We no longer garden. Or so we thought. Indeed, even the few containers placed along the walkway of our Budapest apartment, and intended to add colour to our lives, albeit with the ubiquitous pelargonium, more often than not remain empty. It is simply that we are no longer interested in the way in which we once were. Perhaps twenty-five years of intensive, concentrated gardening, during which time we created a formal, two acre garden which gained National recognition, is enough for one lifetime.
And now our newly acquired seaside holiday home, which is not of course by the sea, comes with a garden, which we should not call a garden, but rather describe [and here we part company with the estate agents, their property details and photographs] as a barren strip of ground, walled in part, some 10m x 5m, the principal feature of which, although none of this has yet been seen, appears to be a neighbour's washing line.
What is to be done? We consult our books, and first some of those for which we must take a responsibility. 'Gardening in a Small Space' [upon what authority was it based?] suggests nothing, neither does 'The Gardening Year' [beyond work] nor 'Gardening with Colour' [which, in any case, is not what we are about].
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| hopes for inspiration here sadly rapidly dashed |
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| month by month, season by season, year round toil |
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| more concentrated labour but in Hungarian |
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| unsuitable for those in their monochrome phase |
But something may yet evolve. For cannot a reasonably sized, brick built outhouse situated at the far end of the garden become a focal point, converted to a summerhouse, a garden room, even a folly, from which will stretch [forgive a tendency to hyperbole] a broad terrace of York stone punctuated with buttresses of English yew, Taxus baccata, and approached through an avenue of Irish Yew, Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata', complete with water jet, classical urns [can you assist, Tom Stephenson?] and topiary?
Why not? Taking inspiration from a recently found image on 'Pinterest' and recalling The Tower and Rill of our own Herefordshire garden, we see a way forward.
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| an image discovered on 'Pinterest' which may well inspire the new garden |
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| recalling our Herefordshire garden, an idea to be adapted for Norwich |
This could indeed be our solution for a low maintenance, yet hopefully stylish and interesting, garden of the kind to be found behind every artisan, terraced cottage, of which ours is but one, the length and breadth of Norwich. Why not indeed? And do be assured of some 'before' and 'after' photographs.
Meanwhile what of the front? Measuring some............!!
Cannot wIt to see what you do and I love your inspiration pictures!
ReplyDeleteSimply give us a little time, Wendy, and all will be revealed.
DeleteHow delightful to be creating a garden in the soft climate of England. Your Hertfordshire garden was stunning, and I do look forward seeing what you do in Norwich. Exciting times, Jane and Lance.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we had not anticipated making another garden, Patricia, we are becoming quite excited at the thought. This one though will be very different from our Herefordshire garden and must be designed in the main to look after itself.
DeleteAnyone with a propensity for stalking would be well aware of your gardening expertise, no matter the failed Budapest pot plants. I was once an experienced gardener, but one struggles on a high wind balcony. I am sure you will come up with something brilliant once you are in situ. A folly is so pointless, as it is a folly, and I would love for you to construct one.
ReplyDeleteA walled garden sounds good to me and don't be too posh about the front and alienate the locals. Do as they do but do it well.
Terrific title, and I recall it but no idea from where.
You are more than generous, Andrew. However, we doubt that many stalkers are interested in gardening, and in us not at all. We very much appreciate what you say about attempting to grow things at a high altitude where wind can be far more damaging than low temperatures.
DeleteAs for the folly idea, we are quite serious given that there is the outbuilding which would lend itself to conversion, or so we think. No, we totally agree that the front should be kept very simple and in line with what others have done. Good advice.
'Come into the Garden, Maud' originates from a poem of that title by Tennyson.
Oh I love a good before and after photo! I'm sure yours will be stunning too, I love those images that you're using as inspiration, and your description with the fountains, urns, york stone and yew just sounds fabulous.
ReplyDeleteFirst, Heidi, we now need to see both house and garden but we are planning to do that shortly. It may then be a while before there are any 'after' photographs, largely depending on what we find!
DeleteDear Jane and Lance,
DeleteThis is an exciting project. Like Heidi, I look forward to the before and after photos. I'm sure something wonderful will emerge from the outhouse and the barren ground.
Seem to remember from our time in Cambridge that the area produced wonderful strawberries and multitudes of the ubiquitous Brussels sprouts, so soil must be good.
Btw tried several times to access my comment and your response on earlier post but even though I clicked on "load more" nothing happened. So I'm afraid haven't seen what you wrote.
Our DIL's family were Hungarian and before he died (much too young from cancer) her father asked G and me to visit Hungary to see the other side of our grandchildren's heritage. We promised to do so and later that year hired Zoltan a wonderful private tour guide and driver to take us about and find the home village and town of both her parents - and other places they had lived and studied. We also met her father's brother who arranged a family reunion for us in Budapest. It was wonderful. So pleased we did it so quickly as that brother has since died too.
We loved Budapest, such a beautiful city - and Hodmervarsarely (spelling certainly faulty). Her mother's birth place is such a beautiful town and so off regular tourist trail I think. Our guide even found her old family home, sadly fallen into dreadful disrepair. We entered via an old arch which had been designed for a coach and there were the former stables at the back and separate servants' quarters with a very old lady living there since the days when Communist government allocated living spaces in what had been private homes to others. She complained to us (our guide interpreted) about dreadful condition but it no longer belongs to DIL's family.
Best wishes, Pamela
Dear Pamela,
DeleteAs you may imagine, we are becoming very excited now at the prospect of visiting the house and garden and seeing what exactly we have bought!! Previously we had not really considered the outhouse at all, but since it occupies a prominent position at the end of the garden we really do think that it will serve, once modified, as a focal point. We shall see!
It will be interesting to see what the soil is actually like, although borders will be very restricted. In Herefordshire we gardened on very heavy clay which, after rain, was almost impossible to work.
We are so sorry that you had difficulty accessing your comment and our reply. The trick is, or should be, to go to the bottom of the comments where it should read 'Load more'. Click on that and then scroll down again to find yours. But clearly you have already tried this. Occasionally the system does play up so do, please, have another go! It is always something of a problem if a post has more than 200 comments.
How very interesting that your daughter-in-law's family were Hungarian and how wonderful that you went on your adventure, which it certainly sounds to have been, and particularly when you did. We are delighted that you found so much of interest in what is, after all is said and done, a very strange country.
Budapest is, we agree, a magical city and we love it too. The cultural life here is amazing, particularly the classical music with a concert somewhere in the city almost every night of the week.
It is very sad to learn about your daughter-in-law's family house. Sadly this is a very common story. Unlike other former Communist states, Hungary adopted a policy of not restoring the ownership of property to the original families with the result that so many lost absolutely everything.
Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to write. It is good to be in touch.
Hello Jane and Lance, How come I never picked up on the fact that you were such established authors, and on a subject of such interest? Your title "The Gardening Year" calls to mind that most charming of classics, Karel Capek's "The Gardener's Year," although possibly geared to more practical advice.
ReplyDeleteWhen I checked a bookselling website, the opening promotion, even before I typed in your name, was for "The Grand Budapest Hotel," which is either an amazing coincidence, or a chilling instance of computer spyware at work.
At this point, I am completely unworried about the eventual magnificence of your close-to-the-sea garden. Once you start work, you will be able best to utilize its features and potential (or, since this is back in England, I should say "capabilities').
--Jim
We do have to confess, Jim, to being responsible for some eleven gardening titles and one or two other things in addition. But none of it is of the slightest importance - it was all part of work related to a particular time in life.
DeleteCertainly more than coincidence! We are certain that computer spies are everywhere and operating with a frightening degree of accuracy!!
We should like to share your confidence for the garden 'makeover' [to use a current term], but do appreciate your sentiments.
Hello Jane and Lance
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a small space to work in. Have you considered putting up a wig-wam? Or instead of that, using mirrors strategically placed to give the illusion of more space and light. A couple of wind-chime and some garden gnomes... mmmhhh, non, perhaps not!
Darlings, I have just been reading the Telegraph's wonderful write-up about your former cottage in Herefordshire, Trails of the Unexpected from 2005.
I absolutely adore the descriptions of Lance's creations at Arrow Cottage - pot-bellied rain gods; yew screens; primrose-yellow stuccoed walls; and the pink-handled shears plunged into a traditional urn, as though the garden owner had just left the scene, mid-task, in mysterious circumstances.
The accompanying photographs of Arrow Cottage are eclectic. I'm a great fan of Portmeirion in North Wales; it's a wonderful place, a lot like Sintra in Portugal.
I have a large country estate (known in local dialect as a 'hice') in rural northwest Buckinghamshire which needs a bit of TLC: a good hour's stroll around the garden requires carrying a machete and a pith helmet.
Cannot wait to see what you do at your new home in Norwich.
