Signings in the Garden
Over a year in the making, my new book Secret Gardens of Somerset hits the bookshops this month and I’m hugely excited to be sharing some of Somerset’s finest gardens with the world! Although Covid restrictions have sadly put paid to a traditional book launch for the time being, I’m delighted to have been invited to do book signings at two of the stunning gardens that features in the book. So, praying that there’s an Indian summer in store, and while I search out my trusty fountain pen and blotting paper, here are the details of where you can track me down:
Friday 18 September:
Stoberry House and Garden, 11am-5pm
NB this is an NGS open day and advance booking is required. To book your ticket (£5) and timeslot to visit the garden please go to www.ngs.org.uk
Stoberry’s 6 acre garden enjoys a panoramic view over Wells and the Vale of Avalon and has been created over the past 23 years by owners Frances and Tim Meeres Young. Its colourful and wildlife friendly planting schemes are designed for year round interest and are full of inspirational ideas for gardeners. The garden is particularly known for its use of sculpture, which is placed sympathetically within the planting.
Copies of Secret Gardens of Somerset will be available to buy on the day, courtesy of a pop-up Bailey Hill Bookshop stand, and I will be on hand in the Gazebo to sign and answer any questions about the book.
Stoberry House, view to Wells Cathedral. Photo: Clive Bournsnell
Friday 25 September:
Yeo Valley Organic Garden
Timed tickets include garden entry and the chance to talk to me and the book’s photographer Clive Bournsnell and get copies of the book signed. There are three 2-hr time slots, 10am, 12.30pm and 3pm. Book your tickets here
Yeo Valley is a thrilling showcase of organic gardening at its most creative and fun. Its sequence of themed garden rooms explore colour and plant combinations with huge elan and show that gardening without chemical interventions doesn’t haven’t to be worthy or stuffy. Set on the shores of Blagon Lake in the Mendips and surrounded by lush cow-grazed pastures, the garden is an integral part of the Yeo Valley farm and is one of only a handful of Soil Association accredited ornamental gardens in the country. The cafe, replete with gold sprayed garden gnomes and serving delicious home cooked goodies, is the icing on the cake!
The Red and Lime Garden, Yeo Valley Organic Garden. Photo by Clive Boursnell
Secret Gardens of Somerset celebrates the art and craft of garden making in Somerset and features 20 of the county’s most beautiful and beguiling gardens, with stunning colour photography by Clive Bournsnell. It’s the perfect read for anyone who loves gardens, Somerset (or both!) and is also a lovely introduction to the county for those who don’t know it, or who would like to get to know it better. And, dare I say it, the book would also make an ideal Christmas gift for the garden lover(s) in your life …
Published by Frances Lincoln on 15 September 2020 and available to pre-order and buy from Bailey Hill Bookshop in Castle Cary (order form on the website, www.baileyhill.com)
