An 'outdoor studio' at Bowhay House
When we first moved to this house in Devon, the garden was, for me, of huge importance. The bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen and bathrooms were obviously critical in choosing this particular house, but deep down, the garden was what really got me excited. It’s only tiny, but it’s sheltered, hidden from view behind the house, and it had a potting shed! It didn’t take long to realise that if I planted it carefully, I could have something to photograph outside the back door, at any time of the year, without having to drive anywhere! Without getting too grandiose, I would have an ‘outdoor studio’. Over time, the garden plans got exaggerated and I ended up writing and photographing a book about the process of building the garden (‘A New Cottage Garden’ now published by Pimpernel Press), but on a day like today, when my diary is empty, it’s so amazing just being able to stumble out of the door in to a garden that I know so well, to take some snaps before breakfast!
When we first moved to this house in Devon, the garden was, for me, of huge importance. The bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen and bathrooms were obviously critical in choosing this particular house, but deep down, the garden was what really got me excited. It’s only tiny, but it’s sheltered, hidden from view behind the house, and it had a potting shed! It didn’t take long to realise that if I planted it carefully, I could have something to photograph outside the back door, at any time of the year, without having to drive anywhere! Without getting too grandiose, I would have an ‘outdoor studio’. Over time, the garden plans got exaggerated and I ended up writing and photographing a book about the process of building the garden (‘A New Cottage Garden’ now published by Pimpernel Press), but on a day like today, when my diary is empty, it’s so amazing just being able to stumble out of the door in to a garden that I know so well, to take some snaps before breakfast!
Deadheading at Bowhay House…
A New Cottage Garden
I am currently working on a book about Cottage Gardens and I need your help! We are looking for beautiful cottage style gardens, that I can photograph for the book, publication 2024 by Pimpernel Press
‘Among the things made by man, nothing is prettier than an English cottage garden, and they often teach lessons that great gardeners should learn.’ William Robinson, The English Flower Garden, 1883
I am currently working on a book about Cottage Gardens and I need your help! We are looking for beautiful cottage style gardens, that I can photograph for the book, publication 2024 by Pimpernel Press, at some point during the coming year. We need gardens for all seasons, and anywhere in the UK (my preference would be in the south of the country, but thats because I’m trying to be sensible with travel!) The book will cover my own ‘new’ garden, and the process of turning it from a square of drab and lifeless lawn in to (hopefully!) an overflowing flower filled space thats good for wildlife. I will also be shooting inspirational gardens that illustrate what I am aiming for. I have been shooting a lot at Gravetye Manor, the former home of the ‘father of cottage gardening’, William Robinson, but I’d love to feature more ‘achievable’ gardens… I have a few on my list, but your suggestions would be welcome. Many thanks for reading this, and I hope you enjoy the images.
I’d like to thank the team at Gravetye Manor for putting up with my trudging around the garden this year at all hours and asking endless questions about their fabulous work there. Tom Coward (head gardener), especially, is a mine of useful information, not just about gardening, but also about William Robinson…
Please do get in touch if you can suggest any lovely cottage ‘style’ gardens, or indeed if you need a photographer… or just to say hello! email me or use the contact form on the website.