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
A Brief History of the Victorian Glasshouse
The greenhouse, otherwise known as the Victorian glasshouse, became an iconic feature of british gardens during the Victorian era. As the Victorian’s love of gardening grew, the need to house their fragile, temperature controlled and valuable plants did too. The glasshouse provided a home for these species, whilst also paving the way for plant experimentation and cultivation. A status symbol … Read More
Ten Simple Organic Gardening Tips
Here at Grim’s Dyke we’re big advocates of organic gardening. Not only does it help us grow produce to contribute to some of the amazing dishes in our restaurant, it’s also great for the environment. If you’re looking to go organic, here’s our top ten tips to help make your organic gardening easier. #1: Water in the morning This gives … Read More
Grim’s Dyke House and Gardens
Grim’s Dyke House and Gardens stands as a fascinating piece of Victorian heritage nestled in Harrow Weald. Designed by Richard Norman Shaw and built in 1872 for the painter Frederick Goodall, this Grade II listed mansion has a rich history steeped in art, horticulture and theatrical fame. The Artist Connection Frederick Goodall, a successful genre painter, purchased the land in … Read More
Snowdrops – 10 surprising facts about these dainty little flowers
One of the first signs of spring, the snowdrop is one of our most endearing flowers. Not only does it remind us that spring is just around the corner, this delicate bell-shaped flower, has an interesting background. Here’s 10 things you didn’t know about snowdrops: #1: It’s Greek name ‘Galanthus’, translates as the ‘milk flower’! Known by several different names, … Read More
Squirrels at Grim’s Dyke
If you happened to be invited by Sir W.S. Gilbert, to a party at Grim’s Dyke during the Victorian era, you’d stand a good chance of seeing several squirrels running around the grounds. Red squirrels were a common sight, in the 1800’s. Today, you will still see squirrels running around the grounds – but they’ll be of the grey variety. … Read More
Wildlife Friendly Garden ~ How To Create Yours
We all understand the importance of protecting our wildlife. Many of us can easily do our part, by creating our very own wildlife friendly garden. Of course, attracting the wildlife into your garden not only helps the wildlife populations, it also helps keep garden pests under control too. So, if you’re looking to create a wildlife friendly garden, here’s some … Read More
Flowers and plants that attract bees
If you want to attract bees into your garden, you don’t have to turn the whole garden into a mass of pollen-producing flowers (although that would look amazing!). You can easily help the bees in your area, by ensuring you have pollen and nectar rich plants for the different seasons. If you have plenty of room, you could also section … Read More
10 Reasons Why We Love Tulips
Take a look outside your window. Summer is well and truly here! And that means balmy evenings in beer gardens, gathering round the barbecue with friends and giving our gardens the TLC they’ve been sorely missing in the colder, wetter months. And if you’re looking to inject some quintessential summer cheer into your garden, you could do much worse than … Read More
Pressing flowers – a quintessential Victorian pastime
The Victorians loved flowers! Not only did they adore fresh flowers in their homes, flowers were also depicted in paintings, carvings, embroidery and clothing. Pressed flowers were a simple art form the Victorians enjoyed and can easily be traced back to ancient Egypt. In the 1500’s Oshibana (the art of pressing flowers in a way to create a whole picture) … Read More