Kathy Brown's Garden at the Manor House in Stevington takes on a soothing palette of hues and subtle, dewy light during the wintertime.
A muted palette imbues tranquility
One might be forgiven for having the notion that a garden during the winter months can be sparse with less to offer than during the fairer months, but pared back to the bare bones, gardens can provide a completely different sensorial experience. Ethereal, misty light, a muted palette, somewhat void of vivid, heartbeat raising colours, can both sooth and delight.
After keeping an eye on the forecast since mid-February, I visited a few days later. Despite anticipating frost and mist, the delicate dewy light more than made up for the lack of frost. It was a huge honour and privilege to spend time in such a remarkable garden, that understandably was voted the Nation's Favourite Gardens Winner, The English Garden Magazine.
Kathy's garden is balanced, proportionate and harmonious, comprising of different garden rooms, each containing healthy, well-maintained plants, colourful flowers, lush foliage, shrubs and tall trees. Above, an avenue of Himalayan Birch, Betula utilis var. jacquemontii ‘Grayswood Ghost’ grabs your attention through its white-trunks and far-reaching height.
To the right of the above image is a glimpse of the 12 topiary ‘jury figures’ that line either side of the only formal area in Kathy's garden. A nod to
Kathy has a love for container planting and Kokedama. Container planting plays a key role in the garden, and provides colour interest through Snowdrops, Hellebores .... (to be added to]
Kokedama
The beautiful Kokedama tradition emerged over 500 years ago among the ancient Japanese people who sought to recreate a natural habitat that promoted health and relaxation. The flowers are grown in natural and ecological handcrafted balls made from various shrubs, carnivorous plants, or even flowers.
Source/Reference: https://www.kokedamaindia.com/benefits-of-kokedama/
Kathy opens her garden throughout the year, and to experience the gardens when dormant, Kathy usually opens her garden to the public on one day in February through the National Garden Scheme.
Comentarios