Arit Anderson

Supplier visits are just the best. There’s alway

Supplier visits are just the best. There’s always something to learn and even better when with friends.

A trip to Devon to see Philip at @new_wood_trees was the latest outing. A tree nursery that specialises in specimen field grown multi-stems AND is peat free!!!

Philip and the team clearly love their craft and the importance of patience is at the of heart of everything. Rotation, transplanting, pruning, potting up is at least a five year process and often longer to bring trees into early maturity.

🌳🌳🌳

Pic 1: Philip in action
Pic 2: Road trip team!! @andreedaviesdesigner @carienspolaroids
Pic 3: Measuring up
Pic 4: Elaeagnus multiflora showing signs of life
Pic 5: If trees are not in leaf look for leaf litter at the base to get an idea of the leaf shape…Sorbus intermedia
Pic 6: Fabulous setting
Pic 7: Rain water harvesting and solar panels on the office roof
Pic 8: Hamamelis intermedia ‘Feuerzauber’
Pic 9: Devonshire views with fields in the distance with new stock
Pic 10: Golden hour

#treelife
#peatfree
#ukgrown
#tree #future

Collecting inspiration for this years wardrobe! Ar

Collecting inspiration for this years wardrobe! Aren’t they fabulous?
On the no dig beds @ntcalkeabbey these boys and girls are rocking it!! 💃🏽

#scarecrow #recycle #reuse #garden #fashionista

Early start for today’s meeting which thankfully

Early start for today’s meeting which thankfully was at the inspiring @ntcalkeabbey

The 2nd Peat Free Growers Forum was hosted here courtesy of @jasperian for @nationaltrust.

Great speakers from the science team @the_rhs to nurseries sharing their experiences of transitioning to growing peat free plants. It has it challenges on a commercial scale but can be done.

@sylvagrow shared their process of compost mix trials they support the nurseries with.

And well respected nurseries and gardens attended with open minds and knowledge share to have a lively debate on how and when the industry will go peat free. More on this soon…

Meanwhile enjoy the Calke Abbey pics…love the theatre one of the oldest remaining in the country showcasing snowdrops!

Oh and check the tunnel the gardeners had to use to get produce to the house without being seen by the house owners….!!! 😳

#peatfreegrowersforum
#timetochange
#greengardening
#growinggreener
#sustainability

Happy New Year Everyone !!! 🎉✨🎉✨🎉✨

Happy New Year Everyone !!!
🎉✨🎉✨🎉✨🎉✨🎉✨

Well this is my first post of 2023 so it would be rude not to send good wishes!

Before Christmas I managed to get some hyacinth bulbs going and look at that flower about to burst through….bringing forth scent to! 🤩

And on my first day of the year I managed to plant some bulbs!! Each one filled with hope….that a beautiful flower will emerge!!

Every year will have its challenges there’s no avoiding that. But I do HOPE the year ahead will open our hearts and minds to the positive, happy good times and help us to appreciate those moments, and create acts of kindness to the planet and people around us
🌳🌷🦫🦋🐝🦔

Sending love and light for the year ahead.

Arit xxx

BTW you’ll see in pic 3 that I used my @sneeboer weeding trowel. Nice and narrow I have easy soil to pull back and pop the bulb in.
However I did try to use an Auger drill bit for drilling bulbs and Rich @lalandscapes your right there’s a knack!! 🤪

If you’re planting bulbs what do you like to use? 🧐

On a (very) hot heatwave day in August I had the h

On a (very) hot heatwave day in August I had the honour to spend the day @kneppwilding with Head Gardener @charlie.harpur filming for @gardenersworldtv

The Knepp Estate has been leading the way on rewilding, bravely brought about by @isabella.tree & @charlieknepp who followed their instincts to regenerate the farmland the estate to what it used to be. Return it back to nature, following the natural process of plant, land and animal interaction.

The only place left manicured was their gardens. So this too would be allowed to be “ReWild”. It’s in its infancy but a “dream green team” of the best would come together and create a living laboratory. Alongside Isabella & Charlie (owners) @tomstuartsmith @jameshitchmough @jekkamcvicar
@mariafierheller @karen_kegsy to name but a few.

