Important, unconventional, unusual. What you’ve made, how you write about it, is all those things and very inspirational as an expression of humanity. As India has set out so well, self depreciation is a dreadful thing, so false and so mimsy in its attention-seeking and its denial of the pleasure of showing off when one genuinely has something of real value and worth to show off. I’m delighted you see no reason to fall into its clutches, but rather place your work in its true context and note a call to the poignancy of passing years as part of that context. And, realist that I am, talk about cost (another subject where mimsy and coyness should have no place).
Look at what you and Charles have made, man, it’s really really good.
I would love to see your hard earned gardens, Anne, but mostly I would love to me such an interesting person! But, alas, I don't travel. So I am very thankful for all your posts and stories.
I saw your note and don't understand why it would make people unsubscribe. I've not heard of your garden before -- yeah, for Substack for new discoveries! -- but it, and the story of its creation, sounds fascinating and looks beautiful. What's wrong with celebrating that? I for one would love to visit if I ever make it your way!
Extolling your garden is a bit like showing pride in your children. Of course you want all to see what magnificent offspring you have developed, but bragging on their accomplishments is not received well. Same with a garden. You control what and where plants are placed, but the destiny of the garden is always in flux from day to day and year to year. It is really the land and Nature that deserve the glory. The gardener has just a momentary point of view and decision over what the garden will be because when the gardener steps away, and the centuries pass, what is left there?
I am guilty. We seek approval and praise for our efforts and sometimes it is bestowed and other times we sense jealousy and competition. Sometimes the criticism hurts and sometimes it makes us better. Can’t imagine bad criticism. Coming your way. You have made something remarkable. Love that you invite your readers to think more deeply.
Thank you, and kind of you. We have always invited criticism, had it, and acted on it. However, it always hurts. Your second message has been comforting though: kindness always helps.
The photos you've used have really helped us undertand your story, so the book wouldn't be as good without absolutely all of them! It is all such an inpiration, thank you.
This was wonderful Anne. Couldn’t agree more. We should always be striving for better. I would love to visit your gorgeous garden and meet you. Now looking at google maps!
I live in South Oxfordshire. Probably a 1.5hrs away. Spent today at Iford. Glorious day! Tough question to answer I know, but do you recommend a particular month/season?
Thank you for this. I don’t think so because I think the pictures are very important for everyone to understand what’s where and what happened. And photos are very expensive in books and so are generally rationed.
I enjoyed reading this. Gardening for anyone can be a lovely way of passing time in nature, and feeling connected to the seasons. However making “a garden” can be elevated to an art form, one based on both intellectual and aesthetic decisions. The more personal the choices the more interesting i find the garden. Hoping to visit in sometime in June, we aren’t so far away, about an hour south of bristol.
I am so glad you wrote this piece Anne, everything you write about Veddw reflects your passion, courage and hard work. Quite right India Knight, we are as a nation far too modest, mumbling and scuffling our feet when anyone praises us, so extra glad that you do know just what you and Charles have accomplished. We are planning the summer visit and already excited.
Now I'm panicking. I must visit your garden and take photos and write a piece about it while I still can. I'm not suggesting you and Charles are going anywhere but my life feels like someone's cut the brake cables so who knows where I'll be. Anne,I've sort of followed your progress over the years by books,magazine features,mentions on the radio,one visit! I've always been AWARE of Veddw and I knew you did it on a low budget and used lots of the 'rampant invasive ' plants we are encouraged to despise but reading your Substack accounts has given me much more in depth knowledge of the background and it's EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE. I really want to write about Veddw to put on my Substack and take lots of photographs,will send you copies of all of course. You say June so id better make my visit in yr second week of June. Not being a car driver complicates my travel a bit and I've got something big in mid -May so I can't plan too much until that's achieved. I know when I saw Veddw for myself it was at the 'halfway' stage'. With gardens I am mostly an "it's all really lovely " sort of person but I'll try to find something to be critical of,if I get there. I'm actually no one but that doesnt matter on Substack!
If you can get to Chepstow railway station we could pick you up. Unless you have a friend who might be able to bring you. I love having visitors who are not gardeners, as they see gardens differently. (Though sometimes through a very stereotypic lens)
Important, unconventional, unusual. What you’ve made, how you write about it, is all those things and very inspirational as an expression of humanity. As India has set out so well, self depreciation is a dreadful thing, so false and so mimsy in its attention-seeking and its denial of the pleasure of showing off when one genuinely has something of real value and worth to show off. I’m delighted you see no reason to fall into its clutches, but rather place your work in its true context and note a call to the poignancy of passing years as part of that context. And, realist that I am, talk about cost (another subject where mimsy and coyness should have no place).
Look at what you and Charles have made, man, it’s really really good.
Thank you so much. We were just not brought up to do such things. (any of them!)
That’s another good reason to do them.
You do it with such a quality of conviction.
