With all the reporting on the Royal wedding and my wife heading over the pond to celebrate the big event I thought I would post about one the the gardens in England that is still on my must see list – Kew Gardens. Famous for its glass conservatory and amazing tree top tour, Kew Gardens is a must see not only for me but for all nature lovers. Some time soon I hope to have my own photos of the gardens to share, but until then here some images to inspire. You can also see more images at the Kew Gardens Flickr group.

image found here.

Image found here.

Image from here.

Image from here.

I am not sure where this garden is located and I don’t have the correct records to credit the designer or photographer. The style if very much in line with the style of Piet Oudolf and would look good in all seasons.

A required book for the landscape inspiration library is David Hicks’ My Kind of Garden. David Hicks very much believed that the garden was an extension of the interior and the gardens showcased in this book prove that point.  Below are a few of my favorites, but this book will be a pleasure for even the weekend gardener with inspiring images.

I love the wire sculptures of English artist Rupert Till.  His work is a wonderful blend of art and nature and feel so natural in the landscape. All Images are from his website.

The first few beautiful spring days in Central Ohio have me thinking about having family and friends over for a fire pit in the backyard with drinks and wool blankets.


image found here

 


Years ago a local antique store had an orange metal fireplace that I wanted, but at the time had no use for. Of course I have kicked myself ever since because it would be the perfect outdoor firepit at our house and have not been able to find another one ever since.

Exactly like my missed vintage find. Lucky owner found here



Found here and buy from here


I am still on the lookout for a vintage one, but you can purchase one in white from DWR or directly from the manufacture, Malm in the fun bright colors. (these were also made by preway, to help with ebay and craig’s list searches)

Also, we have a set of 4 vintage butterfly chairs that we use in the summers outside. Ours do not fold like some of the new versions which is nice for off season storage. However the old chairs have a wider spread so are much more confortable when sitting inside.

The Parker Palm Springs found here

And you will want to keep your beverages cold in a vintage Coleman cooler too.

found here

Top two images from Garden Illustrated, Photographer Andera Jones

Hellebores mixed in a woodland setting. Image from here



Example of Hellebore in a more formal setting. Image from here



Hellebores mixed with snowdrops and cyclamen. Image from Garden Illustrated, Photographer Jonathan Buckley

Here are tips on Hellebores:

• Common Name: Lenten Rose
• Hardy Zones: 5 – 9
• Planting Tips: Partial shade, and rich, well-drained soil
• Great to plant in woods and with other plants
• Color options: range of whites, pinks to purples.
• If purchasing for a specific color, buy while in bloom to ensure you are getting exactly what you want

Last week I visited the Cleveland Botanical Garden for an awards banquet. Early April in Cleveland is grey and still cold, but the absence of greenery allows you to really see all the hardscapes used in the outdoor gardens. For those of us that live in areas with cold winters, using stone, wood and metal in our gardens provide texture and color to enjoy until the greenery returns. Here are some of my favorite images of hardscapes used in the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.


Carved Stone wall with up lighing



Mixture of ledge stone to create a garden wall

A cute metal dog sitting in Boxwood



Mossing growing between Cleveland Sandstone pavers



Limestone Veneer Wall, with a Teak (or Ipe) slatted wall behind



Large Granite Foo Dog



A teak (or Ipe) bench with blue stone pavers transitioning into turf