardens - it definitely looks worth a visit in its own right. 

The show ground feels immense - we were there all day and we still felt that we hadn't covered everything but by the time of our departure our senses were well and truly saturated.  Around every corner there was something to grab our attention and to say that we all regressed to 'kids in a candy store' mode it will probably give you an idea of our response!  Here are some of our favourite bits... (click on the thumbnail images for a larger view!)

Last weekend I visited Charlecote Park a National Trust property in Warwickshire.  The estate is said to have been in the ‘Lucy’ family since the 13th Century but the house was completed in 1558.  The house itself has been ‘dressed’ as it would have been in the Victorian times and there really is a lot to see and experience.   When we first went into the house there was a talk that had begun about clothes ladies wore in that era and even how items became fashionable back in Tudor times when Elizabeth I reigned.  All the rooms were amazing from the attention to detail in carvings to the opulence of the lifestyle, you could really imagine what life for the aristocracy was like back then.  It was just like walking onto the set of a historical drama!

The library was just stunning it is said to be one of the top three libraries cared for by the National Trust – I just wanted to get a horticultural book out and sit, read and be lost in time!  There were staff or volunteers on hand in most rooms answering questions and telling quirky tales to bring it alive.

It may sound like I'm jet setting off all over the place now that my course has finished but I have been treated to a few niceties to celebrate being a fully qualified garden designer and a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew was just what was needed!  I've been before many years ago and remembered how much I enjoyed it and the inspiration I got from the different areas within the gardens.  We spent a whole day there and for me that wasn't enough time, I think we were one of the last through the gates as they were closing at 6.30pm!

We entered through the main gate as there are a few different entrances and passed Kew Palace which was once the family home of George III, it had a formal garden at the rear and a flower and vegetable garden to the side.  Parterres and Knot Gardens have their place and whilst they aren't a favourite of mine I do appreciate them and the history of them.  I particularly liked this combination for contrast of both form and colour.