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Wednesday, 6 June 2012

Coleton Fishacre, Devon

A most spectacular National Trust Garden first laid out in the 1920's & 30's by Rupert and Dorothy D'Oyly Carte.

The Arts and Crafts style garden close to the house gives a degree of formality to this beautiful valley garden which leads down to a view out to sea. The water in the garden is spring fed, clay lined and dammed to create pools.

The garden contains a diverse collection of large specimens and unusual tree & shrubs.

Tuesday, 5 June 2012

Friday, 25 May 2012

He is all around us!

I have been working a few days at the Chelsea Flower Show as an external adviser for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) assisting visitors with their gardening enquires while also promoting the great work of the RHS.

The RHS stand boasts a wonderful display of Royal Autographs surrounded by decorative botanical borders by eminent botanical artists of the time. 


After a day of walking past this display occasional giving a brief overview to visitors. I found myself intrigued by one item in particular, feeling that I had seen it before. As I looked closely at the artist signature, it became clear. I was not familiar with this piece however I am with some of the artist other work. I was instantly excited by the find. Just a few quick images I took on my phone so sorry for the poor quality.


Reproduction of the Royal Autograph of Queen Mary (1867-1953) 
Watercolour and ink on paper by E. A. Bowles (1929)



If you would like to see Mr Bowles work along with other the RHS are displaying them at the RHS Garden Wisley please see below for details and dates.

Royal Connections - Celebrating Two Centuries of Royal Patrons The story of the RHS’s long association with the Royal Family can be traced through the archives, photographs and artworks held by the RHS Lindley Library. These include a unique collection of illuminated Royal Autographs with decorated floral borders, painted by leading botanical artists, as a celebration of this royal connection.

21 May to 19 August 2012,
RHS Lindley Library Wisley, RHS Garden Wisley