A place to put down roots
THE Chelsea Flower Show is a highlight for garden lovers, whether they visit in person or watch the BBC’s daily coverage. Acknowledged as “the world’s greatest” annual horticultural event, the Royal Horticultural Society show starts next week, with RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival and RHS Flower Show Tatton Park coming in July.
But what if you could get a multiple RHS Gold Medal-winner to guide you through your own garden design – or at least give you some examples of what will work at your new home?
That’s what owners at Bloor Homes’ The Arches At Ledbury development in Herefordshire can enjoy thanks to designer Paul Hervey-Brookes, who is not just an RHS winner but also an RHS judge.
Paul was invited to design three gardens for show homes at the development just outside the thriving market town of Ledbury, 15 miles east of Hereford and about 17 miles north of Gloucester.
The three gardens have different themes – low maintenance, social space and back-to-nature – with plenty to inspire new residents moving into the development’s first phase.
Paul joined the project because of his interest in new-build gardens, which he describes as a blank canvas.
“It’s my hope that owners of brand-new homes and gardens, as well as those with existing gardens, can take away ideas and planting combinations which really work,” says Paul.
“Not only will they be able to create their own impactful planting, they will also provide wildlife habitat and year-round seasonal interest.”
Bloor Homes is also extending a nearby riverside park with a play trail and wildflower meadow and planting more than 100 new trees and shrubs.
Anybody visiting The Arches is invited to take a look around the showhome gardens but they may also be interested in the houses as well, which are the first new-builds in Herefordshire to have PV solar panels and electric vehicle charge points.
The two, three and four-bedroom houses are for sale from £275,000 to £495,000 (01531 430021; bloorhomes.com) and as well as the solar panels they have thermal insulation within the walls and concrete floor, double glazing, energy-efficient boilers and radiators with thermostatic valves.
The Arches is on the edge of town, a few minutes from Ledbury railway station with trains to Hereford and Birmingham.
LEDBURY itself is a lovely mix of black and white half-timbered buildings – including its Grade I listed market house – plus a Georgian and Victorian high street full of small shops such as independent butchers and grocers, some great cafes and restaurants. There are also one-off clothes retailers and attractive interiors shops.
But you don’t have to visit Herefordshire to get more top gardening tips from Paul – he’s teamed up with Bloor Homes to present Brew Breaks on Facebook and Instagram.
Or you can visit RHS Chelsea next week – check for tickets at rhs.org.uk – to see how the young designers he has mentored for its Balcony And Container Gardens get on.