Garden Of A Lifetime...

The way that the outside of home is put together is as important as the inside, in my view. A beautifully put together garden (whether large or small) provides a sense of flow from out to in - a transition - an aesthetic softening, if you like. I've been completely besotted by beautiful gardens for a while now (although mine is a bit of a shambles I have to admit). There is something uplifting and enriching by being surrounded by plants - even just a token gesture. My mother lives in an apartment - with a very small balcony space - but lined along the edges are her 'darlings' - layers and layers of flowering plants in pots that have been painted to blend with her interior. She tends her 'darlings' like they are her own children and they flourish because of it. One day, I hope to have a garden that I really love. The farm is such a sprawling space, it's difficult to know where to begin. But, slowly I am beginning to build a plan in my mind of how and where to start the project. To help the process, I'm constantly turning to other gardens that inspire and delight. Dame Elisabeth Murdoch's garden is one. Although I have never been, I pour over every page in her beautiful book (Garden of a Lifetime) - and have gleaned many ideas from there (most prominently, that one needs a full time gardener if one is going to embark on a grand garden!). As well, I always turn to the Petersham Nurseries in London. Although I've never been I am always so inspired by the pics that display on their site. Like these with glass conservatory and all. Ah to dream! But realities begin with a dream, don't they?