ARTICLES
I contribute to a broad range of publications, from weekend broadsheets such as The Telegraph and The Guardian to glossy magazines such as Country Living and House and Garden. And you will regularly see my work in the UK’s leading gardening magazines, including Gardens Illustrated, The English Garden, The Garden (RHS) and Hortus, with articles on a broad range of topics.
GARDEN AND NURSERY VISITS
It’s always a challenge to try to evoke the unique atmosphere of a garden and tell the story of its creation in just a few hundred words. Recent attempts include historic St Giles House in Dorset for House and Garden, a delightful Devon spring garden for Gardens Illustrated and, for Country Living, the spectacular gardens at Trentham in all their winter glory.
PEOPLE PROFILES
Gardening people are fascinating, generous with their knowledge, and nearly always incredibly NICE. Highlights include a day spent with Roy Lancaster recalling his Bolton childhood; another with poet, genius and contrarian Ian Hamilton Finlay at Little Sparta; and meeting radio star gardener Alan Power on an unforgettable day when we had all of Stourhead to ourselves.
PLANTING PROFILES
Snowdrops, lachenalia, violets, alliums, dahlias - every genus has its charms. I was especially pleased to discover the historic collection of bearded iris bred by the painter Sir Cedric Morris, and regret that, despite the repeated efforts of Europe’s leading galanthophiles, I still can’t distinguish one snowdrop from another without their expert guidance.
GARDEN HISTORY
There’s nothing I enjoy more than researching and writing historical pieces. Two articles for The Garden were particularly rewarding - considering the impact on the British garden of the First World War, and introducing readers to the gardening life of diarist John Evelyn, early environmentalist and visionary vegan.
IDEAS AND COMMENT
Why, when there are so many women garden designers, do so few make it to the top - and specifically to Chelsea’s main avenue? (Gardens Illustrated, Guardian) Has the garden become too politically correct? (The Garden) Why are gardeners so under-appreciated and underpaid? (Telegraph, The Garden) I’d love more opportunities to sound off!
DESIGN
Articles range from studies of the most influential 20th century designers and in-depth interviews with leading practitioners such as Jo Thompson and Christopher Bradley Hole (SGD) to practical advice on designing for wildlife, design for wellbeing, and how to get the very best out of limited garden space (Good Housekeeping).