Fanny xx
Darling Fanny,
DeleteYou are [and we are never more serious] too, too kind in all that you write here and we are so very touched by your link to the Telegraph's article on the garden at Arrow Cottage which was written not so long after we left. We had tremendous fun in making it and were, for well on twenty-five years, passionate about it but now, whilst we think back on it all with great fondness, we do not miss the work and responsibility it entailed.
The Norwich garden will be totally different and your ideas for wind chimes, gnomes and mirrors are much appreciated and will be carefully considered!! We can see trips in abundance to B&Q [who needs specialist nurseries and companies like Haddonstone?] and we shall surely hope to add some all plastic, so easy to care for, white chairs and tables, hanging baskets and carpet bedding!!
Portmeirion is truly divine, as was once Plas Brondanw years ago but we fear may be spoilt, as so much else these days, now.
Are you by any chance near to Chequers? Perhaps your estate runs alongside? Or maybe our geography of northwest Buckinghamshire is not up to it.
"...for the black bat, night, has flown" is always my favourite line from that poem (see, that English Literature degree comes in handy occasionally... very occasionally.)
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt at all, dear Jane and Lance, that whatever you design for your Norwich garden will look elegant and stylish - I don't think it is possible for you to be anything but! Gardens of terraced houses are often long and thin (as is my own), and I shall wait with impatience to see what you do with that barren strip of yours. And the outhouse too! xxx
Could we agree more, Curtise? No! Such a wonderful line from a poet whose work has a majesty so much in keeping with Victorian England and whose poems we greatly admire with 'Crossing the Bar' an all time favourite.
DeleteWe are looking forward to having the garden and it will be fun to do something exciting with it which is, as of now, where the outhouse comes in.Much, of course, will depend on cost since neither one of us is in the least bit practical.
I can not wait to see what you do and the tales of settling into a new english town too!! ;)
ReplyDeleteAs the time approaches to go and see what we have bought we are, as you may imagine, becoming both excited and a little fearful!
DeleteNothing better than a blank slate to place one's garden stamp upon, can't wait for the before and after, on pinterest I have a board called gardening and recently came upon any number of unusual plants for the garden, here's the link https://www.pinterest.com/bluestarrgalery/gardening/ I particularly like the green wizzard rudbeckia and there is a link for some grasses, I can just imagine them blowing in the wind of your seaside home
ReplyDeleteYou are right about the 'blank slate', Linda, and whatever mistakes are then made are at least one's own. Thank you so much for the link to 'Pinterest'. It certainly gives one so many different ideas.
DeleteWe used to grow many different forms of Rudbeckia in our Herefordshire garden, particularly in the 'hot' borders, and always found that they did well.
Ooh a folly sounds delightful! Your Pinterest inspiration photo looks like it may work a treat. Don't forget that here in the East we get the least rainfall in England, which you may need to consider for when you are away for a while.
ReplyDeleteA folly could certainly be fun and we are quite excited at the prospect. Yes, we do agree that the chance sighting on 'Pinterest' has given us some ideas.
DeleteThank you for the reminder about the low rainfall. Of course Beth Chatto's Gravel Garden at Elmstead Market, visited many years ago, was created to counter the dry summers. Whatever, it will be a contrast to Herefordshire where our yew hedges were always in danger of becoming water logged.
From my recollections of Norwich razor wire entanglements would be suitable for the front to keep the feral children at bay....though, I am forgetting, Norwich has become gentrified since my time and the feral children have probably been exported to the bungalow suburbs where they are probably occupying their time in collecting ASBOs and breeding more feral children.
ReplyDeleteHaving an existing building leads inevitably to thought of folly...I'm looking forward to the 'before' photographs which I trust will give the neighbour's washing line its due prominence.
I am just getting my gardening bug back now that the new house is approaching completion....but having to relearn it all given the climate and available plants. Further, since the rates here are determined by measuring your roof as seen from stills taken from Google Earth I am determined to mess up the system by growing something virulent over it...Sleeping Beauty's finca here we come...
Oh, Helen, all this talk of feral children is so very alarming. We do so hope that they are now nicely trapped in the suburbs, as you suggest, enjoying wrecking the lives of their grandparents who have settled for a nice bungalow residence! Certainly this is a new angle on Norwich but then we were once told that Hereford was the drugs capital of the British Isles if not mainland Europe!
DeleteYes, there must be 'before' photographs but if too awful and illustrative of feral children at play, then they will be despatched to you by private email!
Love the idea of turning your house into a Sleeping Beauty, overrun with wonderfully exotic planting, to reduce the rateable value. We must all look to cut costs somehow!
I did wonder about the popularity of Hereford amongst the children of friends when I was still living in England....all, thanks to the Hattatts, is now revealed.....
DeleteAnd that was some years ago. Doubtless Miami Vice is now being remade as Hereford Vice and it is no longer safe to walk the streets!
DeleteOne of the only things about the house (this house) that we bought here in New York State that appealed to me was the garden. Apparently the 2 former owners were Master Gardeners and we were to reap the rewards of that bounty, along with the "riding lawn mower" which my husband loved.
ReplyDeleteCity boys goes country.
But the thing that is wonderful about the garden is that the flowers are all planted in a seasonal way, as soon as Spring arrives, something blooms and all through the summer until frost ends it all, flowers continue to come up and bloom. It is almost enough to make me want to continue to live here. but not. Have fun .. I am gathering garden photos now for the next house, next garden :)
There is of course something to be said, Candice, for taking on an established garden, especially one that comes with a ride on motor mower, something to which we never aspired.
DeleteOf course there is always some regret in leaving a house and garden but we are sure that you will have fun in planning the next. A good idea to take plenty of photographs to act as an aide memoire.
Apparently in the US .. Riding Lawn Mowers are a mans best friend. The wife smiles indulgently and goes about her business, with the husband riding around the gardens .. I liked my garden in Buenos Aires .. window boxes full of flowers and a birds nest once a year.
DeleteWe love this description of the indulgent wife and the man on his mower!! Actually, what you had in Buenos Aires sounds to be exactly up our street these days. We just hope that the Norwich garden will not prove too much - but there will definitely be no grass!
DeleteWe have a very big back yard here but I would give my eye teeth for a proper summerhouse! I am not sure I would need water jets and classical urns; as long as the summer house had a heap of glass in the four walls and the lawns, trees and path came to the building's front door. Bliss!
ReplyDeleteA summerhouse or garden room can be enormous fun, Hels. Although it was some distance from the house, we often made use of The Tower in our Herefordshire garden for summer dinner parties and, occasionally, in the winter we would light the fire and sit in the upstairs room by the light of an oil lamp [no electricity].
DeleteIt seems perfectly sensible to me that you are considering going the topiary, evergreen plant mode - after all, you won't be there all the time to maintain a 'proper' garden anyway - and for that small space the only other method would be a container garden which wouldn't be any good at all as the constant watering just wouldn't get done in your absence. I think I have owned all of the above books at one time or another which were appropriate for whichever stage of gardening I was in at the time. I am sure you will come up with a suitable solution which will astound and amaze us all.
ReplyDeleteA garden which is low on maintenance, if such a thing is possible, is high on our list of priorities, Elaine. You are right about containers and the associated problem of watering and whilst we shall probably employ a company to go in periodically to keep things in order, every day, if hot, to water would not be practical.
DeleteWe are excited at the prospect of creating a new garden and will, we think, have a better idea when we are actually on site [which should be soonish!].
Have fun with your garden project. Wished I had made a plan. letting things evolve hasn't worked for me. Each year I PLAN to do something to the garden, take a bit and start again. It's not a huge garden. A strip behind a London terraced house.
ReplyDeleteIt is very easy to be wise after the event, Katharine, but experience has taught us that a plan, however loose, to work to is in the end more satisfactory than having the garden evolve by chance.
DeletePerhaps this year will be your year. There are, as you will know, so many inspirational London gardens, often in no more than as you say, a strip.
Dear Jane and Lance - Buxus sempervirens would have been a very useful little plant to grow in a small garden, but as I am sure you can imagine, I would steer clear of it like the plague and stick to the various Yews - Lavender is the plant that I tend to associate with Norfolk.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally I bought Gardening in a Small Space for my youngest son's MiL, she swears by it, and in fact she then bought another copy of it for one of her daughters.
Sadly, you are so right about Buxus sempervirens and although we were told that B. sempervirens microphylla 'Faulkner' is resistant to blight, we are not prepared to give it a try. We have wondered about lavender which really does not need much looking after apart from the annual cut back and, as you say, it is associated with Norfolk.
DeleteHow nice that your youngest son's mother-in-law has enjoyed 'Gardening in a Small Space'. Thank you!!
Oh my... I don't know where I have been... of course you would have had amazing gardens ... from what I read about you Hertfordshire gardens... from a link someone here supplied... it was incredible.
