The emperor's new gardens

Impossible to stay indoors yesterday, with the sort of weather I would like to last forever. So, I went with a friend to a garden and food fair a few miles from here; a charity event for a very worthwhile cause. But, despite the weather, there didn't seem to be as many visitors as last year and not as many stands. In the meantime, plant prices had shot up so we bought hardly any but we did get a bit carried away in the food tent, where several of our finest local producers had set up shop. One of the best was Sandra Lawson, who comes from Rome, is married to an Englishman, lives in a village on the glorious Blackdown Hills* and cooks like a dream. Tables positively groaning with gorgeous vegetable antipasti, flans, tarts, pasta and rice dishes, all using a combination of traditional Italian and local West Country produce. A flan of rocket, spinach and Somerset Brie was as delicious as it sounds. Anyway, that was lunch (and supper) sorted.

(I should also give a mention to Cranfield's Foods, which is based on the edge of Exmoor and produces some of the best jams, chutneys and relishes I've come across. Take a look at the Buy Online selection to see just how many well-deserved awards this company has picked up. Its food production philosophy is exemplary - and the Gardeners Relish is out of this world.

The fair itself took place in the grounds of one of those stunning late Georgian houses that look at you and say 'perfection' and, this year, the private, formal gardens were open to the public. The garden designer was absolutely top-notch and regularly picks up medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. We were, therefore, expecting something amazing. To say that we were disappointed would be an understatement, especially my companion, who is an ace gardener and garden designer and who has worked on more than one Chelsea exhibit herself.

So what was wrong? I know that Georgian gardens were originally very formal but formal shouldn't mean dull. And it shouldn't mean sterile. This garden was both: no colour, no life, nothing to lift the spirits nor to stimulate the senses. The water feature was plain and rectangular, edged with concrete, full of something the colour of dirty ditchwater but fitted with three pumps that periodically let out a strangulated gurgle - the sort of sound that the last of the bath water makes as it drains away. (I can't believe that someone actually designed it, then stood back when it was up and running and felt pleased with the result.)

The rose above (sorry - can't remember its name) was about the only redeeming feature although neither of us would have planted a pale yellow rose against a cream-beige render.

Knowing the sort of fees that Chelsea medallists can command - you would probably need to be Mr and Mrs Hedge Fund Manager to afford to hire a garden designer of this ilk - the owners of the beautiful Georgian house would have shelled out a small fortune for the privilege of throwing back the curtains and being distinctly underwhelmed. I wonder if they were tempted to ask for their money back.

*Sandra is taking part in the first Blackdown Hills Food and Drink Festival, which you can read about here, where she'll be running a series of Italian cookery classes on 27 May.

Comments

[Maureen]

The food sounds fantastic, D, shame about the garden. I think that might be a Banksia rose. I had an ancient one rambling along one wall in my garden, it was really beautiful. I have a lump in my throat as I say 'had' because I had the garden landscaped a couple of years ago and arrived home from work one day to find the rose had not only been grubbed up but burned with no cuttings taken. I don't need to tell you the fate of the gardener!

[Susie Vereker]

What a gorgeous rose - so early too. Maybe the garden you visited will look more exciting in a month or so.

[60goingon16]

Welcome Susie and let's hope that this is the case . . .although it wouldn't alter the fundamental design shortcomings. I have to say that your garden is in another class completely!

(If you haven't visited Susie's blog, do take a look, where you'll find - among other things - a very impressive wisteria.)

As to the Name of the Rose, you are almost certainly right, M.