I've been showing you a lot of stencil projects recently, so today I'm taking you to see a lovely garden in Northumberland, a short drive away from our shop.
The walled garden used to be the kitchen garden for Chesters, a large house near to Hexham. Susie White rented the space and created the garden. She also writes books, magazine columns and a blog. Susie started this garden around the same time that I started The Stencil Library. In the early days, her business was called Hexham Herbs and many of the plants in my own garden came from here. Isn't this cherry bark fab?
When Chips and I lived in the city, we would visit her garden often.
It was usually quiet in those days and we could think of it as our own for an hour or so. It's quite a wild garden much like the one that we have now.
Photo of Chesters. Simon Fraser.
A long wooden green house contains a grape vine, tender seedlings and these old iron grills.
Since my recent visit I was horrified to read that Susie will lose the garden next year.
Her landlords need it back. Susie has put out a plea in the newspapers looking for alternative premises in Northumberland. There has been quite a media frenzy. I rent my garden too or else she would be welcome to share with me.
So if you live in Northumberland or are visiting, make haste to experience Chesters Walled Garden whilst we still have it. Susie's book of Northumberland Gardens is available from her web site and from Amazon. Best of luck Susie, you have my sympathy.
Helen
Oh that is so sad, just beautiful. I just do not understand how you have time Helen to garden, run the business etc.!
Catherine
Posted by: Cat | July 13, 2009 at 07:45 PM