Monthly Archives: July 2025

Deck the House or Flower Arranging with Beverley Nichols

As regular readers will know I’m very fond of the work of garden writer Beverley Nichols, but until recently I hadn’t really taken much notice of his interest and involvement in flower arranging. True the subject crops up in several … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Gunnersbury and the Rothschilds

The Rothschild family have long had a reputation as great garden makers but while Waddesdon, Exbury or Ascott might be the sites that immediately spring to mind,  it was actually Gunnersbury Park bought by Nathan and Hannah Rothschild  for £17,000 … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Gunnersbury Park

Let’s  begin with a conundrum:  what’s special about Gunnersbury Park?  More specifically, why does it boast not one but two large houses,   both built around 1800-1802 which stand  side by side almost within touching distance of each other? Nowadays … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Miss Cheesman & the new Blue Orchid

“Pushing through the scrub, beautiful sprays of orchids forced themselves on your attention by brushing your face. The next few steps would have to be tunnelled through climbing fern, and then more orchids on trees with moisture continuously dripping off … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment