Garden Visit

Violet Faigan

There is something special about visiting someone else’s garden. I feel like they share a part of themselves with you in the form of the garden that is on display but also with the stories that are shared as you walk along together. It is always a privilege to be in a garden space with the creator, learning and understanding how the garden came to be. I was delighted when I saw last week that Violet Faigan was offering garden tours over the weekend. I quickly arranged for myself and a friend to visit and then waited for the rather warm Sunday to arrive. I will keep the post short and let the photos do the talking. I will say if you get the change to visit please do as you will see a stunning garden and you will also learn from a very thoughtful gardener. Here are some take homes for me:

• Violet has masterfully edited the trees in the garden, carving and shaping to create both shade and rooms and it is something I want to explore in my garden space. Black current and gooseberry bushes where trimmed low to form stout hedges as borders to beds.

• She cleverly uses pots with plants, either collected as a group or placed in a flower bed adding a boost when needed.

• I am pretty sure we have a very similar moody dark vibe when it comes to garden photos but due to the sun (it was a hot day) it meant the garden told a different story. It was incredibly vibrant and colourful and filled with end of season joy.

• I loved that there was minimal lawn and her use of paths is brilliant - it is an easy walk through the story of her garden. She has used every inch, including the grass verge of her garden space.

• I loved the variety of plants used and they seemed to mix together so well, forming deep and lush borders. Also the presence of veggies and flowers together - inspired. Lots of bees were humming away.

• Water in the garden is a requirement for Violet and I am keen to explore this idea at home.