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt you will be able to come up something lovely in your new limited area... I truly look forward to your pictures.♡
I have not been able to grow anything for years, I even killed a cactus.. I'm in awe when others produce such beauty xox
Thank you so much, Launna. We were fortunate when younger to be able to create a large garden from no more than field and it was something which, although it took a great deal of time, effort and money, gave us huge satisfaction and pleasure at the time.
DeleteWe are looking forward to doing something with the new garden [and there will be pictures] but it will have to be easy to maintain during the long periods we are away.
I am very excited as I was hoping that your new garden would include a little garden. I so look forward to seeing what you do, I know it will absolutely wonderful! Many photos, please.
ReplyDeleteThat is so nice of you, Adrienne, to take an interest in our new project. Yes, we do promise photographs once we have seen the actual space and formulated our ideas. But your own garden we find utterly charming as you have so many very good ideas yourself.
DeleteI'm sure it will be stunning, whichever design you chose. I shall wait to see the finished pictures and hope a bit of your inspiration rubs off too this brown fingered blogger.
ReplyDeleteWe are enjoying mulling over all kinds of ideas at present but will, as we have said to others, have a much better idea once we have seen what we have bought. Whatever, it will have to be easy to maintain.
DeleteGreat to hear that the spark is still there and to a degree about to be reignited! Looking forward to seeing what you both come up with!
ReplyDeletePerhaps we can borrow some of your ideas, Mark and Gaz? We rather suspect that you devote a great deal of time to your own garden, how splendid is that, and we do think of you as real plants people with an eye for the unusual and exotic.
DeleteOh Jane and Lance …. your garden in Herefordshire was wonderful and I'm sure that you will both get you new garden in Norfolk looking beautiful …… maybe Edith can help ?!!!! ….. and, like everyone else, I am so looking forward to seeing it progress { and get some ideas from you both too }
ReplyDeleteI think that it's very exciting. XXXX
Let us hope that it will, as they say, be all right on the night!! If truth is to be told, we are now just a tiny bit apprehensive about actually going and seeing what we have bought. You know, fools rush in.....!! But that apart, it will be exciting to have a garden again, even if a small one which will, largely, have to look after itself.
DeleteAh, dear Edith. You know, we have somewhat lost touch in recent years!! There was talk of a move from Maida Vale but......Whatever, we could make use of her handyman, John!! xxx
I am certain it will be the most charming and interesting garden, filled with whimsy and surprises. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteYou are so very encouraging, Jen. But we should not allow ourselves to get too carried away! Time will tell.
DeleteI am entirely in sympathy with the waning of interest in gardening. Ours is laid with picon (volcanic gravel) and dotted with palms, hibiscus, oleander, but mostly agave - a prickly subject! Pots on the patio currently hold geraniums and poinsetta, among others, and I am beginning to resent the time taken to nurture them. I’m sure you will find a creative way of obscuring your neighbour’s washing line.
ReplyDeleteIt is so refreshing to learn that you too are somewhat disillusioned with all that gardening entails and that no matter how much one attempts to simplify it, there is always work to be done.
DeleteYou do grow some wonderful plants. In our days of enthusiasm we had agaves in containers and were rather proud of them. Looking back now it all seems a little pointless, but perhaps that is to be too cynical!!
Whatever, we intend to make it fun and the neighbour's washing may well add a little borrowed colour!
As I have a very bland and boring semi detached house suburban garden, I am very much looking forward to your before and after pictures so that I might look and learn and perhaps if I can get my get up and go to get up and go I might begin baby steps in the gardening adventure myself!
ReplyDeleteNothing can appear more boring, and it cannot even be merited as bland, than what lies behind our very small, terraced house. That said, we really believe that it does not have to be so. The challenge is to create interest and intrigue with minimal expense and, as is always the case, to decide on the priorities. We shall let you know how we fare!
DeleteAt a certain point in life, low maintenance becomes key, doesn't it? Yet oh, so elusive! This is the first I knew of Lance's garden books--indeed you were serious gardeners, as also is shown by the photograph of what was clearly a gorgeous garden in Herefordshire. I'll very much look forward to your "before" and "after," particularly as, where we are, I'm afraid things have stayed very much in the "before" state (we do, though, have a lovely view to compensate, at least).
ReplyDeleteWhat you say here about low maintenance, and particularly in the garden, is so very true, Susan, and something which, if at all possible, we are determined to achieve even if the price to be paid is to have to compromise on all of our previously held beliefs.
DeleteTo have a view, and thus to 'borrow' the landscape, is a wonderful advantage and the natural landscape is always so much better than anything we can achieve ourselves.
Dear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteWOW! What have I been missing? I must hunt down your garden books. With spring around the corner (so they say), I can't wait to dig once again. And I look forward to reading more about your new home and garden.
Cheers from Icy DC,
L
Clearly not gardening weather at present!! We do hope that you are surviving the cold and that spring is actually around the corner and not some imposter!
DeleteWe too are looking forward to making a start on the Norwich garden, made easier by the fact that it is a blank canvass.
I know it will be the most beautiful tasteful garden. However small it will be a garden with real panache.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing what transpires as your creative juices run wild again in the garden.
This is so very generous of you, Sue. We are actually rather looking forward to having a small garden and to having the time to sit in it and enjoy it rather than constantly worrying about keeping it up. But then you will understand this.
DeleteMy dears, I'm ashamed when peering through now grimy Winter windows and viewing the solemn, tan, untidy, so-called garden! It's at that point where one doesn't expect much beauty to happen for still some time, especially as it was under two inches or iron-hard ice all last week! But I live in hope - and pray for help! Rather than gardening, I'm looking forward more to tripping past (not over) empty pots on a Budapest walkway in two months' time!
ReplyDeleteI think you will work wonders in your Norwich garden - it sounds just the perfect size and, with a building ready to rehab as a garden house perhaps. Bet Madelief can give you some pointers on that. Statuary on the roof is an idea I've not done yet - but I did buy new Falco pruners so am ready to attack shrubbery and such once it goes above freezing here! I need a copy of your book Gardening in a Small Space - am off to Amazon to search for it and the others.
Will stay in touch and am so looking forward to April!
Hugs from us both - Mary & Bob
We are certain, dear Mary, that you are exaggerating both the state of your garden and your windows!! But, be assured, we cannot allow you to look at last year's very dead offerings in the pots which will, we trust, have been replaced by something appropriately stylish for your visit.
DeleteIt was only over the weekend that we saw, or rather thought of, the potential of the outhouse. Indeed, Madelief's garden house should act as an inspiration for us all.
'Falco' as you clearly recognize are the BEST!! We have had their secateurs for years and they are a company who will service their tools if required. Now that is something these days.
We too cannot wait for your visit. Such fun we shall have. Currently 'M' is closed for the refurbishment of the kitchen - we are impatient for it to reopen. Love to you and Bob, xxx
I'm very excited about your new project! It sounds like you'll be able to build something really lovely.
ReplyDeleteWe rented a cottage in Kirkby Lonsdale this past summer and the garden was small but so beautiful. The whole village had the most charming gardens, they really made such clever use of their small spaces.
Thanks for sharing and I'll be looking forward to any photos. :)
As it is becoming close to our actually seeing what we have bought, we too are beginning to feel excited and a touch nervous!! Still, it will all be great fun, we are sure of that.
DeleteHow lovely to have spent some of last summer in Kirkby and how nice to have rented a cottage with a garden you could enjoy. Do you have similar plans for this year?
It's a beautiful part of the world. We would love to get back to the Yorkshire Dales for another holiday but we'll need to wait a few years. I could spend every summer very happily in that area!
DeleteSurely one day. There are, of course, and as you know, so many wonderful places throughout the world in which to spend time. But we do all have our favourites.
DeleteThis is the time of year for dreaming of gardens. I have my plan all drawn out. Starting over in the back garden because the builders reduced it to rubble after creating our new birdhouse screened porch. It will be fun to do something new. xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Pamela, it is always great fun to have a project in hand although finding the right people to carry out the work is never that easy. Good luck with your back garden.
DeleteThe most fun is in the planning...then the tough stuff starts. Your inspiration is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe certainly agree with you here. The difficulty, as we have said to Pamela [above], is finding good, reliable people to carry out the work.
DeleteMy dears, at the very thought of how lovely your barren strip of a garden will soon be I can imagine vistas of thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches floating lightly past me crustless and myself in my best hat, the one with the widest brim, so wide as to defy conversation. Your inspirational image is magnificent, as is the scale of your ambition.
ReplyDeleteYour optimism, which we trust is not misplaced, carries us along, Mise, and is so very welcome. The danger is that our flights of fancy may suddenly become grounded when the costs are taken into account. How easily a folly may indeed become a folly!
DeleteWhatever, tea with us you must take. We see a garden party and we should all entice Helen T to come as well. Such fun to be had.
