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Abandoned Garden in Shropshire Blooms Again
Nestled in the heart of Shropshire, a hidden gem of a garden has been brought back to life by Michael Marriott and Rosie Irving. The garden, which had lain untouched for three decades, retains the magic of the ivy tumbling from the trees and the romance of the journey through an abandoned plot.
Michael's meadow, situated at the top of the sloping site, is a haven for camassias, 'Tulipa sprengeri', ox-eye daisies, and spotted orchids. Rosie's garden areas weave in and out of each other, allowing them to work in sun and shade.
The entrance to the garden is marked by a picket gate and an arch of 'Rosa 'AdeΜlaiΜde d'OrleΜans'. Michael's part of the garden is wilder compared to Rosie's, which is more gardened and designed. They have carefully edited the garden to keep the feeling of adventure, removing a lot of brambles and weeds that were strangling plants.
Both Michael and Rosie share the view that they should garden organically and break the rules. They are big recyclers and often find bargains in the reject area of a nursery to nurse plants back to health. An old Bramley apple tree in the garden is home to Rosie's planting of the rose 'Kew Gardens', which has thrived despite roses preferring full sun.
Originally, the house was one half of a semi-detached property, but Michael and Rosie bought the other half with its garden. The driveway used to be right down to the house, but it is now a rill edged with standard balls of ligustrum.
Despite Michael and Rosie not being prominent figures in the international horticulture and gardening literature, their garden in Shropshire is a testament to their passion for gardening and their unique approach to creating a beautiful and adventurous space.
For those interested in famous gardens in Shropshire, names such as Beth Chatto, Nigel Dunnett, Clive Nichols, Hidcote Manor Garden, and the Shropshire Garden Trust may be relevant. However, Michael and Rosie's garden stands out as a unique and personal creation that showcases their love for gardening and their dedication to nurturing and developing their plot.
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