It’s a total experiment based on experience but a place of daily learning. Charlie and the garden team are recording the results of their careful interventions and EVERYTHING is driven to increase biodiversity by the creation of multiple mini environments that make a mosaic of habitats and opportunities for wildlife and plants to thrive. And we can do this in our gardens!!

To learn more you can watch on @bbciplayer it’s the 2nd episode of our 2022 Winter Special. Or visit @kneppwilding where they run courses.

As ever huge thanks to the fantastic team on @gardenersworldtv who I love working with. Their dedication and expertise to bring the joy of nature in gardens to as many people as possible is exemplary 🌸🌸🌸
@garywbroadhurst @jij64134 Becky Pratt producers @lisa.lipman.92 director Gary Hawkey on film, Becky researcher, Adam on sound the edit team and everyone else who helped on the show
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Coming soon @gardenersworldtv it’s our Winter Sp

Coming soon @gardenersworldtv it’s our Winter Specials…..🌸🌸🌸

#gardens #winter #jobsfortheweekend #

@themontydon the_carol_klein @tobybucklandgardens @racheldethame @joe_swifty

Thanks to our producers
@garywbroadhurst @ladylougardening @sharonfishertv

🌸🌸🌸

I thought I’d share some colour saturation to en

I thought I’d share some colour saturation to end of week. Pics still from Amsterdam taken earlier this year and it’s not just the flowers that were vibrant.

A walk on the market and I couldn’t help but be drawn to these beautiful linens by @evertgroot.interieurstoffen

The coloured buckets with those zingy tulips were not for sale! But inspiration to look for coloured containers to keep the garden bright in the winter months.

The beautiful florist shop @pomponamsterdam had hand blown vases that were incredible when the light hit them. It is of course light that is at the heart of our colour experience and so make sure you make the most of autumn/winter sun ☀️

Coloured glass vases add interest to homes, whilst the trend was very much about flower bouquets with only single stems to celebrate each flower.

I loved the blue tiles of a new eatery @banhmi.deli a calm colour to relax and enjoy food.

Couldn’t resist capturing Miffy’s rainbow glory!! Difficult to choose a favourite.

Colour surrounds us all the time and whilst some of our favourite flowers have melted it’s important we get our rainbow fix into our energy field to lift our mood in these darker days…..🌈🌈🌈

#colour #colourhealing #moodenhancer #light #favouritecolour #chasetherainbow

❤️💛💓💚💜🧡💙💙

STOP PRESS! My Passion For Trees

🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

Part two of the interview I was so lucky to have with Dame Judi Dench and @kirkham_tony is out now to download on all your favourite podcast platforms.

This pic is from @the_rhs Chelsea Flower Show 2022 when Dame Judi agreed to do the podcast! Happy day 😃

Thank you @lucyhall_01 for commissioning this podcast for @gardenersworldmag

For more details go to https://www.gardenersworld.com/podcast/my-passion-for-trees-with-dame-judi-dench/

Please share the details with friends, rate and most importantly enjoy!!

Huge thanks to Dame Judi a true superstar 🤩

#takechances #nationaltreasure #trees #nature #passion #happyday #sharethelove #sharetheknowledge

If you are following my grid you’ll know that I’m going to be reflecting on some moments from the year. Adding some colour and hopefully some learning and ideas.

Before we leave tulips 🌷 I just wanted to share the macro and micro detail of the process of these beloved bulbs.

The scale of the first four pics just makes your realise that for impact you have to go for it!!

Of course this is commercial scale but in our gardens we can sometimes be underwhelmed when Spring arrives and few pops of colour have made it. What did the squirrel 🐿 take? How many may have rotted? And did we buy enough?

Depending on the size of tulip bulb it could be between 75-100 bulbs per square metre needed. I appreciate one’s budget will dictate to. I would advise rather than scattering a few, make impact in groupings or containers to enjoy.

Talking of bulbs and micro do take a listen to the expert Martin Phillipo @jub_holland talk about what goes on inside!! pic 6. Another reason we need a cold snap!! And Pic 7 you’ll see @carienspolaroids showing @andreedaviesdesigner the bulb size grader.

I always love behind the scenes of the suppliers. It makes you even more appreciative of these little beauties.

🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

#process #micro #macro #tulips #bulb #lifecreator #flowerlovers #spring #planning #amsterdam

Well the Dutch certainly know how to do Tulips! We

Well the Dutch certainly know how to do Tulips! We had the good fortune on our trip this April, to be shown around @jub_holland a major supplier in the Netherlands and into the UK.

