Iconic Gardeners.

They don’t make them like these any more.
They both pushed boundaries in their own way and they have touched most of our lives in some way.

 

Christo was an inspiration.....have a few of his books too

Who knows what celebrity gardeners will make the hall of fame in a few years?

 

Beth Chatto books have been a great source of reference for our gravel bed

 

I remember Percy Thrower and his little section covering their garden on Blue Peter. I was just a wee nipper then.

 

Whether iconic or not Adrian Bloom has to feature here. His plant associations, island beds, conifer and heather gardens mixed with purple, yellow and variegated shrubs and herbaceous plantings were and are an inspiration to me.

 

From the past Vita Sackville-West was an inspiration and also Beverley Nichols who wrote about gardens and gardening in such an novel way. I doubt he got his hands dirty that often but he was so opinionated about the plants and flowers he loved and hilariously, dismissive of those he didn't. Both posh and privileged people who had gardeners to do the "dirty" but they had the time to write and inspire others.

I was inspired by Geoffrey Smith and learned lots from his "World of Flowers". He had a way with words and I couldn't fail to be inspired by his eloquence and poetic descriptions of the flowers he loved.

From the present and more down to earth, lovely and enthusiastic Carole Klein. She is passionate about everything and hasn't a bad word to say about any plants and she certainly knows her botany.