Thursday 24 January 2013

Raworth Garden

 
So far my time as a student has been damn good fun, the magnitude of the place is like nothing I’ve seen before and the collections of plants are utterly glorious! The grand era of Victorian gardening still holds some sway here, and this sense of history is both exciting and charming. However, over the course of my three years at Hidcote I developed an obsession with a wild, rambling style of horticulture that suits me to a ‘T’, and that I intend to pursue for the rest of my gardening career. This style is not entirely catered for at Kew, but as of this month I shall not be losing any sleep over that fact as I have taken a Saturday job at the Raworth Garden, just across the Thames at Twickenham. This garden was created by Jenny & Richard Raworth some 40 years ago, and is strongly influenced by Hidcote and several of my other favourite gardens. The planting is informal, dense and luxurious, and surrounded by a formal structure of mature hedging and topiary. The main peak of flowering interest explodes in early-summer, but the garden remains intriguing throughout the seasons. Perhaps best of all, a Bengal cat called Benny reigns supreme here, and is the most entertaining and cheerful character I have encountered since old Buster at Hidcote! From here on in, I will be splicing my Kew adventures with tales from Raworth; I hope this new arrangement will be agreeable. Please see here for an introduction to the garden and a large collection of delightful images!

7 comments:

Jordan Jackson said...

I'm glad to have caught up with you again. I was rather neglectful there for a time. You seem to have landed safely & securely at Kew. It may not be entirely to your taste, but I should think you'd like the Mediterranean Garden there. Raworth Garden is amazing. How lucky you are!

Greenorchid said...

Sounds good to me Bertie!! Enjoy!!

Wife, Mother, Gardener said...

That is fun news! I followed your link to Raworth and am quite impressed with the place! Such beautiful plantings in the midst of nice structure. I am looking forward to reading more about it as the season progresses.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous! Snow and sleet here in these parts, so dreaming of visiting "new" gardens is a much needed activity!!

Gardener in the Distance said...

Bertie, your life doesn't sound dull! I'm so glad I can still follow your adventures.
I guess you know of Tim Entwisle's blog?
All the best.

Bertie Bainbridge said...

Greetings all! I hope you will enjoy the posts from the Raworth Garden. Faisal I am not aware of Tim’s blog, will seek it out!

Anonymous said...

We spent Sunday with the Raworths in Kew today as you whizzed by on your bike. Glad you like the Raworth's garden, we have known it and them for years and had our wedding reception there on Xmas Eve. They are splendid people.
Any chance of looking in at our garden here in Kew on the river ? Needs a real prune - The Toll House, TW9 3BE on the tow path.
Cheers
Malcolm Hillier and Rodney Engen