When not at the office, every moment is spent gardening, planning, researching, and, above all, trying to learn enough to get things right. With no formal training and limited knowledge, it continues to be a voyage of discovery. I have been incredibly fortunate that so many people have offered their help and advice—and, of course, I love every minute of it!
Chief stick collector, trampler of beds, finder of tennis balls and all round good egg.
Simon has been gardening at Ferns Lodge ever since I moved in, and he helped restore the house before beginning work on the garden. The purchase of the wild garden in 2012 was something he took in his stride, and he is at the core of ‘Mission Ferns Lodge’.
Our near neighbor, Barbara, is a keen gardener and truly knowledgeable. Her assistance with cuttings, plant identification, and her consistent availability for advice and help have been mission-critical. She serves as the Ferns Lodge Plant Sales lady and is a demon scone maker.
Julie is amazing – she works at a hundred miles an hour as the housekeeper for the Mews. It’s she who ensures that everything is spick and span, and she has zero tolerance for anything resembling dust or grime. She also loves ironing! Julie lives in the village and is often in the garden; she’s one of Ghillie’s favorite people.
Our first beehive arrived in 2018, and these industrious creatures have been busy around the garden, improving pollination and perhaps even producing honey. We now have four hives, with more planned. There is even a bee hut to store all the paraphernalia we need for beekeeping.