Wendy Dare interview
Biography
Wendy has spent nearly 40 years developing a garden in the heart of the Cotswolds.
After raising two boys, Wendy ran her own business as a recruitment consultant, but the gardening bug bit insidiously. She and her husband, Barry, started with one acre and bought more until they ended up with the existing 2.5 acres all situated around a beautiful old Cotswold stone water mill.
Wendy went to Pershore and to Warwickshire Colleges for lectures, read books, visited gardens and talked to gardeners and ended up on Floral A Committee of the RHS and judged at Chelsea.
For more information on Wendy's garden and accommodation visit Mill Dene Garden (www.milldene.co.uk/).
Who has influenced you the most in your gardening and why?
Rosemary Verey: Her gardening was natural looking and attainable.
What has been the best moment while working on your garden?
When three different people said it looked better than Hidcote – if only I believed them!
What has been the worst moment?
When a favourite, large, beautiful old apple tree fell down in a gale.
Which gardening personality do you most admire?
Roy Lancaster.
What is your favourite garden and why?
Brook Cottage, near Banbury: Cleverly designed, unusual ideas, good planting and good use of terrain.
What is your favourite garden tip?
After 10 years – throw out overgrown shrubs and perennials and start again.
Name your favourite plant
Anemone Polsatilla.
What is your favourite gardening season and why?
Spring – the garden bursts into colour with a shout – all one’s care and attention pays off.
What is your first gardening memory?
Seeing my new husband sowing aubrietta and alyssum seeds and then the striped garden that followed.
What is the most exciting wildlife you have seen in a garden?
Elephant hawkmoth – munkjak – sparrow hawk.
Get your Great British Heritage Pass
For any of you garden lovers or those planning a history or heritage themed trip around Britain, the essential "buy before you leave" product is the Great British Heritage Pass. Providing free entry into over 580 castles, gardens and stately homes across the length and breadth of Britain, it really is the key to unlocking Britain's secrets.
For full details and to order click here.