Frightening though!
I would love to see your hard earned gardens, Anne, but mostly I would love to me such an interesting person! But, alas, I don't travel. So I am very thankful for all your posts and stories.
Thank you so much - from one non traveller to another !
I saw your note and don't understand why it would make people unsubscribe. I've not heard of your garden before -- yeah, for Substack for new discoveries! -- but it, and the story of its creation, sounds fascinating and looks beautiful. What's wrong with celebrating that? I for one would love to visit if I ever make it your way!
This does help cheer me up - thank you!
Absolutely stunning Anne and Charles, and clearly the experts agree. I would someday love to see the garden that you are both so passionate about.
I hope you will, Cerina - and thank you.
Extolling your garden is a bit like showing pride in your children. Of course you want all to see what magnificent offspring you have developed, but bragging on their accomplishments is not received well. Same with a garden. You control what and where plants are placed, but the destiny of the garden is always in flux from day to day and year to year. It is really the land and Nature that deserve the glory. The gardener has just a momentary point of view and decision over what the garden will be because when the gardener steps away, and the centuries pass, what is left there?
You might think, that being the case, that extolling nature’s efforts should be more than acceptable.
And, let’s face it, if we can, Substack is full of gardeners showing off. Just generally more acceptably and discreetly. (Tulips anyone??!!!)
And I think a parent who doesn’t show pride in their children’s achievements should be ashamed?
I’ll go and eat worms…..
So true…showing off…
I am guilty. We seek approval and praise for our efforts and sometimes it is bestowed and other times we sense jealousy and competition. Sometimes the criticism hurts and sometimes it makes us better. Can’t imagine bad criticism. Coming your way. You have made something remarkable. Love that you invite your readers to think more deeply.
Thank you, and kind of you. We have always invited criticism, had it, and acted on it. However, it always hurts. Your second message has been comforting though: kindness always helps.
Re criticism - see https://veddw.com/annes-writing/being-criticised-by-anne-wareham/.
Good for you! Would love to come see, I’m sure I would learn so much. Must see if I can arrange arrange things for June
And enjoy, I'd hope!
The photos you've used have really helped us undertand your story, so the book wouldn't be as good without absolutely all of them! It is all such an inpiration, thank you.
This was wonderful Anne. Couldn’t agree more. We should always be striving for better. I would love to visit your gorgeous garden and meet you. Now looking at google maps!
Hurray - hoping to meet you too! Where are you?
I live in South Oxfordshire. Probably a 1.5hrs away. Spent today at Iford. Glorious day! Tough question to answer I know, but do you recommend a particular month/season?
When we’re open, no. Ideally (!) should always be worth a visit. Come and have tea with us - let’s set a date?
At least I feel like I have visited Veddw through your amazing stories! Will this be a book someday?
Thank you for this. I don’t think so because I think the pictures are very important for everyone to understand what’s where and what happened. And photos are very expensive in books and so are generally rationed.
I enjoyed reading this. Gardening for anyone can be a lovely way of passing time in nature, and feeling connected to the seasons. However making “a garden” can be elevated to an art form, one based on both intellectual and aesthetic decisions. The more personal the choices the more interesting i find the garden. Hoping to visit in sometime in June, we aren’t so far away, about an hour south of bristol.
That’s perceptive and true - do come: I look forward to meeting you.
I am so glad you wrote this piece Anne, everything you write about Veddw reflects your passion, courage and hard work. Quite right India Knight, we are as a nation far too modest, mumbling and scuffling our feet when anyone praises us, so extra glad that you do know just what you and Charles have accomplished. We are planning the summer visit and already excited.
Phew!! That is just a wonderfully kind message, Sally.Thank you and I look forward to meeting you,
Now I'm panicking. I must visit your garden and take photos and write a piece about it while I still can. I'm not suggesting you and Charles are going anywhere but my life feels like someone's cut the brake cables so who knows where I'll be. Anne,I've sort of followed your progress over the years by books,magazine features,mentions on the radio,one visit! I've always been AWARE of Veddw and I knew you did it on a low budget and used lots of the 'rampant invasive ' plants we are encouraged to despise but reading your Substack accounts has given me much more in depth knowledge of the background and it's EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE. I really want to write about Veddw to put on my Substack and take lots of photographs,will send you copies of all of course. You say June so id better make my visit in yr second week of June. Not being a car driver complicates my travel a bit and I've got something big in mid -May so I can't plan too much until that's achieved. I know when I saw Veddw for myself it was at the 'halfway' stage'. With gardens I am mostly an "it's all really lovely " sort of person but I'll try to find something to be critical of,if I get there. I'm actually no one but that doesnt matter on Substack!
If you can get to Chepstow railway station we could pick you up. Unless you have a friend who might be able to bring you. I love having visitors who are not gardeners, as they see gardens differently. (Though sometimes through a very stereotypic lens)