Most of the show gardens illustrated a clear theme that had at its central core a sense of caring and nurturing, whether for people, plants or insects. The gardens were all so special and in my mind were all winners in one way or the other. The Best on Show, Horatio’s Garden, designed by Charlotte Harris and Hugo Budd, was created as a wheelchair accessible garden for a spinal injury’s charity. With meadow planting, a water feature and seating for guests, this garden is a haven for social gatherings in a peaceful setting.
The Best Sanctuary Garden, The National Brain Appeal’s Rare Space, was designed by Charlie Hawkes to highlight the impact of visual dementia where the brain fails to interpret what the eye is seeing and the vision is fragmented. Bold structures, tall trees and careful planting help lead the eye, so the patient can find their way around the garden easily.
The Best Balcony and Container Garden, Feel’s Like Home, was designed by Rosemary Coldstream and was inspired by her childhood memories whilst living in New Zealand. The plants, materials, water feature and colour palette portray a natural, neutral, cool and tranquil setting.
OUR FAVOURITE SHOW GARDEN
This story is from the August 2023 edition of The Gardener.
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This story is from the August 2023 edition of The Gardener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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FIRE AND Feathers!
On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!
GET THE ladies in!
At this time of year, early-flowering shrubs vie with each other to get the most attention. We say: Trust those with female names for frills and butterflies. They go the extra mile to flower their hearts out.
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Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.
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Boiled, baked or braaied, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and healthy winter comfort food. Just a dollop of butter, a little seasoning and you are good to go.
Pretty and functional
If cooking is your main thing, you would probably be more interested in the culinary value of the three herbs and some of their varieties we are describing.
Dried Seedheads & Pods
Autumn and winter are the best times to see what flowers produce the best seedheads that can be left on the plants to feed the birds and bugs and for harvesting for dried arrangements.
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
Whoever associated a Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ear) with the ear of a pig obviously did not know about all the varieties and cultivars this species in the genus Cotyledon has.
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
If it comes to a vote, these dependable shrubs will be the top candidates for prime performance in winter and in other seasons...
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