Bunbury garden revisited

Compare these photos with the entry for 21 August 2009. The stone work and the quercus fencing is still looking immaculate. The drought has affected some of the hamemelis and hydrangeas, in spite of the amount of mulch applied, the sandy soil does not retain much moisture.

Small but perfectly formed

Another of my projects; this back garden in Congleton was planted in March. The small lawn was replaced with planted terraces and the paved sitting area was enlarged to allow for table and chairs. The contractor painstakingly reused many of the existing clay pavers and mixed them in with the new. The prominent manhole cover has disappeared under a lovely birdbath designed and made by potter Gordon Cooke.

Quarry Bank Mill

In the gardens of the Mill Owner's house at Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, wonderful rock textures

Boden Hall Gardens

This private garden is open by appointment during June. See the entry in the Good Gardens Guide.

Sissinghurst

It is very hard to do any sort of justice to this garden in photos. It lives up to its reputation. The National Trust has treated it well and lightly.

Derek Jarman's Garden

The garden at Prospect Cottage, Dungeness. Although it is well maintained, there is a sadness, knowing the man who dreamed it, loved it and tended it is no longer there. Recommended book: 'Derek Jarman's Garden' with photos by Howard Sooley published by Thames and Hudson.

Lamb House Rye

The garden at Lamb House, as featured in the Mapp and Lucia novels of E. F, Benson.