People are so used visiting to Big Name gardens, either built next to a historic house, or built centuries ago, or updated by committee decisions with the view of attracting footfall, ...and some are all three. And many were not designed by the owner. To go to one that was only fields 40 years ago, with singular vision and continuity ever since - and no teashop....well that discombobulates so many people. The same sort of people to whom I recommended a drive up to Wasdale Head came back disappointed that there was only a pub and a shop there. They are not our tribe.
What a sensation!!! I’m a landscaper and a sculptor. As are you!! I don’t have such a captivating garden of my own yet, but I’m working on it! Yours is a true inspiration. Your craftsmanship and dedication is awe inspiring. Anyone who is missing that notion is obviously only seeing with their eyes…but not feeling the love and care you’ve poured into making this a truly living masterpiece. If I didn’t live in the US, I would most likely be annoying you for a chat and a cup of tea….in your garden. So that I may share the mutual love and appreciation of all you put in to maintaining its beauty and likeness. Thank you for sharing♥️✨♥️✨♥️
Yes indeed it is!! However, home truly IS where the heart IS.
You see, what I have discovered is that the majority of onlookers seem to want to be entertained by outside sources that are convenient. Given detailed explanations in lieu of recognizing what their own inner dialogue has to say about what their eyes are seeing. Overlooking the complete lack of convenience such artistic endeavors are created from. And how can the artist, the creator, be responsible for the spoon feeding to an audience, of every aspect of their creations, and truly explain the yearning and desire to create such beautiful things in a manner understood by those not even willing to attempt articulation of their own? Most times true beauty needs not explanation…just silent observation. If ever I can make it to your homeland, your garden would be my destination. I could carry on with you about my own love of the mutual dances we ensue upon each and every time our bare toes hit the dirt. Bless your Beautiful Soul ♥️✨
Everyone's a critic, right? But you and Charles have created and are still in the making of something wonderful and meaningful. Don't ever forget that.
I read all our reviews, but only to see if there are any practical changes I can make. Taste doesn’t not come into it. The garden should be true to the owner and as long as you’re both happy with it, and anyone visiting is safe you’re succeeding.
The one size fits all approach was not taught during my “corruption” years at college. We were taken round many gardens, each of a different style and learned to appreciate each. I can go to most gardens and find things I would love to implement in my own.
I haven’t got that far in my travels yet, being limited on time and money, but you’re on my list to visit.
Absolutely. Particularly when it comes to certain practises. Obvious examples would be the criticism of use of pesticides or planting of invasive species. It also helps to give us alternative perspectives.
When it comes to style however, I think the garden should reflect the owner, rather than follow others. If every garden followed the current fashion, it would not only be costly, but also boring.
That’s not to say ideas aren’t welcome, and we are always learning!
The photos look amazing…I wish you would “feel good” because it’s become or becoming what you want…not from external reviews…it is so much about process and not product I think
To call anyone or anything courageous can be risky, and when it comes to gardens, doubly so. You have created a garden that pushes boundaries and makes people think. It is also beautiful. So while it is (next to) impossible to ignore criticism, do just that and be proud of what you've done. It is a true work of art.
I am in France and learned of your garden through this Substack post. I hope we will be able to visit someday, in the meantime where can we see more pictures? Is there a publication of some kind? Thanks in advance, Martha
There’s Charles’s library photographs - though they’re not the ones I would choose. I’d love us to do a book of Veddw photographs! Not likely to happen.
My goodness, these photos are incredible. The bird bath with its reflections and the undulating hedges are wonderful accents in your gardens. I can’t imagine how anyone looks at these and doesn’t wish to visit!
Could you indicate the distance and approximate time from London, which is where most international tourists arrive. Are there a number of points of interest either along the way, or in the general area that could interest a foreign visitor? These questions only reveal my abject ignorance, but I fear I am not alone....
People are so used visiting to Big Name gardens, either built next to a historic house, or built centuries ago, or updated by committee decisions with the view of attracting footfall, ...and some are all three. And many were not designed by the owner. To go to one that was only fields 40 years ago, with singular vision and continuity ever since - and no teashop....well that discombobulates so many people. The same sort of people to whom I recommended a drive up to Wasdale Head came back disappointed that there was only a pub and a shop there. They are not our tribe.
I’ll be in your tribe, Kath.
to be in my tribe, when you visit my house and garden, you may wipe your feet on the way out. And one day you must come!
Well I loved it when I visited. They’re just plain wrong, but you can’t please all the people, all of the time. 🤷♀️ xx
You say so, but for no good reason I do try!
What a sensation!!! I’m a landscaper and a sculptor. As are you!! I don’t have such a captivating garden of my own yet, but I’m working on it! Yours is a true inspiration. Your craftsmanship and dedication is awe inspiring. Anyone who is missing that notion is obviously only seeing with their eyes…but not feeling the love and care you’ve poured into making this a truly living masterpiece. If I didn’t live in the US, I would most likely be annoying you for a chat and a cup of tea….in your garden. So that I may share the mutual love and appreciation of all you put in to maintaining its beauty and likeness. Thank you for sharing♥️✨♥️✨♥️
Thank you! Isn’t it awful that we can’t put our gardens on a truck and take them off to visit people? That chat and tea would be special.