Looking at the fields with thousands upon thousands of bulbs supplying the bulb and cut flower market.

Did you know it can take up to 7 years for a bulb to develop from a seed? Amazing! They often get treated as annuals - think of all that energy that has been used…

Tulip bulbs like good drainage, in their fields they are planted into sand that is mounded so no chance of water logging. All the nutrients are in the bulb!

Plant tulips deep and preferably when colder. In my next post you’ll find out why temperature is important.

Here are a few you might like:

Pic 2: Atilla
Pic 3: Apricot Parrot
Pic 4: Holland Beauty
Pic 5: Salmon Prince
Pic 6: Rosali
Pic 7: Mistress Mystic
Pic 8: Caviar

Bulbs can bought from @sarahravenperchhill who puts fantastic collections together so easy to buy. Also @blomsbulbs @avonbulbs @jparkersbulbs @hartsnursery to name a few.

It’s not too late to plant….put it down as a “job for the weekend” 😉

🌷 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

#tulips #tulipsofinstagram #flowerstagram #bulbs #colours #rainbow #loveflowers #energyhealing #feelgood #spring #hope

Well it’s official....the light is retracting if

Well it’s official....the light is retracting if not the temperature! Our energy should be shifting to the space of reflection and introspection as we prepare to slowly but slowly retreat into the stillness that lies ahead.

But....I realise I’ve not shared much on my grid this year so as part of my reflection I am diving back to special moments and hope to bring relevance for the here and now.

I was blessed early April to take a trip to Amsterdam. I wanted to @visitkeukenhof and see the herald of tulips and bulbs, visit gardens and nurseries and generally see how our friends across the water are “doing” things in this world of environmental change.

What makes a good road trip? Fabulous companions ☑️ (@andreedaviesdesigner @carienspolaroids)
A great destination ☑️
Organisation ☑️(thanks to @carienspolaroids)
Local knowledge (Dutch best friend @carienspolaroids)
Open mind ☑️
Snacks! ☑️

This pics ahead are dedicated to @carienspolaroids because she is the queen 👸 of bulbs (and much more but in later posts) and the flowers are the bulb meadow she designed for @jub_holland that they display @visitkeukenhof

We adored it and it quite literally filled us with joy!! Hope it does for you to!!

It’s not too late to plant bulbs for next spring!

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

Quick edit people asking about the tank top. Not knitted by me! It’s from @bricksandstitches 🌈

#tulips #tulipseason #tulipsofinstagram #bulbplanting #colour #liftyourmood #planahead
#flowerpower

Are meetings by chance? That’s a question only y

Are meetings by chance? That’s a question only you can answer from your experience and beliefs.

It’s normally only in a reflective moment or time gone by that “the chance” will reveal itself.

You may have seen on my grid in Sep 2021 I met @judidenchofficial
It wasn’t a chance at that stage but a very informal introduction by (now retired) Kew's Head of Arboretum, Gardens and Horticultural Services @kirkham_tony

Now how did I know Tony? So many people do know him but I am so grateful to a “chance” that meant a small group of us (I was a student 2014 ish and volunteering for @thechelseafringe) got Kew and Tony to ourselves for a private after hours tour.

Notebook in hand and fervently writing every word (well it felt like I was) and hoping just one day I might know a tiny % of Tony’s knowledge, enough to share.

Then at Chelsea 2022 by chance I bump into Dame Judi, Tony and @lucyhall_01 and what felt like a stardust moment we had agreed to do a podcast!!!

Forgive me for assuming you must know @lucyhall_01 the editor and powerhouse behind @gardenersworldmag

So now it is available for you to download and listen!

https://www.gardenersworld.com/podcast/my-passion-for-trees-with-dame-judi-dench/

I am so immensely grateful to Lucy and Tony for pulling all those chance’s together. I have watched Dame Judi since being a child watching a Fine Romance as a family.

I so admire her and feel super honoured to have spent time with her in her home.

Thank you Dame Judi you are a superstar 🤩

#takechances #nationaltreasure #trees #nature #passion #happyday #sharethelove #sharetheknowledge

🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

The ripple affect of sharing is no better experien

The ripple affect of sharing is no better experienced than @greatdixterofficial a hub of experience and knowledge bound by its history.

