Rosy's adventures in 2022
The Coach House, Ampney Crucis
22nd April 2022
Hardy's attended four plant fairs at this location in 2022 and Rosy was particularly impressed with the planting at this beautiful garden.
It's a fabulous place to sell plants , the people are great and they sell the best chocolate brownies.
Arundel Castle
24th April 2022
The Spring is a busy time for Hardy's and one of the early shows takes place at Arundel Castle and it gave Rosy a chance to explore the site.
The weather was gorgeous and the grounds of the castle were ablaze with the colours of the many thousands of tulips for which they are so famous.
Rosy said that the Tulip festival is extraordinarily beautiful, but it's a cold, exposed site, so if you plan to attend next year, wrap up warm.
RHS Malvern Spring Flower Festival
5th-8th May 2022
It's a Gold for Hardy's display of Spring Flowering Herbaceous Perennials
Communication is key when there's loads to do and very little time to get everything perfect.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
24th-28th May 2022
Rob took a poignant picture of what was to be the Queen's final visit to Chelsea.
It was well known that this was one of Her Majesty's favourite events.
BBC Gardeners World Live
16th-19th June 2022
This time Hardy's not only won a Platinum Award but also the coveted Best In Show Award
RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival
4th-9th July 2022
Not only did Hardy's score another Gold in the Floral marquee, but they also supplied plants used in Matthew Childs' Over The Wall Garden, that won Best in Show, Best Constructed Garden and an individual Gold. You may remember Matthew Childs as he was the designer of the Light to Dark garden, which documented his journey to recovery after being caught up in the 7th of July bombings in London.
This time he created a spectacular dry garden for the Over the Wall charity that provides holidays and adventures for children that are not normally able to take part in outdoor activities.
RHS Hyde Hall Garden Flower Show
3rd-7th August 2022
A Best In Show Award for Hardy's display. Sounds easy doesn't it?
Nope, the work starts many months ahead and the build up consists of long hours and back breaking work.
Here's Rob receiving the award from Robert Brett, Curator at RHS Hyde Hall.
RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show
6th-11th September 2022
A Five Flower Plant Village Award this time, (RHS Wisley's version of a Gold Medal), for Peat-free grown Cottage Garden Perennials.
Great Dixter
Christopher Lloyds fantastic garden in Kent, now looked after by Fergus Garrett, who went to the trouble of cooking the most amazing, Turkish inspired food for all of the exhibitors
This year Rosy also found herself exploring the gardens and house at The Grange, Northington.
The spectacular house is undergoing partial restoration and it's fascinating to see how the building was constructed. As part of the National Gardens Scheme the Lake House is open to pre-booked visits.
"It's an amazing property with a semi derelict house and parkland style gardens laid out in the style of Lancelot Capability Brown. There is use of borrowed landscapes and neither the church or village can be seen from the house" Rosy was there as it is one of the venues that hosts "the Country Brocante" fairs and Hardys were in attendance.
The Malverley's
The Malverley's near Newbury was a first time visit for Rosy this year and was a bit of a treat. Invited to attend as part of an RHS visit, she explored the gardens which were cleverly laid out to provide new vistas and surprises around every corner. The planting was really pretty and made full use of texture and contrast as well as colour.
We hope you have enjoyed this review of the year and have been inspired to visit some of the beautiful places we've featured. We will keep you informed of upcoming events and hope you can join us at a few of them next year.