Sources of inspiration

Sources of Inspiration

In this lesson I'm going to share my key sources of inspiration and where you can look to start gathering ideas for your own garden.

Inspiration comes from everywhere:

• surroundings
• experiences
• where we grew up
• places we've visited
• pieces of art we've seen
• other people's gardens, and more.

I grew up in Italy and was fascinated by the arrangement of spaces and the Renaissance gardens.

• I thought of them more as places I wanted to be than as gardens, so I'm always look to create an atmosphere.

Surround Yourself with Inspiring Books

A lot of my inspiration comes from books.

• Russell Page's The Education of a Gardener (1962) is a classic that I'd highly recommend.
• He states what you think might be obvious but will stick with you. For example, that paths should only be where necessary – 'there's nothing more forlorn than an unused path'. Also on how to use trees such as pleached trees, and using plants to create architecture.

Top tip: look for second hand books online or in charity shops. You can find treasures, including some that are out of print.

Find Writers and Gardeners You Like

You'll never be able to read all the books end to end, but they all contain something different that informs and inspires me.

• Find a writer you like, or a book where you like the imagery, and study it.

Visit Outstanding Gardens

Gardens are also key sources of inspiration.

• Find spaces close to you – Sissinghurst and Great Dixter are both constant inspiration for me.
• Visit at different times of year – I try to visit each once a season; there's always something new to see.
• Winter shows a garden's bones and architecture, while in summer it's fully clothed and in flower.

Your Assignment

Locate three gardens close to you that open to the public and that you would like to visit to gather inspiration. The following websites may be helpful:

• National Gardens Scheme (gardens open on specific dates during the year)
• Royal Horticultural Society Gardens and Partner Gardens
• National Trust Gardens
• Great British Gardens