10 facts about Alliums

Samantha PillingThe Gardens

Bees and butterflies love alliums, as do many gardeners. Deer and rabbit, however, tend to shy away from them – and that could be due to the rather pungent aroma they can give off if the stems are broken! Alliums look stunning when planted in borders, beds and pots. However, they look their most spectacular when planted in groups. They’re … Read More

A brief history of Victorian herbalism

Samantha PillingHistory, The Gardens

Herbalism or botanical medicine is one of the oldest traditions around. The Egyptians used herbs for medicine, as did indigenous healers around the world. In Britain, herbalism can be traced back thousands of years. The British Library has a copy of a ‘leech book’ – thought to date back as far as the 800s CE! Medieval lay healers used herbs, … Read More

Traditional picnics – the Victorian way

Samantha PillingFood and Drink, History, The Gardens

Picnics, the ideal opportunity to meet up with friends and family, enjoy an informal yet tasty meal, whilst having fun in the great outdoors. Wealthy landowners loved a good picnic, as it gave them the chance to sit and enjoy the scenery their estates gave them. However, it was the Victorians who brought picnics to the masses. Their popularity was, … Read More

10 steps to organising a Corporate Event

Samantha PillingLatest News

A corporate event needs to run smoothly and look effortless. But, if you’re looking to organise a corporate event for your company, you’ll know – they take a lot of effort and time to arrange! Whether you’re looking to organise a corporate event for your staff, clients or the general public, here are our top 10 steps to making corporate … Read More

A Brief History of the Victorian Glasshouse

Samantha PillingHistory, The Gardens

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

The history of Father’s Day

Samantha PillingHistory

Father’s Day is an annual celebration that is celebrated in over one hundred countries. This year in the UK, we’ll be celebrating it on Sunday 16th of June. However it wasn’t always a celebrated day. Initially celebrating fatherhood was something only the Copic and Catholic Churches of southern europe celebrated, as part of their St. Joseph’s Day celebrations, but now … Read More

Top Wedding Trends for 2019

Samantha PillingWeddings

Wedding trends for 2019 are both plentiful and encouraging. For many, the royal weddings of 2018 highlighted an uprising of simple, classic elegance. For others, those same weddings were seen as a sign of change – with old traditions and stereotypes being broken, replaced with more diverse options. Here’s our rundown on the top wedding trends for 2019. Colour – … Read More

Take a leisurely stroll around the nature walks around Grim’s Dyke

Samantha PillingThe Gardens

For the nature lovers and walkers staying in the Harrow Weald area, Grim’s Dyke is a perfect location. Not only do you have our own grounds to walk around, but there’s also a few well-known nature walks around for you to explore the local flora and fauna. No matter what your walking abilities and experience, you can enjoy a pleasant … Read More

The Kitchen Garden in May

Samantha PillingThe Gardens

Summer is finally making an appearance. For the gardeners among us, it’s one of the busiest months, as the plant growth increases and the weather keeps us on our toes! Sunny warm days inevitably bring on rapid growth in the kitchen garden, just as with other gardens and lawns. However, the warmer weather also encourages the weeds and garden pests … Read More

Top 10 things to see in London’s West End this summer 2019

Samantha PillingEntertainment

You cannot book a stay in or around London, without treating yourself to a West End show. The entertainment district around Leicester Square and Covent Garden is known for being a buzzing hive of colour, sound and top West End theatres. Here’s our rundown of the top 10 things to see this summer, in London’s West End. Mamma Mia! This … Read More