Theobalds Farmhouse Garden

Garden tour, refreshments and light lunch and floristry demonstration with afternoon tea

Alison Green, transitioning from publishing to horticulture, embarked on a transformative journey with Theobalds Farmhouse and its 2-acre land in 1999. In her captivating talk, "From Field to Floribunda," she narrates the evolution of this blank canvas into a grade II listed 1650s farmhouse and a garden of myriad rooms.

You will view her private garden which embraces organic principles from the outset. Alison follows lunar cycles for planting, fostering a haven for wildlife, particularly bees, with her late husband Julian's beekeeping legacy. Her design philosophy harmonises with nature, incorporating wildlife-friendly zones and un-mown grass areas for pollinators.

Drawing inspiration from Arts and Crafts traditions, the garden features diverse rooms, herbaceous borders, and distinct colour schemes, ensuring year-round appeal. Alison's meticulous approach uses double digging when creating new areas for planting due to the heavy clay soil, this improves the social structure and she then manages the soil through 'no dig' and winter mulching.

Beyond its aesthetic allure, Alison's garden serves as an educational and charitable beacon. Alison's horticultural masterpiece has graced glossy magazine pages, garnered awards, and even welcomed a royal visit from The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, and the LGS committee in 2018.

Following the garden tour afternoon tea will be served whilst top florist Rosalind Edwards will provide a floristry demonstration, including collecting the flower material from the garden. Rosalind's background includes creating flowers for St Albans Abbey, Hatfield House, Luton Hoo and many other abbeys and stately homes over 40 years as a leading florist.

Refreshments and light lunch will be served.

Terms and conditions