Part of me would love to have a restricted space which I can keep control of with minimal effort and I suspect my time too will come.
ReplyDeleteA garden room surrounded by cool greens with just enough space for a couple of chairs and a table to prop up the wine glasses sounds exquisite. And running water, yes, there must be that. Fill the classical urn with ice cubes, insert bottle, kick back and enjoy.
Jessica, we could not have expressed it, nor dreamt it, better ourselves. Yes, this must be a garden in which we relax, in which we are at ease, without the necessity of maintenance. Classical urns as ice buckets - perfect.
DeleteMeanwhile, in the real world, we trust that you are making progress with your bank. We envy you not!!
Dear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteAll a gardener needs is a small space and some seeds of promise. Even though you have moved away from your years of grand gardens, some of that rich soil still remains a part of you. I know you will have great fun and pride as this new (and hopefully) low maintenance project comes to fruition. I am sure it will be beautiful and I look forward to the pictures.
These are wise words, Arleen, and in truth we do not mind at all that the garden will be quite small. Whatever, it will be fun to plan and we shall certainly enjoy having some outside space for those rare days in England when it is warm enough to be outside.
DeleteDear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteThe last photo of your garden in Herefordshire makes me wish I had seen it for real. It looks so beautiful!
I can't wait to see what you will make of that bare strip of land behind your pretty seaside cottage. That garden house from Pinterest looks very classy. If I were you I would go for that! I can see the two of you sitting in front of the open doors! :-)
Have fun designing!
Much love,
Madelief x
* Still consult your book now and then :-)
Dearest Madelief,
DeleteHow we should have enjoyed showing you the Herefordshire garden. It was, at the time, a most important part of our lives and whilst we now think back on it with great fondness, we do not miss all of the work and responsibility that it entailed.
You will, of course, have to come to Norwich to see both house and garden for yourself. The idea to convert the outhouse into a summerhouse of some kind is in no small way inspired by what you have done which, as you know, we absolutely love.
xxx
I had the tall fastigiata yew in my previous Norfolk cottage, Iobtained from Blooms of Bressingham. I loved its dark majestic presence. I have a friend who would I am sure would design you a trouble free, grass free garden in Norwich. She lives in Norwich herself and is a garden and interior designer and specialises in inner city gardens, although I don't know whether your new property is to be inner city or not. Let me know if you would like her details. Rachel
ReplyDeleteWe too have previously made use of the Irish yews, Rachel, which certainly do, as you say, have a presence and the deep, dark green of all yew as hedging is, we consider, unbeatable.
DeleteThank you too for mention of your interior designer friend. It is most kind and thoughtful. As it happens we had a very successful garden design business over many years, both in the UK and in Hungary, and so, hopefully, we shall be able to put something together for the Norwich garden which is in the inner city.
I do not know you as well as some. My friend also lives in the city centre so, who knows, you might meet anyway and her interior designs are to be seen in many city centre apartments.
DeleteAnd why should you know anything about us, Rachel? Besides that, we always enjoy meeting interesting people and we should very much hope that we do meet with your friend, and perhaps you too. We do have some interior designer friends and so are sure that we should have much to talk about and interests in common. We have completion on the house in March when we are planning to spend some time in Norwich, at least enough to have some furniture out of store.
DeleteDear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteSo very exciting to have a garden that is a blank sheet to work with, AND a brick outhouse to boot! Ok, I know there is a house and all that stuff as well, but you have an outhouse! Simply add a sheepskin covered bed and a wood burning stove (and of course a cocktail cabinet), and leave it at that. Will you be needing live in gardeners to maintain the finished product by any chance...wink wink.
We are most excited at the prospect of having a garden, albeit a small one, once more and, as you say, Gary, the outhouse is more than a bonus and must, taking up on your suggestion, have a stove.
DeleteIt is a pity that Norwich is so far from Bournemouth/Poole as we could do with you and Amanda to help us keep the garden up!
Dear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteOnce a gardener, always a gardener, no matter the size and scale of the lot (or container). The green-fingered bug surely never actually disappears and you two are evidence of that. It is exciting to be thinking of your newest project that will be in the works soon, and how right you are to make a beautiful space to enjoy with as little maintenance as possible.
I keenly anticipate your before and after photographs for surely they'll be a treat for us all.
It is possible that one does not, as you suggest, ever quite lose the urge to garden and we are certainly excited at the prospect of having a garden again although when looking for a suitable property we rejected many on account of the fact that they had more than a courtyard. That said, it will be fun to have and we shall enjoy having an outside space, something we rather miss here in Budapest. The little park in the middle of the square that we look out on is not quite the same!
DeleteI so do hope you use this as opportunity to create a beautiful spot in your space! That inspiration photo you have up there is magical!! Does the garden ever leave us!?! I think your new project is going to creatively spark a new version of garden for you both and with your talents I have no doubt that it will be stunning!!! I can not wait to see what you create! Nicole
ReplyDeleteThe danger at the moment, Nicole, is that we have too many ideas as to what could be done with the space and are very likely to be carried away on flights of fancy. We do like what you say here about creating a 'new version of garden', an idea in itself to be worked upon. Whatever, it is all very exciting and the planning is certainly keeping us occupied!
DeleteCan't wait to see what you do with your back garden! I'm sure it will be stunning. I couldn't imagine not having a garden. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteWe are, at least for the moment, hugely enjoying thinking through ideas for the garden, Sarah. What will finally transpire remains to be seen!
DeleteI look forward to seeing your new garden. I suspect it will be amazing. I am awaiting spring. After almost year of absence I fear I will be rebuilding. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteWe do hope, Bonnie, that we can do something with the garden that will make it visually interesting. That said, it will have to be very low maintenance since we shall not be there for the greater part of the time.
DeleteCan't wait for those before and afters. . .
ReplyDeleteWhich will come, Elizabeth, but maybe not for some time [at least the 'afters'!!].
DeleteI am looking forward to the 'in progress' updates and photographs. Often these challenges result in outcomes which surpasses all expectation.
ReplyDeleteIt is all going to be great fun, Matthew, or so we hope. We do agree that a challenge is never a bad thing and can, as you say, bring some very rewarding results.
DeleteMy auld acquaintance, Dan Pearson, was featured on Desert Island Discs recently, and mentioned his ex, Jane - who I used to share a house with once - twice. She is a good gardener too - a heck of a lot better than my other auld mates, the Bannermans.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should get some of their books instead of your own? A fresh eye is always useful...
P.S. - Jane's main claim to fame was that she once semi-throttled Miriam Rothschild in a corridor of her own house, because dear Miriam refused to pay her for about 3 months.
DeleteIt's people like that who give Rothschilds' a bad name.
We have always, in fact, greatly admired Dan Pearson's work, Tom, although have never met him. When he lived in Camberwell his garden backed onto that of friends of ours [a gratuitous piece of information!].
DeleteJane sounds to be a very feisty character. We like the sound of her. In our experience the very rich, and here one must include the Rothschilds, are always somewhat reluctant to part with their money.
We do indeed have a fairly extensive library of garden books, to include many by Dan Pearson as well as other designers, built up over many years and financed, in no small way, from our own!!
The link provided here to you was in recognition of your own work, and with the thought that possibly you could create a monumental piece of work from Carrara marble to be the focal point not only of our own garden but possibly of the whole of Norwich!! Now what fun that would be!
Norwich?! I have Bath In Fashion to go through first.
DeleteDan now lives just outside Bath with his (male) partner, and his garden is connected to Jane's and her husband by a small bridge over the stream. They went halves on the cost of the bridge.
Jane now runs a wild-flower seed company with her husband and keeps Shire horses. I think at the last count she had 29...
I helped her buy her first horse, which she bought at the Priddy Fair from a Gypsy before realising she didn't have enough funds in her account to pay for it.
It's all so bloody romantic.
We were under the impression, information gleaned from we know not where, that Dan P was at one time living with Jasper Conran but this may of course be pure fiction.
DeleteLove the sound of Jane and her shire horses although we can readily imagine that they must take up a great deal of time and be something of a responsibility. But it is all a little more interesting, or so we think, than train spotting. We also like the idea of the bridge over the stream to link the two gardens and the wild-flower seeds. That said, our attempt at a wild flower meadow in Herefordshire failed miserably - we suspect that the soil was too rich.
Life is quite romantic [or should be].
I don't know about that, but an erstwhile girlfriend of mine used to be Jasper Conran's girlfriend as well.
DeleteLike I said, it's all too, too, romantic.
Romantic maybe. Intriguing, most definitely. Just a thought, not at the same time, we assume!
DeleteNo after. I've just remembered that she was the sister of Jan Howarth, Peter Blake's wife at the time. I do try not to name-drop, but it is difficult.
DeleteAs well perhaps! Nothing to forgive over name-dropping. It is, after all, who you know!
