Barnsdale Gardens

All the recent television coverage that has been given to the Chelsea Flower Show these past few days has reminded me of a trip we took to Barnsdale Gardens last year. Anyone of my generation with an interest in gardening will surely have been brought up on a weekly dose of Gardener's World every Friday night. We decided that we should take a trip to see the gardens which have been, since Geoff Hamilton's death in 1996, open to the public. Situated to the east of Leicester in Rutland, they are worthy of a visit for nostalgia's sake if nothing more.


Geoff Hamilton Memorial

I always remember Geoff's gardening as being "real gardening" without the gimmicks that seems to be so prevalent today. Although there was a certain amount of construction work undertaken, it was always the planting that was of prime importance. Unfortunately we don't have enough space to recreate his borders, so we will just have to make do with visiting gardens such as these.


Barnsdale - Borders

I think that Geoff Hamilton was probably one of the first TV gardeners to make organic gardening trendy. The results have been carried forward into the current gardens which are the more enjoyable for following his lead.


Barnsdale - Butterflies

All forms of gardening were portrayed, including the more formal. He was always very capable of showing just how it should be done.


Barnsdale - Formal Garden

Some new gardens have been added that did not feature whilst he was alive, the Japanese Garden is one such. This feature is now probably more mature and developed.


Barnsdale - Japanese Garden

This I believe is also a new addition. It is not one I remember.


Barnsdale - Tin Man

For a good afternoon out, with a bite to eat in the tea room afterwards, and maybe one or two plants purchased in the adjacent garden center, then go along and rekindle a few memories.