Perch Hill

I find myself in the grip of various emotions when I visit Perch Hill – awestruck by the consistency with which it looks stunning throughout the seasons, admiring at the endless innovation in plant varieties and plain envious of Sarah’s energy and inspiration in creating a fabulous garden that has been the inspiration behind an internationally recognised and successful brand, and her many books on both gardening and food.

The garden was open recently in aid of our local hospice on a perfect September day, so I took the opportunity to have a wander round. Dahlias of every shape and size were at their colourful best and the central arches in the Cutting Garden were hanging with interesting looking gourds, including some that looked rather like semi-deflated balloons.

There was also a row of bright everlasting daisies, also sometimes called strawflowers. They aren’t on offer in her catalogue, so I suspect she is trialling them – they have been very unfashionable for some years, so they are probably ripe for rediscovery.

Tea and cake in the Glasshouse was enjoyed amongst Sarah’s flower arrangements.