guest blog

We asked Harry Hoblyn, Head Gardener at Charleston, to share his insights into the remarkable garden that surrounds this historic home. Deeply intertwined with the artistic legacy of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, the gardens at Charleston are a living expression of their creativity.

Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, is essential for managing the body’s fight or flight response. However, the pressures of modern life have led to persistently high cortisol levels for many, contributing to exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout. The increasing pressures of modern life – work demands, digital overload, and rising living costs - have left many searching for ways to bring calm into their daily routines.

Mother’s Day is a time to reflect on the women who have shaped our lives - our mothers, grandmothers, or any maternal figure who has left an imprint on our hearts. While we may not always be physically close to those we love, there is something enduring and quiet that keeps us connected: the beauty of a garden and the plants within it.

Roses are a staple in many gardens, bringing both beauty and fragrance. At David Austin^® Roses, we know how these versatile blooms can change the feel of your outdoor space. Choosing the right roses can enhance any garden, whether you're working on a traditional design, adding life to a shaded corner, or just enjoying the vibrant colours and scents they provide.

Roses are invaluable in a mixed border; I love using them in every garden I create. Roses bring height, form, structure, and, most importantly, they bring romance and magic. The sheer beauty and presence of their blooms is so striking that their charm stays in the memory long after their blooms have faded and gone. 

I once had one of my gardens described as a firework display in slow motion.  A visual that struck a chord. The idea of a slowmoving theatrical performance is something that is always in my mind when I’m plotting out a garden. Gardens aren’t static, so you always must think dynamically when you design them.

You may be familiar with Sue Kent as a regular presenter of Gardener’s World, but this year she also made her debut into the world of garden design too, securing a Silver Gilt Medal and much deserved People’s Choice Award for her #knollingwithdaisies garden design.