Share in Lady Gilbert’s love of roses, with this brief history

Samantha PillingThe Gardens

Roses are one of the most popular garden shrubs in the world. They’ve been grown since early civilisations, being grown in ancient Babylon, as well as in Chinese, Egyptian and Greek gardens, as far back as 500 BC. Lady Gilbert had a particular fondness for roses. She created a beautiful sunken rose garden within the grounds of Grim’s Dyke and … Read More

10 facts about Rhododendrons

Samantha PillingThe Gardens

Rhododendrons make for a splendid display in any formal garden. These evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs flower between late winter through to early summer, granting us a beautiful backdrop of large, delicate, exotic-looking flowers. Not only did Lady Gilbert love them, here’s 10 reasons why we do too! #1: Planting Rhododendrons takes some planning Lady Gilbert planted her Rhododendrons … Read More

How much was W.S. Gilbert financially worth?

Samantha PillingHistory

croquet lawn

W.S. Gilbert was obviously a man of some considerable wealth. He also illustrated his financial prowess, looking to invest his money into property – ensuring he could leave a lasting legacy for both Lady Gilbert and Nancy McIntosh after his death. It was during, what was considered to be the peak years of the Gilbert & Sullivan collaboration, that W.S. … Read More

W. S. Gilbert and the lemurs in his life

Samantha PillingHistory, Latest News

Lemurs

Sir William Schwenck Gilbert, most known for his ‘Savoy Operas’ in Victorian England, also had a deep love of animals, particularly his various pet lemurs. The English writer, composer, comedian, actor and singer George Grossmith, is stated as once overhearing Gilbert saying “Deer-stalking would be a very fine sport – if only the deer had guns.” The first lemurs of … Read More

What’s happening in the Grim’s Dyke garden during April?

Samantha PillingLatest News, The Gardens

I’ve been speaking to the lovely head gardener at BEST WESTERN The Grim’s Dyke Hotel, Helenka. She’s been with us for 7 years now, and ensures our kitchen is kept topped up with only the best organic produce. Helena recently walked me around the kitchen garden and the orchard to show me what’s happening during April. Spring is in the … Read More