One person’s love can be another’s loathing. Letting weeds float in and out of borders might please some, but offend others. Creating a garden is very personal, so it’s no wonder that gardeners might struggle to share a space, spending many precious hours arguing over plans and plants.
Michael Marriott and Rosie Irving met 14 years ago through their work in horticulture, and have shared their Shropshire garden for the past ten years by having their own designated areas. Their decision to divide the garden and the success of this idea has proved that two gardeners can successfully transform a space into something magical that reflects their personalities.
“When I first gardened alongside Michael, I would say things like ‘Oh dearest, wouldn’t that look better further down?’ He would never reply, he’d just smile and then carry on, so this was when I thought of the idea of having our own areas. This way we have harmony,” explains Rosie.
Michael was the leading rose expert at David Austin Roses for 35 years, and is the most knowledgeable rosarian in the country, if not in the world. “Rosie didn’t like roses when I met her, but I have changed her mind,” he says. Rosie is a
Denne historien er fra June 2024-utgaven av Gardens Illustrated.
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Denne historien er fra June 2024-utgaven av Gardens Illustrated.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER?
Giving your free time to volunteer in the community or as a mentor can have a big impact, and also benefit you in ways you can't imagine, says John Wyer
EARTHLY CONCERN
Weeds, slugs, birds and mice - all are welcome on Birch Farm in Devon, where Joshua Sparkes seeks to respect the local ecosystem and mimic nature in his innovative approach to growing
Gardening is good for you
In the first of his new factual column on the benefits of gardening, Dr Richard Claxton uncovers all the evidence-based ways it can help your physical health.
TANGERINE DREAM
On the edge of one of London's busiest roundabouts, Nigel Dunnett has created exciting combinations of drought-tolerant plants for a roof garden that is as unexpected as it is joyful
GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT
Growing your own edible plants is a great way to boost your gut microbiome. Discover expert picks of edimentals that are both beautiful and beneficial
Waste not, nice plot
Designer Miria Harris gave herself the challenge of a no-skip, zero-waste project, giving away, recycling or reusing everything in this back garden before transforming it into a space her client could love
One for all
A new community garden designed by Sarah Price around an old library turned arts centre in southeast London is a treasured space for local residents and garden lovers alike
Meet our horticultural HEROES
Discover the stories of the extraordinary garden champions who are making a difference to places, people, plants and the planet
SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE
In the culinary world, chefs and food writers sometimes closely guard their recipes, says Nigel Slater. Among gardeners, however, there is a refreshing spirit of generosity
Autumn at Sissinghurst
As the garden slips into a new season, head gardener Troy Scott Smith and his team are busy with tasks from hedge cutting and lawn work to bulb planting and sowing seeds.
