<![CDATA[douglas bespoke - A Budapest Garden]]>

<![CDATA[douglas bespoke - A Budapest Garden]]>Thu, 31 Aug 2023 19:10:58 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Durham Park: A Suitable Situation]]>Sun, 25 Feb 2018 18:16:18 GMThttp://www.douglasbespoke.com/a-budapest-garden/durham-park-a-suitable-situation

Every visit to Dyrham Park reminds me of my studies at Bristol. There, I immersed myself in 17th century formal gardens and the magic of the 'outlandish'... Gerard, Parkinson and Rea make great companions!

]]><![CDATA[Augusta Luise]]>Thu, 08 Jun 2017 19:35:06 GMThttp://www.douglasbespoke.com/a-budapest-garden/augusta-luisa

You can not beat Augusta Luise, the nostalgic rose from Rosen Tantau, Germany. This rose is best grown in the shade to preserve the delicate peachy colour. If exposed to full sun, the colour moves to a bright, reddish tone which is less attractive. The fragrance is irresistible.

]]><![CDATA[An installation for a special occasion.]]>Sat, 27 May 2017 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.douglasbespoke.com/a-budapest-garden/an-installation-for-a-special-occasion

Ikebana Installations...

This installation took under two hours to create if you exclude the preparation of the willow branches and painting of the pots. It was greeted with admiration by those who attended the event. It is nice to know that you can have such an enthusiastic support group.

]]><![CDATA[Ikebana........... another creative outlet]]>Mon, 01 May 2017 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.douglasbespoke.com/a-budapest-garden/ikebana-another-creative-outlet

"Teaching is the highest level of understanding."

The consolidation of knowledge can come through true mentorship; a symbiotic relationship if you will. After offering a short course to a small group of students, I realised again that learning should be continual and necessary to hone your skills. Moribana is an introductory and basic style that was developed to accommodate the foreign introductions to Japan after the arrival of the 'Black ships'. Until then, the Seika style was more common, as it utilised the native flora.

]]><![CDATA[Right plant, right place.]]>Sat, 29 Apr 2017 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.douglasbespoke.com/a-budapest-garden/right-plant-right-place

These iris are my orphans. I discovered them several years ago, grown through their pots and trays, solidly attached to mother earth. I bought them and planted them in the experimental garden where they did well for a few years. However, last summer their space was encroached upon by other species, and they did not flower well. So in order to improve their health and performance, I moved them to the south face of the house where the heat of summer is at its best. They performed excellently this spring.

It is a case of right plant, right place.

]]><![CDATA[Spring has come....... crocuses abound.]]>Fri, 24 Feb 2017 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.douglasbespoke.com/a-budapest-garden/spring-has-come-crocuses-abound

Forde Abbey in Springtime. What a glorious sight!

]]><![CDATA[The Next Generation... teaching about gardens.]]>Fri, 21 Oct 2016 13:28:14 GMThttp://www.douglasbespoke.com/a-budapest-garden/the-next-generation-teaching-about-gardens

Exciting the next generation of gardeners is important. I found this 1982 children's book from Japan in my collection, and decided that it was a great example of illustrating what is under foot in the garden. This book enlightens the reader by realistically illustrating the structures that exist below the soil level. It is a simple concept, highlights the more common plant forms that a child might recognise, and places them in a familiar context. A very worthwhile read!

]]><![CDATA[Architecture and Design II]]>Sun, 28 Aug 2016 15:57:03 GMThttp://www.douglasbespoke.com/a-budapest-garden/architecture-and-design-ii

As an addendum to the last post, these photos illustrate that all is not as it may seem. Although the angles of house and hedge are reflected from the street view, the hedge actually meanders and mingles with the Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' giving it a different effect when viewed along the length of the south wall.

]]><![CDATA[Architecture and Garden Design]]>Sat, 20 Aug 2016 22:00:00 GMThttp://www.douglasbespoke.com/a-budapest-garden/architecture-and-garden-design

Architecture and Garden Design can and should go hand in hand. Inspiration between house and garden may or may not be obvious but can enhance the overall design. The identical photographs above attempt to illustrate this connection. The architect is Dutch and therefore I attempted a Dutch connection by using planting materials commonly seen in Holland. The inverted angle in the beech hedge purposefully reflects the roof line. The hedging on the roof also extends the architectural line, completing a composition that meshes house and garden. The fact that this is the south face of the building makes it an extremely hot area in high summer.

]]><![CDATA[The forest floor.]]>Sat, 20 Aug 2016 22:00:00 GMThttp://www.douglasbespoke.com/a-budapest-garden/the-forest-floor

Of all the skills that I acquired from my grandfather, I should have focussed on mushrooms which was one of his specialities. The specimen featured above was beautiful to look at, but will require research to identify.

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