Deletegarden? here we are still covered with snow and below 0C temps. garden only in my dreams, dearies!
ReplyDeleteOh dear, poor you. But have faith, the spring will come and then you will be overloaded with work!!
DeleteJust saw this today - in a similar but more urban vein. http://www.gardenista.com/posts/table-of-contents-the-power-of-scent I am thrilled you'll be doing something with your back yard and can't wait to see what. I'm just planting scrubby California natives and hoping for butterflies;).
ReplyDeleteHow absolutely splendid! Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to provide the link. Sourcing ideas is always such a fun part of any planning and it is often surprising as to where inspiration may be found.
DeleteI just don't garden, I only prune the roses, sometimes.
ReplyDeleteGood morning to the both of you :)
Wonderful that you both have the opportunity to make a garden of your own, with your own ideas. A garden that takes on your personalities, one that will take care of itself to a degree. Good luck, and looking forward to the before and after photos.
Best wishes.....J Margaret
Actually we have done no real gardening ourselves for more than ten years. It may well come as something of a shock to find secateurs once more in our hands! Whatever, we are looking forward to having the opportunity to make a garden again, but this time the emphasis will have to be on very, very low maintenance. But it should be fun - at least we hope so.
DeleteThe mention of classical urns, water jets, and summer houses have me thinking of Versailles. All all sounds very nice and whets my appetite for our own garden plans. So close and yet so far at the moment.
ReplyDeleteYour 'headline' made me smile as my late grandmother was often referred to as 'Queen Maud' especially by her grandchildren. Maud was her second name and she didn't like it at all so naturally she was teased about it often especially considering her regal bearing.
I too am looking forward to seeing what you create over there in the wild of Norfolk...
Bye for now
Kirk xx
One can always start large and grand, Kirk, even if when reality takes over one's ideas have to be completely scaled down, most usually to fit the size of one's pocket! Doubtless you are entering on a very exciting time yourselves not only with a new house and garden but also a very new way of life. We do wish you all possible happiness and success.
DeleteIt has to be said that Maud is not a name we particularly care for and so do sympathise with your late grandmother.
Oh yes yes yes do do do
ReplyDeleteWe shall, we will!! But gives us time!
DeleteA Hattatt garden. An ENGLISH Hattatt garden. Pardon my swoons, but as a devotee of both of you and England and gardens (looking, not making) I am excited! I can’t wait to see what lovely things unfold.
ReplyDeleteYou are exceptionally kind and generous. But now, what a responsibility!! We really do hope that we shall come up to the mark and meet all expectations!!
Delete10 x 5 m sounds too small for urns and follies, but then that's just me of course - it is your garden, and if you liked, you could line the entire length of it with one urn next to the other :-)
ReplyDeleteOn the book covers, I can only see "Lance Hattat" as the author's name. Surely your books always involved the two of you?
We do fully appreciate what you say, Meike, but in many instances, or so experience has taught us, a dramatic effect may often be achieved by including out sized items and objects placed in a relatively small space.
DeleteAs it happens, where the books are concerned, we are both published under our individual names. Look out for 'Best Plants for Your Garden' by Jane Hattatt!!
Like all the rest, I am anxious for this new garden to take shape. Your ideas all appeal to me. Having a building at the end of the garden is such a bonus. Our new garden is a boring, flat blank slate. The only redeeming feature is a tall hedge. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWe are certainly enjoying all of the planning and let us hope that the realisation will equally be fun!! The outhouse we really do regard as a bonus and think that not to do something with it would be a wasted opportunity although we fear that its conversion may eat up most of the garden budget!
DeleteYour tall hedge, if it is in the right place, could be incorporated into something very dramatic. We should be most interested to know how your new garden evolves. Possibly the material for several blog posts?!!
Darlings Jane and Lance
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful project to occupy one's time. Oh I am envious! That inspiration picture is an excellent choice but your Herefordshire garden is perfection.
I wonder, what sort of daily activities occur on the other side of your new garden wall? Do your neighbors host early evening drum circles or raucous bellydancing? Then I would definitely recommend a bubbly fountain and perhaps wind chimes. Do they like to practice their golf swing? Perhaps your garden house should have less fenestration on one side.
Whatever you choose will be an Eden of Hattattian refinement and beauty and I look forward to the pictures of the project as it goes forward.
Darling Bebe,
DeleteWell, it is all certainly keeping us off the streets and we have yet to resort to mugging old people!!
How kind of you to be so complimentary about both the entire project, let us hope that none of it is misplaced, and about our Herefordshire garden which over a decade on is becoming something of a distant memory.
Now, not having given a thought to the neighbours, we are becoming alarmed!! What if, as you say, they are up for all these sorts of things, or even worse. Perhaps the garden house should be made bomb proof and surrounded with high rise, steel fencing as a retreat from the feral children about whom Helen warns [above]!!
Let us see, for better or worse, how it all turns out.
Well said Darling Bebe and an Eden of Hattattian refinement it shall certainly be and as a possessor of two prehensile thumbs several shades removed from green, I shall watch this project with rapt attention on how they approach this interesting project as Darlings Jane and Lance bring joy and beauty into everything they do.
DeleteYou are both, Darlings Bebe and G, exceptionally kind and so very supportive, even in the folly of our ways. But this outhouse, greatly extended by a previous occupant from an original outside lavatory, coal and wood store into a workshop, really does have the promise, and we trust also the potential, to be transformed into something which will enhance and complement the garden and create interest where previously there was none.
DeleteDear Lance and Jane, dare one propose a garden-as-gallery?
ReplyDeleteEnvision a pavement upon which to stroll and view -- en route to the outhouse refurbished as refreshment pavillion -- sculptures placed on pedestals of varying heights? In deference to local taste, one might place traditional urns and a water feature in the front garden whilst reserving the private space for more contemporary, more conversation-worthy pieces.
I'm fortunate to be within driving distance of both the Pyramid Sculpture Park (www.pyramidhill.org) in Ohio and the Laumeier Sculpture Park (www.laumeiersculpturepark.org) in Missouri. They inspire me and my fellow fans of contemporary sculpture to poke odd bits into the hedge and call them 'faux Gox'.
Think what fun you could have hunting and gathering in the studios of living sculptors! Y'see, dear Lance and Jane, I've noticed that you feed young artists the way I feed birds. In both cases, one's home is made more lively and more beautiful.
Beth, we can instantly see that you are a woman after our own hearts. Splendid, so utterly splendid! Yes, let the front suggest the very best in tradition, and thus we are considered conformists, whilst the back can be an expression of all things contemporary and therefore [at least to our neighbours spying from upper windows, we are seen to be in the vanguard of modernity.
DeleteHow lovely to be within easy reach, and how inspirational too, of both the sculpture park in Ohio and also the one in Missouri. Thank you so much for the links; we shall enjoy following them up.
We think of ourselves as hugely privileged that the young artists who we know, and there are a number, should wish to spend time with us. Without a shadow of doubt our lives are enriched so very much by their company.
Dear Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of turning a brick outhouse into a folly of some sort. I've always thought that part of the charm of a folly is that it be at a smaller scale, and I could even imagine doing something to that little building to make it seem monumental.
I seem to recall that George Washington's Mount Vernon home currently has a potting shed that was originally an outhouse. It suggests that George walked through a garden to use the bathroom . . .
Would, dear Mark, you were on hand to advise us over the conversion of the outhouse and, additionally, to exercise your very impressive painting skills [of which we are truly in awe] on our walls. You are right, it should be monumental, at least in the impact it has on the rest of the garden and we are becoming so very excited at all of the possibilities.
DeleteMost interesting to think of George Washington having to get up in the middle of the night..........!!
Oh I can't wait to see what wonderful creation you come up with. It's all so exciting. We've only got a small garden and want to make some changes. I find Pinterest such a mine of information and photos to suit all projects. Have fun. P x
ReplyDeleteWe are having so much fun with all of the planning, Patricia, but finding it very difficult with so many ideas and suggestions to arrive at anything approaching a final decision. We agree about 'Pinterest'. One learns so much!
DeleteThe summer house ideas you have found are so beautiful that I am certain you will find some way to transfer your barren strip into an miniature paradise. I do not think 25 years of gardening can disappear quite so readily.
ReplyDeleteIt is so strange, Jenny, that at first we paid no attention at all to the outhouse and now, at least in our minds, it is becoming the focal point around which the entire garden will pivot. Or so we hope.
DeleteYou are right, we most likely have not forgotten how to dig a hole!!
I am sure that whatever you decide to do with the garden will be really beautiful. Your inspiration photos are great and a lot of it actually seems doable to me. I have to say that I really like living in a dry climate where we utilize the xeriscaping approach to gardening in order to conserve water. It means most of the plants are very easy to care for and only require periodic pruning, along with minimal watering. But it does mean we're limited in what we can plant and I wish we could have more color, especially. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your interest, Jennifer. Like you, we really believe that it is important in the making of any garden anywhere to work with Nature rather than attempt to alter existing terrain. And the conservation of water, such a very precious commodity and one which is not readily available to everyone, should be a priority for us all. And if it means one is limited in what one can grow, then so be it.
