It should not be surprising that some of the very best examples of Japanese gardens outside of Japan are to be found in the Pacific North-West, in view of the region’s close cultural ties with the Far East and the … Continue reading
A few years ago, on a visit to Versailles, I was shocked by the restoration of the Courtyard façade on the approach from the town. Built in the late 17th century for Louis XIV, the over-use of gold screamed wealth … Continue reading
The first time I remember an individual tree exerting a powerful effect on me was when I moved to a large shared Georgian house on the outskirts of Bath. Of course, trees provide us with shade, relaxation and aesthetic pleasure, … Continue reading
Kew is arguably the world’s finest botanical garden, and I have huge regard for the collection and the passion and foresight of all those involved, particularly in these times of diminishing government support. Recent innovations such as The Hive, and … Continue reading
Sometimes I want to say something about a garden but I grapple with it, try and pin it down, think I’ve got it beat, only to find it is pulling me towards a dead end; and then in resignation I … Continue reading
No description of Sanssouci would be complete without reference to Louis XIV’s great palace and garden landscape at Versailles. This was such a statement of power, splendour and taste that even 30 years after Louis’s death, diminutive copies were still … Continue reading