David Austin Roses were developed in England to have the fragrance and vigor of an old-fashioned rose with the repeat blooming habit of a modern hybrid tea.
Courtesy of David Austin Roses
If your New Year’s resolution is to “Keep Growing” in any way other than wider, then make this the year you embrace new plants, new garden design ideas and new ideas both indoors and out.
Traveling to distant new locations either by book, plane or remotely on a screen is a favorite way to become inspired to try new ideas.
This year I will be guiding a group to one of my favorite places for garden inspiration. The gardens of Scotland and Ireland will be on our itinerary as we host “Exploring the Gardens and History of Scotland and Ireland” Sept. 16 to 27, 2023. You are invited to join us on this very British adventure.
It is not just the private and huge estate gardens we will visit, but also the culture and history of Great Britain that makes returning to this part of the world so inspiring. We will take in the Titanic exhibit and St. Andrews golf course, as well as enjoy high tea on the royal yacht Britannica and cocktails in a church crypt.
Here are the top 10 ideas from Scotland and Ireland to add to your New Year’s resolution list:
1. Garden despite the rain. The British wear “Wellies,” or rainboots, don hats and then keep calm and carry on so they can garden all year. (This explains why the women of Great Britain have such lovely complexions. Moist air is a wrinkle reducer.)
2. Add structure to your garden with neatly clipped evergreens. The British use boxwood hedges as frames for beds and borders, but here in Western Washington