Deletea nice garden is a rest for our soul ! they are magic... we would need much more to inspire us , and in all the seasons !
ReplyDeletethank you for your support ! un grande grazie per la vostra cortesia !
Absolutely!! A garden is, as you say here, 'rest for the soul' and should most definitely not only be about maintenance.
DeleteWe always much enjoy all that you post.
How about creating a good old fashioned crack den for cats as seen here you'll be the talk and the envy of the neighbourhood. I can't wait to see the end result minus the neighbour's washing line, if they have an issue with it tell them this is Norwich not Accrington!
ReplyDeleteDarling Mitzi, you may always be relied upon for a totally original input and this, most certainly, is no exception. Where on earth did you uncover this?? Clearly all that is required, if we wish to attract every cat in the neighbourhood for a quick fix, is to plant an excess of Nepeta and sit back and wait for the 'frisky' [as described in the film!!] antics to begin. Do you think that there is money to be made?
DeleteAnd if this can be Norwich, what indeed goes on in Accrington? No, please do not answer!
After 25 years of hard work I'm amazed you gave your garden up without withdrawal symptoms! And to pass those empty pots.....
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your new garden is going to be a little paradise and I shall enjoy seeing it develop....and maybe snaffle some of your strokes of genius....
How marvelous that you have written gardening books! It will be a pleasure, I'm sure, getting stuck in again, and from scratch too.xxx
Actually, we rather surprised ourselves. Got into the motor car after the furniture vans had left, and drove off without a backward glance. And we have never returned.
DeleteIt will be fun to have a garden again but it will be very different and it will have to be exceedingly easy to maintain. Of course we aim to spend time in Norwich but we really think of Budapest as home and where we prefer to be.
You are most kind about the gardening books - eleven in total. All part of another time and place.
Ah, and there I was thinking that English gardens somehow just grew without help from any gardeners. Very naive of me to think so, I know but I am sure the rain helps tremendously to nourish all sorts of plants. I am perfectly sure you will come up with something quite splendid for your seaside cottage.
ReplyDeleteAlas, in our experience English gardens require an enormous amount of time and effort and are, unfortunately, increasingly expensive, if of any size, to maintain. The new garden will be very simple but hopefully of interest too.
DeleteI didn't know you both were published author's! how wonderful!! (I'll just take a minute for my open jaw to shut........there, back to normal!) A summer house sounds perfect, although I offer no gardening advice, I don't even possess gardening 'vision', expertise or ability however I do know you two will create something beautiful x x x
ReplyDeleteYou are most kind but, truly, it is not, as is said these days, a great deal! The books were fun to write at the time but really do belong to another era.
DeleteWe think that the outhouse can be turned into something of interest. Only time will tell.
Dear Jane and Lance.
ReplyDeleteI noticed this new post from you all at the weekend, but was to pre-occupied with dealing with the ongoing snow and sleet and ice, while getting to and from work. However, knowing that the post told of your Norwich garden meant that I knew I would find time to return.
And so I have returned. All is still quite frozen around here, giving me even more pleasure in reading about what you all are thinking of doing in that space behind your new home...a space that is a bit of a blank where opportunity knocks.
I always think of grand British gardens (or even grand gardens over here in the States) that take generation to coalesce. And yet, it seems as if a limited space might make the planning even more important, since scale, light, type of soil and many seasonal effects like rain, will be important.
Is early spring the best time to plan a garden? I've been reading Madelief's posts about her allotment garden and greatly admire what she and her family have created there. Her garden house, while not a folly, is certainly a very charming place.
Oh, I do seem to be rambling on. What I truly wished to do was to let you know that I look forward to seeing what develops in Norwich.
xo
Dear Frances,
DeleteWe are very aware of the terrible time you must be having on account of the dreadful weather which appears to have hit certain parts of the United States. You must take extra care when travelling to and from work and, above all, keep warm. Let us hope for you that spring will not be too far around the corner.
How nice of you to bother with our post when you surely have other, certainly more important, matters to which to attend. We wonder how all the wild life in the park are faring in the bitter cold.
What you say here about the planning and creation of any garden, large or small, is so very true. So many different factors to be taken into account. East Anglia is, we understand, an area of the British Isles with the lowest rainfall and so gardening there will not be at all the same as Herefordshire which, close to the Welsh border, was often very wet indeed.
Spring is not a bad time in which to embark on the planting of a garden although there is, of course, the need to keep things well watered during the first year. In the past planting was always traditionally carried out in the autumn, but this no longer seems to be the case. Madelief's garden house and garden, which we have seen for ourselves, are an absolute delight. She has invited us to stay again in May to which we are much looking forward.
Thank you, Frances, for taking the time and trouble to write. Your comments always afford us a great deal of pleasure. xxx
Jane and Lance, you two sure know how to melt a gay boy's heart!!!!! I wish you all the luck with your quandaries about the garden and what may come, but judging from the lovely Pinterest picture, thank goodness for Pinterest, I'd say you have a great point in which to start. The little out building is quite a stunning little gem. It would be the perfect place to take a book and a spritzer and enjoy the afternoon. My apologies for not commenting back on my blog, have been terribly busy with work, but it's always nice seeing you two.... always make me day.
ReplyDeleteThat is so very nice of you!! And thank you for your good wishes where the garden is concerned. We are quite excited at what may be done and do hope that all of our fantasies do not actually exceed our budget. Sadly, of that we think that there could be some danger!!
DeleteThe wonderful thing about the whole of the Blogosphere is that it is delightfully informal and nothing is expected of anyone. So no apologies needed!!
Well, we've only ever had two small gardens, and we've never been inspired to do anything especially ambitious with them. When we redid our present garden, we just went for masses of shrubs as they don't require too much maintenance. And the previous owners planted a eucalyptus tree which is already enormous.
ReplyDeleteThe outhouse/ summerhouse/ folly idea sounds promising. With some discreet solar panels perhaps?
We never really imagined that we would have a garden again, Nick, but are very conscious that, since we will not be there for the greater part of our time, it must be very easy to maintain. The outhouse project is quite exciting and we shall have a better idea of what may be done once we actually see it.
DeleteI like your pinterest concept for your garden. I remember in the 90s when I had a tiny urban garden I found a book called the Contained Garden useful; it explained how to garden with containers. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWe certainly thought that it made a good starting point. What we shall finally achieve remains to be seen but it is quite exciting planning everything.
DeleteAs someone who once acquired your book, " Gardening with Colour" from an antique store (not a book store) always wondered why you never talk about gardening anymore. So now we know why?
ReplyDeleteBut I am excited like so many other fans of your's to see what you will come up for a garden at your new holiday home. And we all know in our hearts it will be nothing short of spectacular.
How really kind of you to support us in this way!! That we should now be thought of in this way as antiques is something of a doubtful pleasure!!! Whatever, we do hope that it has been of some use.
DeleteWe have very fond memories of the garden but, as we have remarked elsewhere, we do not miss the work nor the responsibility. That said we think that to create a small, low maintenance garden will be fun. At least we hope so.
For us not a doubtful pleasure but a true delight. Picked up the book knowing you are the author and would not leave it there out of love and respect for you and last but not the least it was a great find. It is hard to get copies of your books here in the US. So for us finding a book of yours was a true pleasure.
DeleteWe are really touched by your comment here. Thank you so much. The books were great fun to write at the time and brought us into contact with so many very interesting and knowledgeable people. But it now all seems a very long time ago!
DeleteDear Jane and Lance.
ReplyDeleteYou travel so much. I can certainly see the need for easy care. We have a very small space and put in fake grass. There have been improvements since AstorTurf was invented, I promise. Along the perimeter we have miniature Boxwoods with an underground drip watering system.I just know that you will have yours looking lovely. Janey
Yes, it would be very difficult now for us to have a garden requiring constant maintenance unless we were prepared to have, but first find, a good, reliable gardener. As it happens, Budapest City Council have over the last year experimented with fake grass, which is quite realistic, in a very public place. It has certainly stood up to all kinds of weather and does not look at all bad.
DeleteThe problem with Buxus [or Boxwood] in the UK is that it has succumbed to a dreadful virus for which, as yet, there is no successful, long term remedy.
Greetings Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteAh yes, once again my arrival has been, no doubt, met with great anticipation. It pleases me to inform you both that due to the wonders of actually now having a computer that works, your fine selves shall see more visitations from my shy, humble self.
Ah ;the wonders of gardening and the ingenuity involved within a confined space. I shall henceforth send my wee folks over to assist in such magic. All they require is temporary mushroom houses near a certain outhouse.
