A Beautiful Obsession: Jimi Blake's World of Plants at Hunting Brook Gardens

Description

Jimi Blake has spent the last 25 years discovering stand-out plants which he grows in dynamic and innovative ways at the fabulous Hunting Brook Gardens. As we "walk the garden" in this absorbing book it's impossible not to gasp at his exuberant, highly idiosyncratic style and marvel at his acute eye for interesting plants. Foliage plants play a key role, their finely cut leaves, extraordinary shapes and rich textures changing the way we think about trees and shrubs. In another bold move, cacti and succulents are summer planted to provide interesting pairings with hardy perennials while jewel-box geums, dahlias and salvias are carefully chosen for their long flowering and perfect hues. Hunting Brook is always on the move and even regular visitors find fresh surprises around every corner, often inspired by Jimi's recent travels or a new purchase from a specialist nursery. Yet from the open borders to the woodland and valley there is a grounded quality to the garden that reflects Jimi's close ties with the land and respect for the spirit of the place. A Beautiful Obsession inspires new garden projects, rewrites the rule book about combining plants and changes the way you think about plants and gardens.

Jimi Blake trained as a horticulturist at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin and became Head Gardener at Airfield where he resuscitated a large Victorian garden. At Hunting Brook Gardens he is fulfilling his ambition to grow an ever-expanding plant collection in dynamic and innovative ways. He runs classes and workshops at the garden and invites internationally renowned guest speakers to push the conversation forward. Noel Kingsbury is a well-known designer, commentator and writer on plants, gardens, landscape and the environment. He has a doctorate in horticultural ecology from Sheffield University and continues active research in this field. He teaches at MyGardenSchool, lectures and travels widely.