For people, other than the esteemed horticulturalish who will be clear on this point, reading here: I am Nicolas , horticulturalish’s burly reader.
I am resolute in my position. Even in the face of the combination of horticuralish’s skill with her pen and her legal mind which she puts to devastating effect and passionate defence.
horticulturalish allows, as per our legal framework, for the possibility of a rebuttal.
However, I am not sure that after last night excesses at a gay Burns Night (where horticulturalish’s fame spread giving her a growing fan base of gay men which I feel would not, perhaps, have happened without my views on her plant colours; and, from some members of this festive gathering I was reminded that not everyone always appreciates me swaggering around being the burly leatherman all the time when it comes to some things that matter to them - like planting schemes - and perhaps I could have put my thoughts a little more sensitively, some even adding that they loved her proposals) I can summon the thinking power to set out a rebuttal as incisive and well put together as horticulturalish’s position.
So, I guess what I would say is that I’m very pleased that horticulturalish’s reservations about her planting scheme has been, as per her first paragraph, been brought into sharp relief by my response. But, far more importantly, that she has not wavered in the broad sweep of her design, that she has held it close and defended it and argued its case and loved it with much of the arsenal of courtroom drama at her disposal.
And so, the papers now filed and before us (although the force of my arguments may be slightly diminished by all that haggis, neeps, tatties, and Scotch), perhaps we should conclude David Hockney’s view that “there are no off-putting colours” (I just won’t go with Sarah Raven’s “soft and warm” - but then no-one would expect me to).
And, of course, wish horticulturalish every success with her planting because gardening is a great joy.
Loving this in-depth response. When I trialled a similar colour scheme in front of 175k actual visitors at Chelsea in 2019, (not counting the world wide audience), I was worried that I’d gone mad… I asked myself why on earth I would decide to experiment with something that hadn’t been done before in front of all those visitors instead of just trying it out at home?! BUT people really enjoyed it- so I’d say GO FOR IT- as long as there’s something to tone it down . The pinks and the peaches work together in the sweetshop way I’d designed, and I’d included deeper colours in other areas as you want a contrast of tones for the paler ones to shine against, and to ‘slice through’ . So contrast and depth of background are always good.
I think it’s going to be beautiful….
Also, I live your kindly forensic approach to your in-depth great reply!
Oh Jo, I just looked up your Wedgwood garden. It is absolutely BREATHTAKING. And quite the most compelling argument in favour of the scheme. The 'Bonica' just *makes* it. Just genius. I bought Tellima G seeds at Chelsea last year after seeing it in a few of the gardens - so beautiful. I wondered about Pimpinella or Valerian to soften it all a bit, and the umbellifers in your scheme make me think I should definitely do that. God, it's absolutely stunning. It is a touch daunting, though, because even a beautiful colour scheme in the wrong (and *very* amateurish) hands can be a hot mess! Fingers crossed I haven't screwed it up too badly. Time will tell!!
Perfect that Sarah Raven’s colour scheme has been mentioned as I was wondering whether Nicholas may have been unaware of such creative imaginings. I love the choices and look forward to seeing it in full bloom.
I also have a bed dedicated to Sarah Raven’s soft and warm palette (featuring DA rose Grace) and it’s not nearly as well thought out. Can’t wait to see it!
I’m definitely still tinkering with it. At first it didn’t have enough depth. I have some darker foliage, but not much. So I’ve been adding some darker orange-terracotta-brown sort of tones—not to dominate, but for depth. I tried some Mexican Hat, which I consider a Texas wildflower (I’m from Texas originally) but is fine in my zone and also has a fun shape. I chose the palette because I have a dwarf evergreen magnolia ‘Coppertallica’ and the underside of the leaves really does look like metallic copper. However, it’s not tested in my zone and I may have lost it this winter when we had sustained -17.
Yes! In the next bed (I’ve made a 4 bed paradise garden and each has a different colour scheme, the next is dark pink and purple) I planted some heuchera and discovered it is plum more than purple and belongs in the soft and warm bed. So I’ll move it in spring.
Yes, I think the creamy, latte, soft-apricot-y colours need the heft of those wonderful brown purples, and nutty mahogany colours... hmm. Maybe my scheme needs some tweaking...
For people, other than the esteemed horticulturalish who will be clear on this point, reading here: I am Nicolas , horticulturalish’s burly reader.
I am resolute in my position. Even in the face of the combination of horticuralish’s skill with her pen and her legal mind which she puts to devastating effect and passionate defence.
horticulturalish allows, as per our legal framework, for the possibility of a rebuttal.
However, I am not sure that after last night excesses at a gay Burns Night (where horticulturalish’s fame spread giving her a growing fan base of gay men which I feel would not, perhaps, have happened without my views on her plant colours; and, from some members of this festive gathering I was reminded that not everyone always appreciates me swaggering around being the burly leatherman all the time when it comes to some things that matter to them - like planting schemes - and perhaps I could have put my thoughts a little more sensitively, some even adding that they loved her proposals) I can summon the thinking power to set out a rebuttal as incisive and well put together as horticulturalish’s position.