Cheerio and toodle pip, eh what.
Gary
Your arrival, Gary, whenever is always a delight. Indeed, we are so pleased to see you. It is such a blow when the computer fails to perform satisfactorily and we are glad, for you, to know that you are up and running again where the internet is concerned.
DeleteWould that your wee folks could weave their magic, and preferably at no cost!!
Take care.
Your Gardening In A Small Space has been on my bookshelf for many years, I was astounded to realise that you two were the people behind it! With talent such as yours I have no doubt whatsoever that your new garden will be a masterpiece in no time. xxx
ReplyDeleteWe are so pleased to hear this. Thank you so much. Hopefully we shall be able to do something interesting with the Norwich garden. At present many ideas are hoing round in our heads!!
DeleteWithout wishing to sound a bit vapid, WOW! Lance and Jane! What an amazingly accomplished couple you are. Your former garden looks and sounds a thing of wonder. I can understand your reluctance to do gardening now after the huge efforts you put in previously, but I am in no doubt that you will create something beautiful and practical in your new space. Follies and summer houses are always a bit magical. Can't wait to see your befores and afters! Xxx
ReplyDeleteYou are being far too kind and generous here but, we assure you, it is all very much appreciated. Our previous garden was over two acres in size and did require huge amounts of work to maintain. Even with excellent help there was always something needing to be done. We are very excited at the prospect of converting the outhouse into some kind of folly or garden room. It is to be hoped that it can be achieved within our budget!
DeleteShingle and mirrors....and herbs and rhubarb ....are my suggestions!!
ReplyDeleteShingle, almost certainly, mirrors maybe and the rhubarb is very tempting. But herbs can so easily get out of hand unless constantly cared for.
DeleteHello Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteFor a city dweller and a balcony gardener, any prospect of owning a gardening space, however minuscule, is overwhelming. Your ideas sound fascinating and like everybody else here, I cannot wait to see the garden come to life.
And Pinterest is quite the place these days for inspirations.
Hope you are enjoying the onset of spring in your part of the world. For us, it's a confused, dazed state of affairs - blindingly sunny in the mornings and very windy in the evenings. :)
Have a lovely weekend.
Suman
To be honest, Suman, we completely understand what you say here about owning a garden and in the ten or so years we have been without we have certainly got out of the habit. Whatever, the new garden has to be exceedingly low on maintenance.
DeleteIt is interesting what you say about your weather. Here it fluctuates, almost daily, between hot and cold - not at all seasonable. Is it all part of climate change? So very worrying.
My dears -- In the hopeful expectation that I will one day get to enjoy this garden (however briefly) with you, I'd like to put in a request for vines—just because I like them—and comfy seating. Seriously, whatever you do with your new garden I'm sure it will be more elegant and inviting than any other behind all the artisan terraced cottages to be found the length and breadth of Norwich.
ReplyDeleteDearest Alexa,
DeleteWith or without a garden, our Norwich house will offer you a warm welcome at whatever time you wish to visit. What fun it would be to sit and dream whilst you and Genie advise on a Versailles type garden which can easily and inexpensively be accommodated into our modest Norwich plot! All the while fuelling our imaginations with delicious wine or, as befits the occasion, champagne!
Alas, vines probably require more attention than we can afford to lavish upon them. We shall have to be content with fruits of the vine....in a bottle!
A more than perfect substitute!
DeleteAnd we shall drink a toast to you and a Genie for absent friends at Mate Orr's exhibition opening tomorrow night!
DeleteSome version of this perhaps, and you each have a square to sit in, like art installations. Of course, if you're to do the thing properly you should be dressed to represent that day's mood. Or a maze! It would make getting to the end of the garden a delicious treat if you left each other gifts at the bottom of the garden http://italophiles.com/images/villa12.jpg
ReplyDeleteHow well you know us, darling Alec, for this would be our idea of perfection. Only green. Fabulous!
DeleteAnd, indeed, dressed for the day/ mood/ whim/ season / flight of fancy we could stroll gently through the Boxwwod shapes reciting poetry, stopping for the occasional 'selfie' to add to the photograph album. Now, if only you were there too as a modern day Bright Young Thing to amuse, debate or what you will, then 'erimus in Paradiso'!!
Dearest Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteI am so delighted to find this post. Congratulations on publishing so many books. I am the proud owner of Gardening in a Small Space and I treasure it.
I understand how you feel about gardening and having had and maintained a notorious garden is a difficult act to follow.
The plans for your new garden would be perfect for my garden in Ireland too.
Having a building as a focal point is a great starting point and you will also be retaining some of the garden's history.
I am so happy for your finding a new home and garden
Helen xx
Darling Helen, how kind you are! You will find inside 'Gardening in a Small Space' the garden of Mirabel Osler who, after leaving he countryside made a jewel of a garden in Ludlow. That has some particular good plantings and effects in addition to wonderful garden seats and buildings which have been transformed with paint. This, we can imagine, may have an appeal for your painterly sensibilities.
DeleteWhatever, we are absolutely certain that with your great eye for detail and the creative touch which you undoubtedly have, your Irish garden will soon become a piece of Paradise on Earth.
Dear Lance and Jane, How exciting to have a new, clear space. I like the first ideas you are having. I have recently started to plant a mini orchard in my long, thin, back of terrace garden but I have a feeling you will create something truly fabulous and unique! Jane xx
ReplyDeleteOh Jane we absolutely love the idea of a mini orchard. In Herefordshire we created just this. We planted old Herefordshire apple trees, for which the county is famous, in grass through which we mowed paths twice a year. In the long grass all manner of naturalised bulbs and wild flowers grew. Its beauty was in its simplicity and, we can imagine, that you will create something similarly delightful.
DeleteNooooooo I'm not an expert here, and um clearly you Guys are, but can we rethink Young at Heart's maybe on mirrors?! Having lived in complete disappointment that an Aussie city backyard is far from the vast land of plenty garden that I expected, I have managed to double the size of our garden (nearly) with mirrors without doubling the workload... clever eh? And dearest Jane and Lance, as you have style and green fingers, I am sure you will avoid the potential pitfall of mirrors which is that you can end up looking like a 50 Shades of Green boudoir garden which I am possibly at fault of achieving :)
ReplyDeleteBut think of this! My next brilliant suggestion that no house is complete without a G & T tree and with a few cleverly positioned mirrors you can have an whole orchard of lemon trees how cool would that be?
Obviously your G & T tree needs to be in a pot and brought into the outhouse in winter which you may need to heat... but let's think of the positives here the joy of that 'clink, clink, fizz' as you drop the ice cube and lemon into the Gin and Tonic will you give such a big grin on your faces, even for Champagne drinkers...
I think I have got way too enthusiastic for your little project so I'd better go now.
Byeeeee :)
Wren x
Mirrors, lemon trees and gin and tonics.......can one ever have too many? We have seen mirrors used incredibly effectively in small gardens. They not only make the space appear bigger, they create a quality of light which is quite remarkable both in the day and at night. They do serve to make the area they are placed in something of a stage set, but that is what we are aiming for, and, possibly, you are too.
DeleteIn our imaginations, bearing in mind that we have yet to see the outhouse, the Hattatt Folly as we believe it will become grows larger, becomes more decorated, is better heated, better lit and better equipped than ever the house itself is going to be. Needless to say, the afternoon teas served from it will rival those at The Ritz and the sundowners will put Harry's Bar to shame. Dream on......
I would love a folly. I have been fascinated ever since the lovely Richard Stilgoe did a feature series about them on Nationwide... or was it Bob Wellings? Either way, I would like one.
ReplyDeleteSx
As we have not possessed a television for more than thirty years, sadly, we did not see this series. It sounds as if it would have been just our cup of tea and well worth the licence fee!
DeleteFolly is a word which can apply to so many aspects of our lives so to have one in our back garden would be nothing new. We never learn.........
I'm finding that Pinterest image rather inspiring myself. I will watch with interest to see what you make of this new outdoor space.
ReplyDeletePinterest has become something of an addiction for us, we have to confess. In the labyrinth of visual images that one can lose oneself amongst, there are, we think, some real treasures to be found. If our efforts can even remotely resemble the Pinterest image, we shall be overjoyed!
DeleteWell, I look forward to seeing the photos. Concrete and a couple of planters isn't an option I take it?
ReplyDeletePhotographs may be a while in coming as the idea has not even taken shape on the proverbial drawing board yet!
DeleteWe have never been wholly successful with containers apart from when we decided to use ordinary terracotta plant pots, paint them black and fill them with grey leaved Hostas. They need watering though, so probably no good for this situation. Concrete......never!
I read this the other day but have just realised that I did not leave a comment! Our last home in Oxford we had a very small garden but no grass as it was difficult when you are not there. We did have paving and a couple of beds with shrubs in. Room for a summer house would have been perfect but no such luck.
