THE BELVOIR CASTLE SHOW GARDEN
I was delighted to be chosen as a finalist at the 2023 Belvoir Castle Flower and Garden Show. From historical research I based my design on the native flowers of the Vale of Belvoir. I found a document from 1795, written by the Reverend George Crabbe who chronicled his nature walks in ‘A Natural History of the Vale of Belvoir.’
I then compared this text with data from the NatureSpot charity whose volunteers logged the flowers and wildlife they see on the four mile stretch of the Jubilee Way from Stathern to Belvoir.
When it came to the planting, it took months of patience growing wildflowers from plugs and an endless battle with the weather! We had that very hot spell in early summer which threatened many of our plants, causing some to bloom too early for the show, whilst others ‘went over’ and were past their best. At the event we battled 40mph winds and driving rain for the entire two day build but we thoroughly enjoyed it and were thrilled with the results. I was delighted that so many visitors said that I had inspired them to plant wildflowers in their own gardens.