Yes indeed it is!! However, home truly IS where the heart IS.
You see, what I have discovered is that the majority of onlookers seem to want to be entertained by outside sources that are convenient. Given detailed explanations in lieu of recognizing what their own inner dialogue has to say about what their eyes are seeing. Overlooking the complete lack of convenience such artistic endeavors are created from. And how can the artist, the creator, be responsible for the spoon feeding to an audience, of every aspect of their creations, and truly explain the yearning and desire to create such beautiful things in a manner understood by those not even willing to attempt articulation of their own? Most times true beauty needs not explanation…just silent observation. If ever I can make it to your homeland, your garden would be my destination. I could carry on with you about my own love of the mutual dances we ensue upon each and every time our bare toes hit the dirt. Bless your Beautiful Soul ♥️✨
Just looked at the photos from the link above. Amazing! Maybe share those more often? That would drive interest I’m sure. Those hedges!!!! 👌
You may be right. I must do something particular next year - it’s 40 years then.
Time to celebrate then!
Some people don't even know they're born, Anne, don't listen to them! Veddw is beautiful, it makes me happy just seeing it in photos.
Thank you! (My post is very anxiety provoking - you have provided some much needed relief)
Happy to help and show solidarity!
Everyone's a critic, right? But you and Charles have created and are still in the making of something wonderful and meaningful. Don't ever forget that.
More very felt thanks.
It does ' feel like place' it's more than a garden!
From your photos it sure looks like a garden I would like to visit!
Those are really the best bits, of course…
Of course! That’s how I photograph too. 😅
I’m sure that’s just the two of us….
Sounds like such an interesting garden and one with much soul . Will add it to my visit list !! 🪴🙏
Great!
I read all our reviews, but only to see if there are any practical changes I can make. Taste doesn’t not come into it. The garden should be true to the owner and as long as you’re both happy with it, and anyone visiting is safe you’re succeeding.
The one size fits all approach was not taught during my “corruption” years at college. We were taken round many gardens, each of a different style and learned to appreciate each. I can go to most gardens and find things I would love to implement in my own.
I haven’t got that far in my travels yet, being limited on time and money, but you’re on my list to visit.
We have learnt a lot and made positive changes as a result of inviting criticism. Other people’s eyes are important, aren’t they?
Absolutely. Particularly when it comes to certain practises. Obvious examples would be the criticism of use of pesticides or planting of invasive species. It also helps to give us alternative perspectives.
When it comes to style however, I think the garden should reflect the owner, rather than follow others. If every garden followed the current fashion, it would not only be costly, but also boring.
That’s not to say ideas aren’t welcome, and we are always learning!
I don’t think it’s about fashion or style, but the mistakes that us proud owners can simply be oblivious to until someone points them out.https://veddw.com/general/gardens-need-critics-by-anne-wareham-for-the-garden-design-journal/
The photos look amazing…I wish you would “feel good” because it’s become or becoming what you want…not from external reviews…it is so much about process and not product I think
I wonder if people feel that way about their books (I didn’t - I wanted sales and good reviews) or plays? Or even about a meal for favoured guests?
Of course the garden itself gives all sorts of joy and despair, as gardens do - I think this is what you’re thinking of? We do have all that too.
To call anyone or anything courageous can be risky, and when it comes to gardens, doubly so. You have created a garden that pushes boundaries and makes people think. It is also beautiful. So while it is (next to) impossible to ignore criticism, do just that and be proud of what you've done. It is a true work of art.
You’re very kind (and perceptive) Pat. Thank you.
So pleased for you. 💚 I hope I get to see Veddw, and you, in person, some day. Truly.
YES!
I will visit. I promise. And I know I’ll love it.
I am in France and learned of your garden through this Substack post. I hope we will be able to visit someday, in the meantime where can we see more pictures? Is there a publication of some kind? Thanks in advance, Martha
There’s Charles’s library photographs - though they’re not the ones I would choose. I’d love us to do a book of Veddw photographs! Not likely to happen.
https://www.gapphotos.com/imageresults.asp?view=&photogref=112&txtrefsearchterm=Veddw&newestorpopular=popular&horizontal=yes&vertical=yes&panoramic=yes&square=yes&propertyrelease=no&modelrelease=no&showcaptions=yes&imagesperpage=undefined
Thanks for the photos, the garden is outstanding. Carry on! Bon courage !
Many thanks!
My goodness, these photos are incredible. The bird bath with its reflections and the undulating hedges are wonderful accents in your gardens. I can’t imagine how anyone looks at these and doesn’t wish to visit!
Very kind and generous of you to say so! Thank you.
Could you indicate the distance and approximate time from London, which is where most international tourists arrive. Are there a number of points of interest either along the way, or in the general area that could interest a foreign visitor? These questions only reveal my abject ignorance, but I fear I am not alone....