46 Comments
Aug 20, 2023Liked by JP Clark

Another beautifully written piece JP. I’m transformed to sit in the garden; I can smell the herbs; the roses; the hydrangeas are glowing in summer light (on that day we didn’t get rain 😂) I’ve got a G&T under the haint blue roof with the curtains wafting and I’m snuggled on the comfy chair - such amazing writing you make it real to us readers. Great knowledge and great inspiration for our gardens. Again well done 🥂🥂

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Ali it’s readers like you that light up the world. Thank you for such an incredibly kind and descriptive comment. Have the best day.

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Fabulous read as always JP! Adding a roof to our pergola this year has been a game changer, having a secluded space in the garden to retreat to is a perfect way to make the most of our outside space beyond just the summer months.

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Yes! It’s so important to see in all the seasons I think. So many people never go in their garden after summer.

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I know it’s crazy isn’t it, we’ve spent so many winter evenings in the garden with the fire pit out, wrapping yourself up in a blanket and a hot toddy…perfection!

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I’ve just moved to a house with a large, very overgrown, garden and I’m definitely going to take these ideas on board! No verandah sadly because of planning restrictions but I’m thinking of a covered arbor… with a haint blue ceiling!

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I’d love a veranda... the dream

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Sounds perfect to me!

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Aug 20, 2023Liked by JP Clark

This is brilliant read! As we near the end of our renovation works, I'm looking forward to sorting the garden. I will be referring back to this and taking all of your advice! Thank you.

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Nikki thank you and I’m so glad it’s useful.

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Beautiful written . Such a journey and to sit back now and absorb is just a pure joy . I feel the same way JP with my garden . You have brought the reader to a place of ‘moment’ with your beautiful descriptive statements and it’s such a joy to read ; especially after the intensity of planning and executing this glorious outside space of careful bespoke design . Now is the place we need to be . Your garden is a wonder and so are you x

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And you are the loveliest person ever Nic! Thank you. X

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Aug 20, 2023Liked by JP Clark

Beautifully written, I am transported to your garden and inspired to create my own slice of paradise x

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Thank you Sue and hope you find the info useful.

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Love this so much and couldn’t agree more. Our deck is my favourite ‘room’ in the house with a seating, dining and kitchen area (only thing missing is a bathroom - hmm now there’s an idea 🤣). What a great first article JP, can’t wait for more. Substack suits you! 🥰

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What I didn’t say is that Mr C has just added a loo to the summerhouse next to the canopy! 🤣🤣

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Ooh such a good idea! Freestanding outdoor bath next? 🌳 🛁 🌳 🤣

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Aug 20, 2023Liked by JP Clark

What a lovely piece JP! I really, really want a canopy!

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You must have one soon Rebecca!

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I so enjoyed this read, sat down with a cup of tea inside my wooden yoga/sun studio which has patio doors, that now lead out onto a decking area, (recently) covered by a canopy 🥰. I love throwing the doors open & sitting in my ‘outside room’ safe from the rain, but able to appreciate my ‘little oasis’ from comfy garden sofas without having to run back inside. I love your ideas which always make sense to my personal way of thinking. I’m looking forward to the next episode 🥂👍

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Jill that sounds absolutely divine!

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A great read, thought provoking and inspiring.

We relaid the patio outside our kitchen diner this year and now thinking about cover to enjoy it year round.

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Honestly, you won’t regret it. The first time it rains and you can still be out there, is such a joy.

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Aug 20, 2023Liked by JP Clark

Like you downsized from 3 acres to a plot about your size so had a steel and glass veranda installed it’s an absolute game changer thank you for the inspo I’m all fired up now what a fabulous find you are

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They truly are a game changer. Susan thank you and welcome to our tribe.

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Love this JP!

In this garden one of the things I created was a grapevine covered pergola. With two comfy reclining rattan chairs, side tables, a rug and lighting, it’s the perfect spot for our bbq and wood oven too which provide warmth on at night. It’s a great place for dappled shade on a hot day. However, it drips when it rains!

Next garden I’m defo going for something covered too like yours! The perfect solution!

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That’s sounds idyllic Penny.

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You’re so right about a covered outdoor space. We’ve inherited a gazebo and it’s amazing how much more we sit outside now 😁

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It makes for all year round enjoyment.

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Aug 20, 2023Liked by JP Clark

Love this JP! Bringing the inside out, especially having an outdoor dining area to relax and entertain, we just bought some garden furniture for the bottom of the garden and Mr S is working on replacing the pallet wood border with sleepers and your article has given me a few ideas!!

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Oh that’s brilliant Marcelle. Always happy to help. Here’s to a gorgeous day.

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Aug 20, 2023Liked by JP Clark

Loved reading your post JP and would definitely like to hear and see in more depth about your previous New England house and garden. Had to chuckle at your analogy regarding water features. ⛲️🐴🤣

Keep the great work coming.

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Ah thank you. You are in luck as one of my upcoming newsletters will be all about our previous New England home. X

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Warding off haints.... I love that idea!

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It’s such a big thing across the pond. Historically, the colour was used on front doors too!

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Lovely article. And Haint blue sounds really interesting. Off to Google it now!

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So many shades of the colour!

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That’s what I thought too!

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