So, I guess what I would say is that I’m very pleased that horticulturalish’s reservations about her planting scheme has been, as per her first paragraph, been brought into sharp relief by my response. But, far more importantly, that she has not wavered in the broad sweep of her design, that she has held it close and defended it and argued its case and loved it with much of the arsenal of courtroom drama at her disposal.
And so, the papers now filed and before us (although the force of my arguments may be slightly diminished by all that haggis, neeps, tatties, and Scotch), perhaps we should conclude David Hockney’s view that “there are no off-putting colours” (I just won’t go with Sarah Raven’s “soft and warm” - but then no-one would expect me to).
And, of course, wish horticulturalish every success with her planting because gardening is a great joy.
I love you. xxxxxxx
P.s. Cannot think of anything more fun that gay Burns Night. Extremely jealous. x
🖤
How fabulous is this discussion between grown-ups. You guys should have a podcast ❤️❤️❤️
Sweet.
Loving this in-depth response. When I trialled a similar colour scheme in front of 175k actual visitors at Chelsea in 2019, (not counting the world wide audience), I was worried that I’d gone mad… I asked myself why on earth I would decide to experiment with something that hadn’t been done before in front of all those visitors instead of just trying it out at home?! BUT people really enjoyed it- so I’d say GO FOR IT- as long as there’s something to tone it down . The pinks and the peaches work together in the sweetshop way I’d designed, and I’d included deeper colours in other areas as you want a contrast of tones for the paler ones to shine against, and to ‘slice through’ . So contrast and depth of background are always good.
I think it’s going to be beautiful….
Also, I live your kindly forensic approach to your in-depth great reply!
Oh Jo, I just looked up your Wedgwood garden. It is absolutely BREATHTAKING. And quite the most compelling argument in favour of the scheme. The 'Bonica' just *makes* it. Just genius. I bought Tellima G seeds at Chelsea last year after seeing it in a few of the gardens - so beautiful. I wondered about Pimpinella or Valerian to soften it all a bit, and the umbellifers in your scheme make me think I should definitely do that. God, it's absolutely stunning. It is a touch daunting, though, because even a beautiful colour scheme in the wrong (and *very* amateurish) hands can be a hot mess! Fingers crossed I haven't screwed it up too badly. Time will tell!!
Ahh the soft and warm sunset! Or soft and warm nightmare?
Will be fun to find out which as your planting grows up and flowers.
Thank you, Liz. I know, it's very much a 'wait and see' situation... Nicolas may well be right...
I'm convinced by the former barrister.
touché.
I’d adopt the ‘What would Vera (Sackville-West) do?’ approach. She’d crack on regardless, I’m sure. It will be lovely.
SUCH a good approach, Ang! I do aspire to be Vita, save for the horrifying snobbism...
Yes, I meant Vita! Typing with cold fingers on the allotment.
Wow, well DONE for being down there in Jan. Beautiful sunshine in London today, a lovely day for gardening.
I cannot wait to see this garden in full bloom 🌸🌺🌸🌺🌸🌺🌸🌺🌸🌺🌸🌺🌸
Sarah Raven completely won me over with that colour scheme when she described it as the ‘cashmere cardigan’ colours.
Oh my god, ME TOO! Such a good explainer.
I love Verbascum Southern Charm. She's a beauty for the ages.
Being famous at Gay Burns Night is quite a coup. Brava!
😂😂 I’d like that to be in my obituary
I mean, seriously, top level life achievement.
Perfect that Sarah Raven’s colour scheme has been mentioned as I was wondering whether Nicholas may have been unaware of such creative imaginings. I love the choices and look forward to seeing it in full bloom.
Thank you, Treeza! Yes, I know Sarah R more for her 'dark and rich' and 'boiled sweets' schemes. Which, I admit, are a bit more exciting...
It will be beautiful of course!
I also have a bed dedicated to Sarah Raven’s soft and warm palette (featuring DA rose Grace) and it’s not nearly as well thought out. Can’t wait to see it!
Ooh, 'Grace' looks beautiful! How do you find your 'soft and warm' bed? Any tips?
I’m definitely still tinkering with it. At first it didn’t have enough depth. I have some darker foliage, but not much. So I’ve been adding some darker orange-terracotta-brown sort of tones—not to dominate, but for depth. I tried some Mexican Hat, which I consider a Texas wildflower (I’m from Texas originally) but is fine in my zone and also has a fun shape. I chose the palette because I have a dwarf evergreen magnolia ‘Coppertallica’ and the underside of the leaves really does look like metallic copper. However, it’s not tested in my zone and I may have lost it this winter when we had sustained -17.
PLUM! I JUST REALISED THE FRUIT THAT IS MISSING FROM THE SALAD! PLUM!
Those 2 beds connect and I’ve been having fun with peach/pink and blue/purple combos.
Yes! In the next bed (I’ve made a 4 bed paradise garden and each has a different colour scheme, the next is dark pink and purple) I planted some heuchera and discovered it is plum more than purple and belongs in the soft and warm bed. So I’ll move it in spring.
Yes, I think the creamy, latte, soft-apricot-y colours need the heft of those wonderful brown purples, and nutty mahogany colours... hmm. Maybe my scheme needs some tweaking...