At Great Dixter (in spirit)

[callmemadam]

Yesterday afternoon I arrived home exhausted and drunk. Exhausted by the energy exuding from Fergus Garrett and drunk on plants. I’d been to a ‘celebrity lecture’ organised by our Plant Heritage (NCCPG) group. A celebrity lecture is one where you pay £10.00 for your ticket and over 300 people had done so. I’ve never seen the hall at the community

Comments

[anonymous]

Mum and I would love to go - maybe over Easter if the sun shines!

[callmemadam]

I'm sure you'd both love it. You can fit in Rye on the same day!

[anonymous]

Sorry Barbara that was Miranda. I don't know what happened there!

[callmemadam]

No probs!

Q

[anonymous]

I think Fergus Garrett is a genius: a brilliant speaker and what he is doing at Great Dixter is incredible, the way (like Christopher Lloyd) he's always moving on and trying something new. Again like Lloyd he thinks garden rules should always be tested, never accepted, and the result is always breathtaking.
I've just read your account of your visit to Great Dixter; I do hope you get the chance to go alone or with a well-chosen friend some time. We're lucky, one of our daughters lives close so we can visit often and without a doubt we liked the garden best in October when many plants have been allowed to go over or take over ... it was the most rewarding visit to any garden I've ever made.

Re: Q

[callmemadam]

The man is a human dynamo.

I'm hoping to go in October, when the garden should be looking great and there's also a plant fair. Lucky you to be able to go often; it's at least two and a half hours from here.

Great Dixter

[ext_2206725]

I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting Mr. Garrett at a talk Christopher Lloyd gave in Massachusetts many years ago. Mr. Lloyd did most of the talking, but both were delightful. Unfortunately, I've never visited Great Dixter on any of our trips to the UK. Maybe next time.

Re: Great Dixter

[callmemadam]

Lucky you!

I hope you make that trip; it's a lovely part of the country with other interesting places nearby.

[gwendraith]

That's a fine way to become exhausted and drunk! It sounds wonderful and I'm pleased you had such a great time. I'd love to go to see the house and gardens. It's over 120 miles away but is actually an easy route from Ely and approx 2.5 hours each way. Just about doable in a day.

[callmemadam]

Yes indeed, the best!

It's a long coastal road from here and too far for me to drive myself in a day, alas. There will be a coach trip later this year, though.