A gardener, a camera and a thirst for horticultural treasure.
As long as I am curious about horticulture, gardening, gardens, plants, design, garden history and gardeners, there is hope for me. There are vast worlds of horticulture that are entirely, wonderfully alien to me at present but once the gardening bug has struck, it is a pleasure to keep learning.
Academic study includes Commendations at RHS Level 2 and Level 3 in Horticulture with a desire to learn more – for example I’ve attended many courses at David Austin Roses and with the esteemed Michael Marriott, at Great Dixter with Fergus Garrett, the Earth Centre in Oxford (fruit tree pruning and community orchards) and abroad – in Italy for a Rose Pruning Course in Assisi (seek out Quando Fioriranno Le Rose) – there is always more to learn, I know this as both pupil and a teacher.
I’m a member of the RHS, National Trust and Kew Gardens and take every opportunity to visit as many gardens and events as I can – the RHS London Shows, Chelsea and Hampton Court – trade shows too; at the very least – Kew and RHS Wisley every few weeks and new locations often (see my series of Postcards from 2018 from Wales, Shropshire, Oxfordshire and Sussex, excursions in 2019 and plans for this year) keeping abreast of classical and contemporary garden design and all manner of planting styles, combinations and new plant introductions.
Wherever I can, I write about these visits here – and I can indulge my love of photography as well. There is a lot of photography here but please respect my ownership of these images and seek permission if you should want to use any of it.
I am inspired and learn much from the folk I meet each day, and online and often much more than I might ever offer myself. For me, it’s a win-win situation.
In short then, these pages are a sincere expression of my love of plants, gardens, and gardening. I hope you enjoy your time amongst these pages, return again, and find something to inspire your Horticultural World.
There has been a hiatus in creating content since 2019, and a review of my plast posts will elaborate more. But this forum is still important to me and with more than 1300 stories and counting, is something I want to continue building. A new year and a new start, hopefully, and a journey you might happily continue on with me.
I was part of the horticultural ‘green team’ at Petersham Nurseries, on the banks of the Thames, for more than 8 years. Moving from Teddington to Dorset in recent months begins a new chapter for me – the Teddington Gardener will live on, curiously now by the sea and amazing countryside of this county, and I hope to add new chapters to this endeavour soon.
The Teddington Gardener 
Thank you for a broad spectrum of thoughtful resources for every gardener. – The Healing Garden gardener
Just found your blog through The Gardeners Eye. I am trying to get my garden back in shape after a long illness. I garden in Memphis , Tennessee. Love your photos . And your philosophy. Anne Riordan
Your photographs are wonderful! I am enjoying following your blog.
Would love to follow your blob if you notify via email. Thanks for your magpie eye!
Thank you! There’s a Follow button on the left hand menu which if I’m right, will update you of any new posts – let me know if there are any problems – best wishes, Martin
Hello from Dunedin, New Zealand. I’ve just discovered your interesting blog, and am a lover of English gardens. I’m trying to create my own personal beautiful garden. One day! Thankyou!
Many thanks for commenting and I am glad you found my blog – I hope it continues to interest and inspire – I’m hoping you are enjoying your – will it be Autumn? there …
Such a beautiful and informative site, thank you so much.
Many thanks for dropping by – and for your kind words! Best wishes, Martin
Hello Martin, thanks for your great advice today at Petersham. Looking forward to getting the bones of my garden established soon.
Best wishes,
Sarah
Hi Martin, This is a long shot – I live in Teddington and need to find a gardener, and I wondered if you know a local gardener who gardens in the Petersham style. Thank you, Jo
Hi there Jo,
No, not a long shot at all – let me have a think as there are a couple of folk that might fit the bill. I’ll come back to you over the weekend.
Best wishes, Martin
Wow! I’m blown away by your photographs. I took some yesterday with my phone of the helibores, but nothing as good as yours. I’m a botanical art teacher and I wondered if you would allow me to use the odd photo as source material? Totally understand if you say no! I prefer to work from life but some of your pictures are amazing.
Please feel free to use an image or three for you private source material – and if there is any finished artwork you would like to share, please let me know! Best wishes, Martin
Thank you so much Martin I will credit you of course ( and share!). Your work is beautiful. Do you think the Petersham nurseries would be interested in running the odd botanical/flower painting watercolour class? I think our work would certainly compliment each other? I’ve been teaching in adult education for 25years and I teach for the Field Studies Council at Flatford Mill. It’s just an idea.
Lovely photographs. I’m very interested in the Bengal rose, but can’t find it anywhere. Do you know where I can obtain it from please ?
Hi there, try Trevor White Roses online perhaps – trained at Peter Beales who you might try too – http://www.classicroses.com – and look up http://www.helpmefind.com for rose searches – likewise the RHS plantfinder online – good luck, Martin