I really enjoyed reading this JP. As you know I couldn’t make press day due to a long term health condition and it’s got me really thinking. I do believe that the RHS need to move forward and these gardens need to be created in situ from the start. Allowing visitors to them see them for maybe a fortnight after creation or something? Then keep the show for exhibitors. It would cut down on environmental costs and bring important designs to different parts of the country. I don’t know…. Anyway I enjoyed reading this honey! You have a way of capturing the feeling of this garden with your words. X
I too am saying loudly to anyone listening that the RHS is due for a major rethink maybe link to Civic Voice who look at community regeneration and conservation initiatives?
I’m not going to Chelsea this year but watching the preparations show on the BBC on Sunday this was the garden that stood out for me, it just seemed magical in every detail.
The Glasshouse Garden was a standout at Chelsea — full of heart and hope.I loved that It celebrates second chances. It’s about growth, confidence, and the chance to begin again — all through the healing power of plants. Thank you for directing me to the garden.
I’m finally catching up with all the wonderful writing on Jo’s Garden for The Glasshouse, and yours, JP, is the absolute best. You have got to the heart of Jo and the heart of the garden, and so importantly to the very core of its importance for the women who will heal and grow even stronger within it. It was the privilege of my life to be involved with the planting; the flowers, the team, the soul of the garden will never leave me. Also for the record; Jo is the calmest person under pressure that I’ve EVER met. A genius to create such magic.
I can’t tell you how much that lovely comment means to me Julia, thank you. Such a humbling experience and the most emotive garden I’ve ever been in. What a joy for you to be part of it, well done. Xx
I want you to also give a shout out for Kent based Guy Holloway studio’s architecture here. It is recycling Perspex and has a sedum roof with water capture: the water going down the columns to a rill then a pond. Effort made to manage water without slamming the lesson in your face: it’s all educational stuff and if only all gardens were doing it too.
Well done both of you, this is a lovely interview, and what a beautiful gift for the women at HMP Down view. And for those of us that have been afforded the luxury of being nurtured and educated take the time to give something back to those who have been less fortunate, a project like this is evolves with compassion, mindfulness and love. It goes to show that being outside, gardening or in nature is good for the soul. A totally deserved gold on every level.
Love all of this. Jo’s beautiful garden - it reminds me of a garden in a book, one that appears by magic. Your interview. Your passion and write-up. I am sorry to miss Chelsea this year, so this is a rare treasure of a piece. Xx
What a wonderful garden, initiative & interview! Thanks so much for this JP. It did bring back memories of 30 plus years ago when I ran an initiative in the three Devon male prisons. Me and my team helped men two years prior to their release with training, counselling, education etc. and the recidivism was so small. So many of the men had come through the care system or had mental health issues. So many very sad stories.
I really enjoyed reading this JP. As you know I couldn’t make press day due to a long term health condition and it’s got me really thinking. I do believe that the RHS need to move forward and these gardens need to be created in situ from the start. Allowing visitors to them see them for maybe a fortnight after creation or something? Then keep the show for exhibitors. It would cut down on environmental costs and bring important designs to different parts of the country. I don’t know…. Anyway I enjoyed reading this honey! You have a way of capturing the feeling of this garden with your words. X
That’s a really interesting idea Sophie, perhaps something that could be done in conjunction with Chelsea?
Yes I think so. Something more progressive and would bring the move of gardens to a wider audience
I too am saying loudly to anyone listening that the RHS is due for a major rethink maybe link to Civic Voice who look at community regeneration and conservation initiatives?
I’m not going to Chelsea this year but watching the preparations show on the BBC on Sunday this was the garden that stood out for me, it just seemed magical in every detail.
It is indeed magical.
Love this garden and the interview with Jo. I will be voting for her to be sure!
So glad you enjoyed it Rebecca. Isn’t she just so astonishingly talented!
Morning,
I'm off to Chelsea this morning and so pleased the sun is shining ☀️. I will head straight to the Glasshouse Garden 🪴 after this glowing report. S x
Oh have the best time Stephanie!
The Glasshouse Garden was a standout at Chelsea — full of heart and hope.I loved that It celebrates second chances. It’s about growth, confidence, and the chance to begin again — all through the healing power of plants. Thank you for directing me to the garden.
I’m finally catching up with all the wonderful writing on Jo’s Garden for The Glasshouse, and yours, JP, is the absolute best. You have got to the heart of Jo and the heart of the garden, and so importantly to the very core of its importance for the women who will heal and grow even stronger within it. It was the privilege of my life to be involved with the planting; the flowers, the team, the soul of the garden will never leave me. Also for the record; Jo is the calmest person under pressure that I’ve EVER met. A genius to create such magic.
I can’t tell you how much that lovely comment means to me Julia, thank you. Such a humbling experience and the most emotive garden I’ve ever been in. What a joy for you to be part of it, well done. Xx
Hi all
I want you to also give a shout out for Kent based Guy Holloway studio’s architecture here. It is recycling Perspex and has a sedum roof with water capture: the water going down the columns to a rill then a pond. Effort made to manage water without slamming the lesson in your face: it’s all educational stuff and if only all gardens were doing it too.
Very much so, most of that is mentioned by Jo in the interview.
A wonderful read JP! And what an incredibly special (and beautiful) garden Jo has created. x
It deserves every bit of praise.
Thank you for sharing. Love Jo and this garden is fantastic both the garden itself and the story telling. I will also be voting for it ❤️
My pleasure Julie. It’s honour to be able to report on it.
Well done both of you, this is a lovely interview, and what a beautiful gift for the women at HMP Down view. And for those of us that have been afforded the luxury of being nurtured and educated take the time to give something back to those who have been less fortunate, a project like this is evolves with compassion, mindfulness and love. It goes to show that being outside, gardening or in nature is good for the soul. A totally deserved gold on every level.
obsessed with roses, was it wild rover??
Yes Wild Rover, Charles De Mills, Emma Bridgette’s and Tuscany Superb I believe Amanda. Xx
Love all of this. Jo’s beautiful garden - it reminds me of a garden in a book, one that appears by magic. Your interview. Your passion and write-up. I am sorry to miss Chelsea this year, so this is a rare treasure of a piece. Xx
Thank you so much Natasha. It is a truly magical garden.
Thanks for this informative and interesting article.
You are most welcome.
Amazing!🤩 🌱
Thank you Chriss. You’d love Chelsea.
Lovely! I wish there was something like this near me. Looks gorgeous.
Honestly Erin it’s the best flower show in the world.
Seems like it!
Inspiring interview!
Thank you so much.
Great to see you JP - in the flesh at last! What a day
Right back atcha Mark.
What a wonderful garden, initiative & interview! Thanks so much for this JP. It did bring back memories of 30 plus years ago when I ran an initiative in the three Devon male prisons. Me and my team helped men two years prior to their release with training, counselling, education etc. and the recidivism was so small. So many of the men had come through the care system or had mental health issues. So many very sad stories.
This is a wonderful initiative for women!
Oh that’s so interesting Penny. You’ve done so many things in your life.
I’ve had time to do lots! lol! 68 yesterday!
Oh happy birthday!