May 3rd 2025 2.30 - 4.30pm. Gathering, guided tour & demo in my Yorkshire garden
Twenty years ago, on May 3rd 2005 I entered the world of self employment and to mark the occasion I’m holding a small gathering in my West Yorkshire hillside garden for a floral demonstration, some celebratory fizz and cake and a guided wander. The garden will be at its floofiest, with a tsunami of froth from forget-me-nots, dandelion clocks, sweet woodruff, apple blossom, clematis, lilac and pink cow parsley, and on the eve of International Dawn Chorus Day, there will be plenty of bird activity from our resident feathered friends, albeit not at dawn! More details below
Twenty years ago, on May 3rd 2005 I entered the world of self employment and to mark the occasion I’m holding a small gathering in my West Yorkshire hillside garden for a floral demonstration, some celebratory fizz and cake and a guided wander. The garden will be at its floofiest, with a tsunami of froth from forget-me-nots, dandelion clocks, sweet woodruff, apple blossom, clematis, lilac and pink cow parsley, and on the eve of International Dawn Chorus Day, there will be plenty of bird activity from our resident feathered friends, albeit not at dawn! More details below
Twenty years ago, on May 3rd 2005 I entered the world of self employment and to mark the occasion I’m holding a small gathering in my West Yorkshire hillside garden for a floral demonstration, some celebratory fizz and cake and a guided wander. The garden will be at its floofiest, with a tsunami of froth from forget-me-nots, dandelion clocks, sweet woodruff, apple blossom, clematis, lilac and pink cow parsley, and on the eve of International Dawn Chorus Day, there will be plenty of bird activity from our resident feathered friends, albeit not at dawn! More details below
When - Saturday May 3rd 2025 2.30-4.30 (appx)
Where - Near Sowerby Bridge & Ripponden, West Yorkshire UK. Precise directions will be sent nearer the time.
Following the runaway success of my garden opening last August, I’m celebrating my business anniversary by hosting an intimate gathering in my garden again, at a time when it is probably at it’s best. This will be the last time I do so, so if you want to see my garden, now is your chance!
Watch my demo, connect with like-minded people, share knowledge, join me for an informal walk round and just slow down for a couple of hours. If you came last year you can see how things have changed.
To me, the other residents of the garden are far more important than anything else so I’m re-wilding many areas - see for yourself how I’ve relaxed this previously ‘buttoned-up’ garden which I inherited and witness how the wildlife has responded.
As well as the garden being at it’s floriferous best, there will be plenty of bird activity to observe, from the haunting noises of the jackdaw chicks above us, to nesting blue tits, great tits and coal tits. The Tawny Owl often hoots during the day, buzzards wheel overhead and kestrels hover on the wind, while goldcrests. treecreepers, goldfinches, greenfinches, nuthatches, chiffchaffs, chaffinches, wrens, robins and blackbirds raise their young around us.
My studio will be open to observe what I’m working on currently and I’ll have some cards to purchase if that takes your fancy (including a couple of some of my dear, departed Ruby 💔)
I would love you to come and see it all for yourself.
Our whippet Flo will be there to say hello too - if she can be bothered getting up from her bed.
I’ve always said I would never open my garden, the idea of inviting people to come and pick over every little flaw in my garden brings me out in hives, but that isn’t what this is about. If you know anything about me you will get it, you’ll understand my ethos and know that I want nature to have its head wherever possible.
It is NOT, and never will be, a primped and preened space - I cannot over emphasise that this isn’t about showing you round a perfect garden, or indeed how to grow cut flowers.
I’d love to see you here - let’s have a lovely afternoon together I’m not planning on doing this again for the foreseeable future, so if you’re at all interested in learning about how the garden feeds into my work and vice versa, now is the time to come!
Please note:
This event will go ahead regardless of the weather so please bring appropriate attire.
There will be a floral demonstration, a guided tour and a chance to wander round the garden on your own.
Sturdy, sensible shoes are essential, the ground is uneven and rough in parts - consequently the garden isn't accessible I'm afraid - the paths are cobbled, there are many changes of level and several sets of very steep steps.
As low cost events, no refunds are available and waiting lists will not be operated, please ensure you can attend prior to booking. If you find after booking you cannot attend, you may send somebody else in your place.
Booking is direct through the website only and you will receive further details confirming directions etc just prior to the event. Approximate location is provided above
Previous attendees receive a 25% discount.
Some images from my garden
