Exhibitors
Back-to-back Gardens
Christine Grieve
The China Garden
Designer: Christine Grieve
Contractor: Christine Grieve
Inspired by the natural, colourful hues and tones of the potteries of Staffordshire, The China Garden exudes the very essence of an English country garden.
So popular in the first half of the twentieth century, the floral designs of famous pottery names such as Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Portmerion and Denby are reflected in the rich planting of this garden. An example of Minton china, which had been in the Grieve family since 1932, inspired this design, and its Englishness is borne out by the architectural majesty and colourful melange of the planting scheme.
The muted sage green hallmarks of Denby are reflected by Hebe ‘E A Bowles’, and Nicotiana and the deep cobalt blues of Callistephus chinensis Milady Series and Nigella damascena ‘Miss Jekyll’ are reminiscent of the Wedgwood palette. Contrasting apples ‘Worcester Pearmain’ and ‘Gala’, together with Rosa ‘Ellen Willmott’ and Hydrangea macrophylla, bring Portmerion and Royal Doulton into the mix. Set within the creamy tones of Aster amellus, cream petunias and Gladiolus, The China Garden forms a pleasing picture.
Traditionalists can rejoice in this eclectic setting reminiscent of times gone by. Anyone for tea?