Gardens Illustrated Magazine

The peony is one that of those flowers that marks another tipping point in the year, from the delicacy of early blooms to something more exuberant and many petalled with summer firmly in mind. Sometimes short-lived, not always able to stand up to the changeability of UK weather, it’s wise to look to the experts. This month we visit Billy Carruthers at his nursery Binny Plants in West Lothian (page 80). His focus is on peonies with a tried-and-tested bloodline, including those from famed 20th-century breeder Professor A Saunders. All are marked as strong growers with single or semi-double flowers and all are worthy of a continued presence in our gardens. With experts in mind, this month does, of course, see the return of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It hardly…

Belinda Cooper Designer Belinda visits a small city garden, mostly planted in white, page 62. “I was so inspired talking to the designer about this garden and the power of simplicity and restraint.” Steve Edney Nurseryman Steve explores the qualities of the genus Nepeta, page 66. “Being part of the Nepeta trial confirmed what I already thought of this tough, versatile group of plants.” Cristian Barnett Cristian shot the portrait of designer Juliet Sargeant, page 78. “It was such a pleasure to photograph Juliet, she has a wonderful curiosity and interest in what is going on around her.”…

James Basson James lives in the South of France where he runs Scape Design, a practice specialising in low-maintenance and dry gardens. He is a fervent advocate for creating sustainable landscapes. The winner of four Chelsea Gold medals, he was awarded Best in Show in 2017. Fergus Garrett Fergus was appointed head gardener at Great Dixter by Christopher Lloyd in 1993. He is passionate about passing on his knowledge through student programmes at Dixter and worldwide lectures. He was awarded an RHS Associate of Honour in 2008 and an RHS Victoria Medal of Honour in 2019. Anna Pavord Anna’s books include her bestseller The Tulip and most recently Landskipping. For 30 years she was The Independent’s gardening correspondent. In 2000 the RHS awarded her the Veitch Memorial Medal. She lives and gardens in Dorset. Dan Pearson Dan…

Jubilant flowers One of the additional pleasures of visiting the Chelsea Flower Show is the chance to see the wonderful floral displays that surround many of the shops, restaurants and hotels of Chelsea and Belgravia. Away from the hustle and bustle of the Royal Hospital showground, Chelsea in Bloom is a floral bonanza that is free for all to enjoy, with awards for best displays as hotly contested as those for the Main Avenue show gardens. This year the festival is also offering the opportunity to enjoy complimentary rickshaw rides and guided walking tours, and in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee the theme is British Icons. We’re expecting to see a smattering of red buses, pillar and telephone boxes, blue police boxes, bowler hats, bulldogs and MINI Coopers, alongside designs…

Sweet dreams When furniture designer Rupert McKelvie decided he wanted to simplify his life, he built himself a small cabin on his parents’ farm. His stylish build sparked so much interest he founded design company Out of the Valley, producing beautiful prefabricated and bespoke cabins, as shown below, that can be adapted for a multitude of uses, from saunas and home offices to a small holiday home. The latest addition to its range is the Nomad Den (above), which has the same high levels of craftsmanship as its standard Nomad cabins but with a canvas roof. Perfect as a children’s den, it can also be fitted out to use as an extra guest room – ideal for those who love the romance of a night under canvas but prefer the comfort…

1 Living Crafts Explore the work of hundreds of British designer-makers, with the chance to shop, enjoy demonstrations and take part in crafting workshops. 5-8 May, 10am-5pm. From £9. Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire AL9 5NB. Tel 023 9286 3871, livingcrafts.co.uk 2 RHS Malvern Spring Festival Enjoy talks, show gardens, specialist nurseries and growers, and see the new Platinum Jubilee Garden (pictured), designed by Jess Russell-Perry. 5-8 May, 9am-6pm. From £24.85. Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW. rhsmalvern.co.uk 3 Willow Wednesday: For The Birds Learn how to weave a willow bird feeder and hanging bird house on this one-day outdoor workshop with Lorraine Ellery Matthews at Painshill Park in Surrey. 18 May, 10am-4pm. £72. Painshill, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE. Tel 01932 868113, painshill.co.uk 4 Botanical Sketchbook Watercolour Workshop Develop your botanical painting techniques on this one-day workshop with…