ReplyDeleteUntil you really see the 'garden' for yourselves I am sure it will be difficult to picture what to do with it. Good luck and I am looking forward to seeing progress.
Have a good day Diane
Grass is incredibly time and money consuming to keep looking green and lush. You were wise to not include any in your garden plan, Diane, and nor shall we.
DeleteOur trouble is that we have far too many ideas racing round our heads, even before we have seen the garden to be, and plans are made and remade hourly. It will be interesting to know what we shall do if there is no outhouse at all........indeed, we trust there is a house to match the pictures we have seen online!!
I know it's hard to turn a small garden into a beautiful and welcoming place ... because I have a tiny garden ...
ReplyDeleteI am curious to see how you are going to do! I'm sure you will find the right solution, you have the good books for that ;)
It is true that in a large garden there is room for an exploration of more ideas, but we have often found that small spaces can be the most interesting. When space is a premium, every thing has to earn its place and must be considered more carefully. Simple is usually best, but, we shall see....
DeleteMy dearest Jane and Lance,
ReplyDeleteYour garden in Herefordshire and the colours are breathtakingly beautiful. It looks something out of a Lady Ottoline Morrell's garden. Your prolific horticultural writings and publications are truly impressive. It seems to me that you have tried almost every trick, so to speak, in the book. I am not surprised that you prefer not to have a garden in Budapest or if you had a garden, you probably want only two colours which you once said in one of your writings if I recall correctly. While it is always comforting to go back to tried and tested methods, one needs to be careful not to become formulaic.
I am utterly hopeless in gardening although I love both flowers and gardens. The sound of brick built outhouse as a focal point in the garden sounds absolutely enchanting. A few months ago, I found a painted caravan which comes with an indoor stove for sale in the village. I would have loved to put it in my garden and used it as a place where I could go and write like a summer house. But I gave up with the idea after I faced so many complications and challenges such as how on earth the removal men would be able to lift the whole caravan into my garden over the iron gate or the idea of taking the whole caravan apart and re-assembling in the garden was beyond my capabilities.
I would like to highly recommend "The Land Gardeners blog" if you have not discovered them already. http://thelandgardeners.com/blog
My dears, the sound of "barren strip of ground" is quite bleak. However, if one looks at what Derek Jarman did with the rawest ground at his Prospect Cottage, near Dungeness nuclear power station, one could see the poetry, balance and harmony in the barren strip of ground.
Once you are standing in front of your new house, all your inspirations and ideas will come back to you. I am very excited for you and looking forward to seeing how you will bring an idea to fruition. Good luck with it.
Lastly but not least, I've always loved this quote from an author you know very well:
"The garden is the place I go to for refuge and shelter, not the house..... out there blessings crowd round me at every step - it is there that I am sorry for the unkindness in me, for those selfish thoughts that are so much worse than they feel, it is there that all my sins and silliness are forgiven, there that I feel protected and at home, and every flower and weed is a friend and every tree a lover. When I have been vexed I run out to them for comfort, and when angry without just cause, it is there that I find absolution.'
Elizabeth von Arnim (from Elizabeth and her English Garden)
With best wishes,
ASD xxx
Darling G, we are so very touched by the quotation. If the garden we produce can live up to this in any small way, then we shall be the richer emotionally for it. Let us hope.....
DeleteWe know the garden at Garsington well. The perfect backdrop as it now is for opera in the garden which the current owners occasionally hold there. Now, that will be an idea......the outhouse as the artist's studio in La Boheme.....or, perhaps as a Chinese house in Madame Butterfly.......so many possibilities, but there go our imaginations running away with us, not to mention the pound notes with them!
You are so right to encourage us to continue to experiment rather than stay to the tried and tested routes. Plants which work well, no matter how mundane they may appear, have always held a special place in our hearts. There is no point in cosseting precious gems which do not grow strongly when a sea of Alchemilla Mollis, for instance, will provide a breathtaking show all year round. Derek Jarman's garden is indeed an inspiration to us all and we shall recall this when tearing our hair out at what to do with our barren plot!
But, joy of joys, a caravan! Friends of ours with a wonderful garden at Wollerton Old Hall in Shropshire have just that and how we have always envied them for it. The perfect retreat but, as you say, the practicalities of removal and installation make these ideas just that.....ideas. Still, what are gardens for if not to dream.......?!
Hello Jane and Lance, having come across your lovely blog via Madelief (how did I not find you before now?!), I was excited to read of your garden plans for your terraced house in Norwich which is near to me. I adore that type of property which, as you say, are all over beautiful Norwich. I am looking forward to seeing and reading about the results. (I have a well-used copy of Gardening with Colour on my bookshelf!). Ann
ReplyDeleteWelcome Ann and how pleased we are that you have found your way here via our dear friend Madelief. We shall now have great pleasure in seeking you out in Blogland although from what you write, we are to be near neighbour's in the real life too!
DeleteHow kind of you to mention 'Gardening with Colour', a curious book for us to have written given that we spent most of our time in Herefordshire removing anything 'colourful' from the garden. That is every colour except green, of course, which we found ourselves often having to remind people was and is and ever shall be a colour!
We hope that you will continue to be interested in what we write and look forward to your returning.
What a bright prospect to continue this New Year! I imagine your alighting from the train at your new town, coming anew to the place meant for you, as you open that welcoming gate and step onto the grass of Home, planning all the while those sumptuous Dairy-Queen sculpts and cunning nooks for a cup of tea or a chat or a book. Possibilities before you untold.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're staying well and warm over there, wheresoever you are at the moment. Our views vary from vast white cushiony wastelands, to bleak frozen clumps breaking through, to sodden spaces of brown and gray, sere grass and forgotten lawn chairs seeing the light of day for the first time since Christmas. We're sunny lots of days, with the rays streaming down the stairs promising much and delivering an uplift of spirits and energy. Bur SOOOO Cold.
Do keep care of each other, stay warm and well, and enjoy every minute of this bright new place you're going to make and mark your own. Such lovely beginnings, and I'm smiling at the whole prospect of place and time and atmosphere in a place I've longed to live. Do say the vicar has visited, and the Ladies' Garden Society, and you've been invited to tea at five places soon as you're settled.
A small, bustling, very smart older lady in an interesting hat, a village fete at a Great House, a few evenings of whist and music, an invitation to a Small Dance, and I can deliver you happily into their hands, secure that you're HOME.love and,
r
PS When you visit, there WILL be WINE---Caro likes it, and there are quite a few bottles about the house at all times. And Chris had quite the reputation in our small Alabama town for his Muscadine Wine, as well as Pear Cordial and The Infamous Christmas Champagne. And I DO confess a fondness for a wee glass of tawny port on a snowy evening.
Dearest R,
DeleteWe do so hope that it will all prove to be as idyllic and straightforward as you portray. Whatever, shortly we are leaving for the UK, will post our whereabouts, and so it will not be long before we know exactly what we have been wise or foolish enough to have bought!
You have, we know, had the most dreadful of winters and you must, by now, be so looking forward to the arrival of spring. Here it continues to be cold, but not terribly so, and we too are seeing much in the way of sunshine. If anything we seem to have endured days of wet which is quite unusual in Budapest.
You are wonderfully romantic and we should not wish to shatter your illusions as to life in an English cathedral city. We rather suspect that for many of today's clergy 'The Church' is a business to be kept afloat during difficult times allowing little opportunity for taking tea with parishioners.
Now, lured by this talk of wine.....!! Be careful, you may find yourself with our knocking on the door!! You too take care. xxx
Lance and Jane,
ReplyDeleteI do not know how I have missed all of your exciting news...never mind, I am here now. Congratulations on your new house! I am intrigued by the prospect of purchasing a house "sight unseen" and hope it all works out for the best.
I think the small desolate garden will be a wonderful challenge after your break from gardening. Funny that after 25 years you did not miss it even a little.
Have a wonderful weekend! And congratulations again!
How kind of you to refer to our possible foolishness in buying a house unseen as 'exciting news', Elizabeth, but we are much buoyed up by it!! It is now only a matter of days before we see exactly what we have bought but at this point we remain hopeful!!
DeleteTo have a garden again is something to which we look forward although it will have to be very, very low maintenance as it must be capable of being left for long periods. After 25 years, which we are certain you can readily appreciate, we do not miss the work and responsibility of a large, formal garden which was regularly open to the public.
You too have a peaceful and restful weekend.
Would it be too much to hope that you might set your phone to "Record" as you step through the gate? A simple walk to that new, promising door, and the sound of your voices, just once, as you gaze on your prize.
ReplyDeleteI'd be so excited I'd leave phone on the train, dash out of the car in front of everyone, and run quite out from beneath my hat in my headlong rush.
And that would be for a week's rental, should there ever be one again.
I'd be past bearing with a deed and a key.
I love that you're having this adventure, and that you so kindly share.
r