Thought I would indulge myself with some English greenery. I am trying to come up with ideas for my front garden. But it is proving somewhat difficult due to the odd shape of our front plot.
Some inspirational photos below from Anouska Hempel (aka Lady Weinburg). The garden is part of her country estate, Cole Park, in Hampshire, England. I had the priviledge of working here for a winter, spring, and summer. It was the Weinburg's weekend retreat from the Holland Park house in London.
Lady Weinburg was never just happy with a terracotta pot, she always had to give it her magic touch. Usually white washed with rings or painted green and white. She was also fascinated with topairy lollipops, as you can see, and they took years to grow. It sent the gardeners mad clipping them all into that shape in the Hampshire garden and at the London house.
From memory this is the view walking back toward the moat and main house, though much has changed and everything is so lush and green now (all that English rain no doubt).
The same spot from a different angle, note the wonderful dining table with grey weather aged benches. Can you just imagine dining out here on a spring day, or candle lit at night? It would be heaven. The back wall, again from memory, heads towards the glasshouse, vegetable garden, and growing room then meanders down through tree-covered fields to a river. I remember walking here in the Summer and coming over a small rise to see thousands of wild-flowering bluebells under the trees. It was a carpet of purple and so so beautiful.
A pause point for contemplation
Sorry about quality of photo, but it was the best I could blow it up to.
The pool, surrounded by trees but only meters from the main house, it had a automated pool cover that came out from the edges of the pool (think I damaged it once trying to get it open with a rack, sorry!).
A line of view (again from memory) that extended from the pool through the trees and looked like the view went on forever.
A little bit more obsessive clipping for the gardeners.
Though Anouska did get out on weekends herself and have a go. She was never afraid to get her hands dirty if it meant showing someone what she really wanted.
A view along an outdoor dining table. This was to be used for special occasion meals and large outdoor gatherings. I did not have the pleasure of catering for this setting when working for the Weinburgs but would have loved to.
Well I now feel inspired to come up with a solution to my garden nightmare here in Brisbane.
Some how I just don't think it will be quite the same as Cole Park.
More stories down the track on this beautiful and amazing property and my time working for the Weinburgs.
Have a great week.
Warm wishes.
Daryl
