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So Who Inspires You

GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
in Plants
With a Snowdrop immortal on the Gardener's World Winter Special, it made me think of those special Gardener's that come into our lives in so many different ways. Maybe you have read a wonderful Gardening book that made you think 'I can do that'. Perhaps you have been inspired by a beautiful historical garden and it's creator. Or a gardening friend that has offered great advice? Perhaps you could share how they helped you. 

I have many Garden Heros some write on this Forum offering great ideas and advice. I also enjoy posts from those gardener's who are just starting out, you have no idea how you inspire me and challenge my thoughts and ideas.
If you are new to gardening and have question I hope you post here in 2024 and that you will be inspired too.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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  • ViewAheadViewAhead Posts: 866
    I have the loveliest heuchera called Helen Dillon.  I am sure that to have such an excellent little plant named after her, she must have been a wonderful gardener.  😁  
  • clematisdorsetclematisdorset Posts: 1,348
    Dan Pearson inpires me. I haven't read or seen much of his work, but of that which I have, his approach and style really agrees with me! I hope to learn more about his work, when time allows.
    Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus 
  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    Gertrude Jekyll and Beth Chatto to start the ball rolling Plenty of others to add to my list. Geoff Hamilton was another, to give the men a look in. Arthur Hellyer from way back when, plus all of the plant hunters who found the plants we have in our gardens today.
  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093
    Mum
    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • ViewAheadViewAhead Posts: 866
    Christopher Lloyd of Great Dixter.  
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited December 2023
    I'm reading Beth Chatto's letters and find her to be a great pioneer and a lovely person. Gilbert White. I like readiing books of letters so I can dip in and out.
    I think my biggest hero is probably Fergus Garrett at Dixter, dedicated to education and wildlife as well as the house and garden.

    In not-horticulture, but related - I would say Chris Packham, again completely dedicated to education and building wise, strong green community.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    It is not just the written word that has inspired me. I was lucky enough to work for fellow retired gardeners who  helped me understand some of the practical issues that are difficult to put across in a book. I worked for a Hellebore expert nearly thirty years ago. He spent endless hours trying to create an upward facing flower. I was able to watch his progress over time. Today we have outward facing Hellebore flowers. It was this early work that got us to where we are today. Collections and knowledge passed down the generations.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    ViewAhead said:
    I have the loveliest heuchera called Helen Dillon.  I am sure that to have such an excellent little plant named after her, she must have been a wonderful gardener.  😁  
    Helen Dillon is a wonderful gardener. She lives in Ireland, in her 80s now.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    The first person to inspire me was my mother-in-law. I was a newly wed with our first new house and garden and I knew nothing about gardening. MIL came to stay and started me off.

    There have been others who have inspired me since, mostly by books, TV or visiting their gardens. Beth Chatto, Alan Bloom, Geoff Hamilton, Gertrude Jekyll, Chris Beardshaw, Alan Titchmarch, Peter Beales rose garden and lots more.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    My dad mainly,  but learned a lot from the Dr. D.G. Hessayon books, especially the vegetable grower where he covers compost heaps and soil types.
    Inspired by Christopher Lloyd’s long border,  we dug a 150’ flower border. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

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