| New garden for Haigh Hall 2025 will see the official opening of the new garden I designed for Haigh Hall, called Amphitheatre for a Tree. Amphitheatre for a Tree is rooted in symbolism, nature and community, with layered seating surrounding a tree set to amplify breathtaking views across the town.The focal point of the garden is a Handkerchief Tree which was funded by Wigan Rotary Club. The design also features two crowns, which were designed by artists AL and AL. Haigh Hall itself is undergoing a large scale renovation and is due to re-open in late 2027. Once open it will include an art gallery, an events and wedding space, rooftop terrace, restaurant and bar. However, firstly I’m looking forward to the garden being complete in spring so it can be enjoyed by the people of Wigan and all visitors to the hall. |
| Just before Christmas, I was lucky enough to get hold of two tickets for the new David Hockney exhibition at Factory International (Aviva Studios) in Manchester city centre, on the site of where Granada Studios used to be. The exhibition, called Bigger and Closer (not smaller and further away), takes you through six chapters of Hockney’s lengthy career. The huge warehouse like space makes creates a visually-stunning effect, moving through his different styles from the LA-based paintings right through to the later iPad drawings. More here: https:// |
| A welcome decline of bedding plants The RHS predicts that bedding plants will be heading out of fashion for 2025 as gardeners turn to more friendly gardening. I would say that bedding plants have not been in fashion for a very long time. The concept of raising annual plants under glass, which then die over winter because they are not suited to a UK climate, is long outdated within garden design and for anyone who cares about the environment. However, I would very much like to see garden centres stop selling as many bedding plants, and instead, guide gardeners to a more native and ecological option – which also saves them money on buying fresh plants every year. Read the full article below: https://www.theguardian.com/ |