The sharing started with my dear friend @marianboswall who shared her invitation to the special event at Dixter with @davies_white & @andreedaviesdesigner and myself.

On arrival lunch was shared with guests before a tour of some unknown areas of the house & garden.

@fergusmustafasabrigarrett shared that infectious energy of his which seems to come from an unending source!

On days like this the joy of continual learning springs to the fore which will power me on for the rest of the week.

Have a lovely week all 🌸

Pic 1: Garden royalty @marianboswall @anna_pavord @keenkeengardener I love their colourful outfits 🥰

Pic 2: Homemade tartlets flanked by Dahlia Emory Paul

Pic 3: Zinging zinnias 🌺

Pic 4: @davies_white checking out blocked lead pipes…we were all a bit geeky about the waterworks at Dixter 💦

Pic 5: More zinnias 🌺

Pic 6: Creative patio stonework

Pic 7: Polygonum persicaria an annual aka “Kiss me over the Garden Gate”

pic 8: Team @andreedaviesdesigner @marianboswall @davies_white & me!

Pic 9: Sky meets garden = perfection 🥰

Pic 10: The exotic garden - fully immersive moment and you don’t know who’ll your bump into!! @fergusmustafasabrigarrett

#gardenday #inspiration #schoolday #learning #lastdaysofsummer #helloautumn

Today we have all been part of a historical moment

Today we have all been part of a historical moment in time. You may not have wanted to listen to, watch coverage or partake in the last 11 days of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II
I respect that may be your view.

However I have been taking some account of the last few days and have been quite touched by some of the interviews I have seen.

Death is a time of reflection. So for the whole nation to have the opportunity to do this together the energetic support that can have for those going through incredibly tough times can be profound.

My step children were not bought up with the Queen. Their age for one, but also they spent their younger years overseas.

Today 19.9.22 I wanted them to have a memory, albeit it in sad circumstances, for them to say in years to come….”oh yes that day we paid respect to the longest reigning monarch in the UK”

Respect is something I hope and pray will never go out of fashion or fade with an era.

Sending you all light and healing for whatever person or era you are having to say goodbye to.

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

PS note how the police bow their heads in respect as the cortège passes by

#respect
#Queen #Elizabeth #RIP
#reflection

My first memory of the Queen started when I learnt

My first memory of the Queen started when I learnt the National Anthem at school, quickly followed by her silver Jubilee in 1977 when I was aged 9. Like many of us all of the subsequent big milestones I celebrated with friends and family.

I never met the Queen but it has been my good fortune to catch glimpses and and take photos of her majesty @the_rhs Chelsea Flower Show where there was always hushed excitement of her arrival.

As the nation mourns her passing I hope this time of reflection helps us to hold those dear to us close, and remind us of how precious life is.

🌸🙏🏽🌸

It’s been some time since I’ve been on the gri

It’s been some time since I’ve been on the grid 😳 I keep intending to share stuff then…get way laid! I will do some “pastgrams” soon and hope you may still be interested.

Anyway this happened yesterday. A delightful meeting with Andy Jasper at Ham House and Garden and just as I was about to leave I was shown the Still Room.

The distillery room was often found in castles or great houses and would be run by the lady of the house. It was used to create medicines, cosmetics and a host of other concoctions with the wide range of herbs, flowers and plants grown on the estate.

I love how the team have beautifully curated this space where they have delicately collected flowers and plants from the grounds.

🌸🌸🌸

#inspiration
#driedflowers
#herbal #medicinal #beneficial
#traditional #methods

THEY DID IT!!! 🎉🎉🎉🚴🏽‍♀️🚴🏽‍♀️🚴🏽‍♀️🚴🏽‍♀️🚴🏽‍♀️

@horatioscycle team completed 1100 miles cycling to 11 spinal units across the country in 11 days!!!!

This young team are not professional cyclists but family and friends who dug deep to raise money for the amazing @horatiosgarden charity. The story is on my previous post.

Pic 1 We met the team to join them on the last leg, but we went ahead so they could arrive for their well deserved welcome

Pic 2 Emotional arrival of Titus, Robin, Toby, Olivia and Mortimer as their journey ended at Salisbury spinal injury unit. So proud of them all. Greeted by patients and staff alongside their family and friends.

