How to make a grand entrance because first impressions matter
What kind of first impression does your garden make?
The entrance is an important first feature. Being the first thing visitors see, it sets the tone for what is to come.
Like all first impressions, an entrance can say a lot about who you are. In a glance, it give ups clues to the kind of style and detail likely...
Come with us to Ireland on this exciting 15-day Grand Circle Tour
Today, I am delighted to announced the official launch of my 15-day Ireland Grand Circle Tour.It will start in Dublin on Oct. 1 and circle around the picturesque south coast and along the sensational west coast and up to Northern Ireland, Derry, Belfast and out to the Giant’s Causeway before returning to Dublin. We will be staying in excellent hotels including a...
Only a few weeks to the start of our Grand Ireland Circle Tour
It is only a few weeks now until the start of our fabulous 15-day Ireland Grand Circle Tour which will start in Dublin on Oct. 1. (THIS TOUR IS NOW SOLD OUT)The tour will sweep around the picturesque south and beautiful west coast of the island, up to the north, with visits to Derry, Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway and...
How to put the focus on all that is beautiful in your garden
Clipping a hole in a hedge to frame a view is one of the easiest ways to add drama and interest to a garden.
English writer Vita Sackville West had a gift for creating these artistic, focused views in her famous Sissinghurst garden in Kent.
She often placed a bench or statue in a key position where it would be...
Japanese courtyard a lovely addition to Agnes Mendoza’s East Vancouver garden
I remember the first time I met Agnes Mendoza. It was back in 2004. I was driving west along McGill in East Vancouver when I spotted this garden at the corner of Slocan. I had noticed it once before but this time it had grown considerably.
I stopped and went and knocked on the door of the house and Agnes...
The transforming power of arches, pergolas and tunnels
Arches, pergolas and tunnels create exciting transitions in a garden, inviting you to step into an opening that promises to transport you to a new space and new experience.
These attractive, structural features also serve other functions. They get you to lift your head and look up, always a good thing to get visitors to do.
Lifting the head and...
66 OF THE WORLD’S BEST GARDENS
There are many wonderful gardens in the world. Over the last 10 years, I have travelled to see some of the best in England, Italy, France, Wales, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Scotland, Spain and other parts of Europe as well as in Japan, China, Brazil, South Africa and Morocco. Here's a look at 66 of my favourites, from the lovely...
