She will be writing off this trip for business and also applying for continued education credits with the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board. Win-Win! So Mom......
What do the British gardeners do differently from their U.S. counterparts?
A 450 year old Chestnut Tree
They seem to have more patience. Maybe because they have such history.
Most British gardeners don't seem to mind that a hedge, a covered arbor or an espaliered tree may take a hundred plus years to reach perfection.
They don't seem to mind manual labor as much as Americans. I saw very few power tools and no automatic sprinklers.
They really prepare the soil......REALLY prepare!
With layers and layers of soil amendments, turned into the soil with a shovel or a large spading fork.
They dig and divide their perennials often and think nothing of pulling everything out, fixing up the soil and replanting entire borders.
So much work, but worth the reward.
No more shortcuts back home, if we want these results!
Yet, they are not perfectionists. Most gardens were very informal, with a highly orchestrated unkempt look.
Making notes to seed some pretty things in the cracks of our pavers and stop wasting so much time, trying to keep them perfectly clean and weed free!
Many Thanks to all of our lovely hosts and guides along the way.
The Brits are a warm, funny and generous bunch.
We had a fabulous time.
The food was GREAT!
......with the exception of the mushy peas.
Cheers!!
What a lovely trip and such an opportunity! Maybe one of my ancestors were British, I tend to think along their gardening lines. Glad you are home. I bet Wyatt and Stanzie really missed you!
ReplyDeleteLuv all da flower pictures!
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you that Gail has missed out on that British gene for patient gardening...
ReplyDeleteBut we're so glad you enjoyed your trip to what is still, for now, the United Kingdom.
Toodle pip!
Bertie.
It's all that hard yakka that makes a good garden. Probably why ours is only satisfactory.....BOL! We prefer to go for walks.
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Bella Roxy & Dui
I was just thinking the same thing...what an AWESOME opportunity to see all of those beautiful gardens!! To be honest, I think I'd be a little afraid to travel so far away!! We have truly enjoyed all of the lovely pictures you have shared with us! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteIt is something I miss...here in the USA everyone's gardens seem pretty much the same - conformity is the best way to describe it. Home owners associations have a lot to answer for in that department. I love the rambling individualism other countries have
ReplyDeleteI think you summed up the differences very well. Gardening is a national pastime here and it more of an enjoyment than a chore. You are so right about it being more manual as we look at time spent in the garden as something to be relished. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
What an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Reilly's Mom there is much to be blamed on forced conformity. My wild gardens would never exist in a place with a home owner's association. However, that was a choice we made when looking for a house. I didn't want to live under someone else's control telling me what could and couldn't be done with my yard.
WE know a tiny bit about how much the Brits Love their gardens... there was a lady from THERE that married a soldier and moved to the town near us. The front of her property was AMAZINGLY Beautiful... and she Worked in it constantly. Mom talked to her often and once asked about the VARIETY and RIOT of COLOR that she had. Answer... YES Dear, We LOVE CONTROLLED CHAOS .
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be so patient and so hard-working like the british gardeners. I've read they even have special boxes with worms to prepare the soil. Mom is drooling on the keyboard since she saw the fish&chips... I better give her a tissue :o)
ReplyDeleteWe have so enjoyed every picture of your mom's trip, Wyatt! To be able to walk in these gardens and see and smell everything is such a treat! Our mom is so jealous!
ReplyDeleteRed lupines? Really? Mom is going to be needing these!
Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly
Mom loves the look of the British gardens. Such absolutely beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing your trip
hugs
Mr Bailey, Hazel & Greta
Oh, every time Ma watches a British movie or TV show, she is always lookin' at the marvelous gardens and how you just want to sit and have a cuppa.
ReplyDeleteNot like Ma and her murderous ways....
Oh, and yes, MORE WYATT! bol
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
What a fun time. Mom loves looking at gardens and we love eating the dirt
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
beautiful photos and yes Wyatt the last photo was the best.
ReplyDeleteAroo to you,
Sully
Beautiful post, I like that un-kept look!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful garden :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, yes. Mushy peas are not my fave either! I like the 'weeds in the paver plantings' approach. Works for me!
ReplyDeleteWe Americans are not big on manual labor OR patience! But the gardens you pictured ARE simply lovely and inviting.
ReplyDelete