Pic 3&4 the scenic route as part of our journey to meet the team

Pic 5 The force of nature that is @chappleolivia who still finds energy and drive to push this charity forward to meet its goal - gardens in every spinal unit as a legacy to her son Horatio.

Pic 6-9 The garden at Salisbury designed by @cleve_west 10 years ago still looking and feeling fantastic cared for by head gardener Lucy Thorpe. It provides a truly healing space for all that use it.

Pic 10 They have smashed their £50k target and the number is rising!!! THANK YOU TO EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS DONATED - YOU HAVE CHANGED LIVES!!! And if you haven’t there is still time. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/horatioscycle

#goteamhoratio
#horatioscycle
#helpingothers
#makeadifference
#cycleheroes
#charityevent

For those of you who don’t know about @horatiosg

For those of you who don’t know about @horatiosgarden I’m going to give you a brief introduction.

Horatio had been volunteering at Salisbury Hospital, Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre and had been keen to improve the outside space for the patients, most of whom live on the unit for some months whilst receiving treatment. He understood the importance of a relaxing garden, a non-institutional space, for patients’ mental health.

His parents were supportive of his idea to create a garden, so he set about his research with the patients devising a questionnaire to understand their needs.

At the young age of 17 his life was cut short whilst on an expedition in Svalbard.

With generous donations and the love of his family his dream to create a garden at the Salisbury spinal unit came true.

Now 10 years on 7 out of the 11 spinal units in the UK have gardens. Top designers have given their time and expertise to create amazing spaces that quite literally have helped change lives.

Horatio’s mother who still runs this amazing charity kindly asked me to be at Salisbury to help celebrate and congratulate the riders of Horatio’s Cycle. A fabulous team of 5 who are cycling 11 hundred miles in 11 days to the 11 centres!!!

So…. I’m joining his mother who is CEO of the charity to cycle the last 11 miles into Salisbury. Yes I know that’s meagre in comparison to what they’ve done but I hope to help the charity raise more awareness and money.

If you could please donate what you can to this charity it would be so appreciated . The next 4 gardens funded will make a difference like the last 7 have.

Thank you and please share

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/horatioscycle

🚴🏽‍♀️🚴🏽‍♀️🚴🏽‍♀️🚴🏽‍♀️🚴🏽‍♀️

#goteamhoratio
#horatioscycle
#helpingothers
#makeadifference
#cycleheroes
#charityevent

Today is summer solstice! ☀️☀️☀️ A sp

Today is summer solstice! ☀️☀️☀️

A spectacular sunset the night before was the warm up to a glorious day of sun & light.

And when I come on to Instagram I was bowled over to see I have reached 20k followers! I would like to thank everyone who has taken the the time to follow, like and comment on my posts.

I remember a good friend @blinklondon encouraging me to get onto social media years ago when I was still at college. In particular @instagram

I said to her “really, who wants to read about my stuff” and she said “people who love gardening or who like your stuff!”

It’s me answering and try to reciprocate the time you given, if I don’t I promise I have read it!

I like to respond to most comments when I can, or at least acknowledge with a ❤️

Thank you again and hope you get some time in a garden this week
🌸🌸🌸

#happysolstice #morelight #summertime #longestday #gardenvibes #stonehenge

@bbcgwlive 2022 is over!! But I saw lots of plants

@bbcgwlive 2022 is over!! But I saw lots of plants making their way to new homes (yes including me ) so the show will live on!

Pics 1-5 a few highlights from @francestophill first ever show garden!! Plants, sustainability & recycling was rewarded with Platinum and Best in Show 👏🏽👏🏽 what an achievement
🌸🌸

Pic 6: Lovely @francestophill with Richard Holmes @mrterrapotta our Director @gardenersworldtv

Pic 7: A great day of filming with Adam Frost. 🌸🌸

Pic 8: it wouldn’t be a show without vegetables & salad crops grown by Terry with Jon Wheatley 🥬🥬

Pic 9: A day of talks! Thank you @davidhurrion @kevinsmithgarden @lucyhall_01 and in the picture of course the queen of smiles @nickichappers 🌸🌸🌸🌸

#gardenersworld #gardenersworldmagazine #gardenersworldlive #happypeople #plantlover #plantlife

Blouse: @tallulahandhope
Jacket: @mrs_lang1