It is interesting that so many famous gardens were owned by or are closely connected to authors:
- Virginia Woolf and Monks House.
- Rudyard Kipling and Batemans.
- Beatrix Potter and Hill Top.
- John Ruskin and Brantwood.
These and many other writers obtained inspiration from retreating into their gardens. How many of us, as visitors, drink in the atmosphere and surrounding landscape to imagine the emotions that they would have experienced for inspiration? It is like a pilgrimage for a lot of us. I know when I visited Beatrix Potter’s property at Hill Top, I was hoping to see Peter Rabbit in Mr McGregor’s garden.
‘The Writer’s Garden’ due to be published by Frances Lincoln Limited on 2 October is fascinating, informative and full of beautiful photographs. It is what I would describe as a ‘coffee table’ book, with individual chapters dedicated to 20 well known authors.
The book is written by Jackie Bennett, former editor of a The Garden Design Journal, The English Garden Magazine and Gardening with the National Trust and the photographs are taken by the well-known photographer Richard Hanson who has also appeared in the above publications.
I found this a great book to dip and delve into, full of information about the authors and their gardens . The fly leaf reads ” Every Garden reveals something of its owner’s secret nature – Charles Dickens little known love for scarlet pelargoniums…Roald Dahl’s fascination with fruit trees triggered the idea for James and the Giant Peach”.
Virginia Woolf – Monks House
Sample chapter:
George Bernard Shaw at Shaw’s Corner has some glorious photos.
There is a short history of Shaw’s life at Shaw’s Corner and a brief resume of his life and works.
This format follows through each chapter providing a background of 20 well-known authors.
I can guarantee you will love this book. Not only as a reminder of those gardens you have visited, but it will give you places to add to your ‘must visit’ list.
Frances Lincoln Limited have kindly given me a pre-publish copy to give away. If you would like a chance to win this copy all you need do is leave a comment to say you wish to enter and I will pull a name out on Tuesday 30 September. This competition is open to the UK only.
CLOSING DATE MIDNIGHT MONDAY 29 SEPTEMBER
If you are not the lucky one, or live abroad all is not lost, there is also a readers offer :
To order The Writer’s Garden at the discounted price of £20.00 including p&p* (RRP: £25.00), telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk and quote the offer code APG218. *UK only – Please add £2.50 if ordering from overseas.