Simon and Kathy
Jess and her mother Pandora are constant garden companions.

Simon and Kathy Brown have designed and largely maintained this garden themselves, so they know the intricacies of all the various parts and in all seasons. Their enthusiasm is infectious and they willingly share the stories behind the garden on their tours. They are especially keen on peonies, spring and late flowering clematis, bulbs, succulents, gingko, eucalyptus, metasequoia, and glorious white stemmed birches.

Simon very much enjoys the historical aspects of garden design, as well as matters concerning the grass, the edges and hedges. We have long beech hedges creating shelter around the garden, with hornbeam hedges around areas within the garden. He is the master of all the topiary including the jury scene using different coloured yews and the long snaking dragon besides the drive. He is also master of the orchard, enjoying the pruning, the colourful eyes and making gallons of apple juice and apple cider vinegar. He will share his expertise in the Topiary and Hedging Workshop on August 7th and the Orchard Workshop on September 11th.

Kathy is an expert on Edible Flowers and often gives her visitors the chance to taste various petals on her tours. She also does special demonstrations and has Edible Flower Extravaganza days planned on June 3rd and July 6th. She makes all the cakes for her visitors. She loves to share her enthusiasm for plants, especially colour combinations. Over the years Kathy has published four books on containers and there are many pots and baskets exhibited around the garden. Her latest interest is Kokedama. She has also written on Bulbs, Edible Flowers and The Cottage Garden. She gives talks to various groups within a 50 mile radius.