The Head Gardener of Alnwick Garden travelled to Burley in Wharfedale last Friday to give an illustrated talk. I didn’t feel like venturing out. But I’m glad I did. We’d had heavy snow that morning and although all melted by the evening the weather was wet and windy. I would have been equally happy stopping at home, in Ilkley.
But how lucky the audience were to receive such a talk from Trevor Jones who had to drive back to Alnwick afterwards late that evening. (I understand he had to be present at Alnwick Garden for some early morning filming the next day, so had to get back).
So how did Trevor Jones come by to make this trip from Alnwick to Wharfedale?
Trevor knows Geoff and Jackie Whiteley from STRULCH. A company based in Burley in Wharfedale which has developed a straw based mulch.
Alnwick Garden uses STRULCH in their ornamental garden. As well as having the benefits of other organic mulches, this product turns out to significantly reduce the impact of slugs. Trevor and his team use it around Hostas and Delphiniums, plants which are notoriously attractive to slugs and are typically decimated by them. Not so at Alnwick, we heard. Visitors often asking what is their secret!
The development of Alnwick gardens is not yet complete. There are still a couple of phases to implement. It was intriguing to here that the Duchess of Northumberland had approached Jacques and Peter Wirtz from Belgium to come up with a design for the gardens. Designers who I admire for the simplicity and structure in their designs. I was surprised to hear that the Duchess had previously approached UK designers but none had been able to crystallise her vision.
Children are encouraged to explore and immerse themselves in the garden, with various activities, structures and edible planting for them to enjoy.
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- Alnwick Garden – Interactive water structures
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- Alnwick Garden – Interactive water structures
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- Alnwick Garden, Ornamental garden with espaliers
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- Alnwick Garden view of visitor centre
By the end of the talk I was convinced that this is a place where horticulture and landscape design is truly valued. Considerable investment has been made to create a public garden for various generations to enjoy and to appreciate the outdoors. It restores faith in the horticulture profession, one that typically doesn’t pay well but one which can have such a positive impact.
I’ve not been to Alnwick for a couple of years. They have various enticing events throughout the year. The talk has reminded me what a delight it is and I must take my boys again soon.
Former Lord Mayor Cllr Dale Smith sponsored the event in Burley in Wharfedale in aid of this year’s Lord Mayor’s Appeal. Money raised will go towards The Bradford Hospital Children’s Charity and the Spread a Smile Charity.
Melissa Morton Garden Design
How and why Sue needed help – April 2016
I wasn’t sure a 2 hour consultation could be so productive! Sue was about to embark on an extension on her Ilkley home. Having moved in a couple of years ago, she and her husband had an architect prepare drawings and the builders were due to start in a few weeks time. Read more
The Duchess, The Head Gardener and the creation of Alnwick Garden – March 2016
The Head Gardener of Alnwick Garden travelled to Burley in Wharfedale last Friday to give an illustrated talk. I didn’t feel like venturing out. But I’m glad I did. We’d had heavy snow that morning and although all melted by the evening the weather was wet and windy. I would have been equally happy stopping at home, in Ilkley.
But how lucky the audience were to receive such a talk from Trevor Jones who had to drive back to Alnwick afterwards late that evening. (I understand he had to be present at Alnwick Garden for some early morning filming the next day, so had to get back).
So how did Trevor Jones come by to make this trip from Alnwick to Wharfedale?
Trevor knows Geoff and Jackie Whiteley from STRULCH. A company based in Burley in Wharfedale which has developed a straw based mulch.
Alnwick Garden uses STRULCH in their ornamental garden. As well as having the benefits of other organic mulches, this product turns out to significantly reduce the impact of slugs. Trevor and his team use it around Hostas and Delphiniums, plants which are notoriously attractive to slugs and are typically decimated by them. Not so at Alnwick, we heard. Visitors often asking what is their secret!
The development of Alnwick gardens is not yet complete. There are still a couple of phases to implement. It was intriguing to here that the Duchess of Northumberland had approached Jacques and Peter Wirtz from Belgium to come up with a design for the gardens. Designers who I admire for the simplicity and structure in their designs. I was surprised to hear that the Duchess had previously approached UK designers but none had been able to crystallise her vision.
Children are encouraged to explore and immerse themselves in the garden, with various activities, structures and edible planting for them to enjoy.
By the end of the talk I was convinced that this is a place where horticulture and landscape design is truly valued. Considerable investment has been made to create a public garden for various generations to enjoy and to appreciate the outdoors. It restores faith in the horticulture profession, one that typically doesn’t pay well but one which can have such a positive impact.
I’ve not been to Alnwick for a couple of years. They have various enticing events throughout the year. The talk has reminded me what a delight it is and I must take my boys again soon.
Former Lord Mayor Cllr Dale Smith sponsored the event in Burley in Wharfedale in aid of this year’s Lord Mayor’s Appeal. Money raised will go towards The Bradford Hospital Children’s Charity and the Spread a Smile Charity.
Mother’s Day Promotion – March 2016
Mothers Day Sunday 6th March
For a really unique gift idea why not give a Garden Experience Voucher? A chance to learn the secrets of garden design and/or garden coaching makes a perfect present.
For Mother’s Day I am offering a free artificial gift planter (subject to availability) with each 2 hour experience voucher purchased before 5th March.
Contact me for more details.
St John’s Spring Fair, Ben Rhydding, Ilkley – 27 February 2016
A selective range of handmade Spring Gift Planters on sale at St John’s Ben Rhydding Spring Fair – a perfect gift opportunity for Mother’s Day or a friend.
Saturday 27th February 10:00-12:00. Supporting ‘Growing through the roof’ and celebrating Fairtrade fortnight.
Come and browse over coffee, homemade cakes and chat.
Find me at the Gift Planter Stall. And if you like, come and talk about your garden and any questions you may have.
More details via Melissa Morton Garden Design Facebook Page
Visit to SGD conference, London – November 2015
Last Autumn, I was delighted to attend the SGD (The Society of Garden Designers) conference in London – “Small but perfectly formed”.
Design solutions varied in budget and scale. Ideas for designers included … Read more