I’ve been itching to write about Andrea Brunsendorf’s fabulous sculptural planting ever since I saw it at the weekend at the Inner Temple Garden’s Dog Show. This was another very enjoyable Chelsea Fringe event, and even though the Fringe and the dog show are over, there are still ample opportunities to visit the Inner Temple Gardens. They’re tucked in behind Fleet Street (accessed by the main gate opposite Crown Office Row) and can be visited weekdays from 12.30-3pm.
This wild planting is in Hare Court, just round the corner from the main gardens and the Inner Temple Church.
The surreal sight of a hundred Verbascum alongside a pared back palette of other plants (Euphorbias, Fennel, Yew and Verbenas) in this ordinarily conservative courtyard just made my heart sing. I found myself dragging others along from the main gardens to share in my delight.
Visiting dogs are not usually allowed in the Inns of Court,
which made the afternoon’s main event even more enjoyable. Hosted by head gardener Andrea Brunsendorf, the Dog Show was a very jolly affair with 4 categories,
and loads of canine entrants!
I was rather taken by Geoff, who won second prize for dog the judges would most like to take home,
and I think the engaging Susan won third prize for dog with the waggiest tail.
The tulips are now over in the borders, but there are still plenty of stunning combinations to see,
and the planting of Verbenas, Cosmos, Eucalyptus, Cleomes and Salvias will be reason enough for a repeat visit to this wonderful garden later on in the summer.
