Inspiration for the garden ...

I have always loved green spaces & have gardened wherever life has taken me across many countries. 

Our Shropshire garden is a modest, urban space that I love.  I have planted loads of green plants over the almost 2 decades we have been in this house because I enjoy looking out over greens in winter when it is grey & bleak. 

Lush planting also softens urban sounds, making gardens more private so you can enjoy the space without your conversations travelling across fences.  The dense planting allows you to share the space with wildlife, & that is always entertaining. 

I am still coaxing a side hedge to grow because the far side neighbour cut down a mature hedge a year ago & this has been the second summer of living with a gap that I am keen to fill.

 I saw a social media post that Wollerton Old Hall Gardens will soon be closing after the summer & it jolted my memory that I have not visited it for perhaps 3 years. I used to travel out to that part of Shropshire weekly to students, but since the 3 sisters have outgrown lessons, it is rare that I go there so I seized the free morning to head out & visit the nearby gardens. 

They are often featured on gardening programmes, in magazines & on shows because they are so inspirational. 

I got there at opening time which means there were not as many people about & that makes for better photos & a quieter meander which suits me well. 

The gardens are laid out in sections / rooms, some formal with neatly clipped shapes, balls & trees, other sections a riot of colour, always ordered but planted for impact. 

There are benches in various spots to sit & take in the beauty. The summer house has a view in two directions, lamps on the table & I can imagine the owners enjoying their garden as the light softens in the evening. They are then free to enjoy their space without visitors ... 

They grow salvias in many colours & varieties, from dainty to tall ones - planted en masse so there is a profusion of colour amidst the arching stems. I need to be bolder, I definitely need way more plants.  

What really struck me again was what I would call the jewel garden - vivid yellows, oranges, magenta,  hot colours side by side with purples & blues that set them off so well.  I need more yellows & oranges in the garden at home. 

I had a wonderful couple of hours, taking photos, getting inspiration & buying some more salvias to give pops of colour. I need to make my borders deeper, fuller & more colourful next year. 

What a great morning on my own, just being inspired by this beautiful space. I am planning some changes in the garden, I just need an abundance of plants. 

Thank you for stopping by, how is your outdoor space doing? 

Dee 🌺💐🌼🥀🪻🏡🪏🪴