17 minute read
BUNNY GUINNESS Chelsea Flower
The Interview: BUNNY GUINNESS
Until you see the work of a professional landscape architect like Bunny Guinness, you can feel content with your own handiwork! Her gardens are works of art, a skill that she has mastered over a 50 year career. Bunny can be seen across the BBC’s garden shows and has taken a handful of golds home from the Chelsea Flower Show...
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Photo: Bunny Guinness, courtesy of Horatio's Garden Oswestry.
I F YOU’RE INTO GARDENING then Bunny Guinness is someone you will know and love. She is an award-winning landscape architect and runs a busy landscaping business with her daughter Unity. As well as designing and implementing gardens, Bunny’s an author of several books, writes a regular column in The Sunday Telegraph and she’s one of the knowledgeable voices of Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question Time. With nearly 50 years of experience in the gardening world, Bunny is the person to answer all your horticultural queries.
Have you always had an interest or been involved in horticulture?
“My uncle is the late David Austin and my mum owned a large nursery which she worked on until her 90s, so I have always been surrounded by horticulture,” says Bunny. “Growing up in this environment, I was often given endless boring gardening jobs which I loathed for peanuts! I decided I wanted to move away from the horticultural world so I chose to study food science at Reading University.”
What made you get back into it?
“Whilst at university, I met someone who was studying horticulture and it sounded much better than my degree. I realised that I didn’t want to be stuck in a lab every day and I wanted to be outside. I swapped to studying soil science and the land.” “After completing my horticultural degree, I did a postgraduate course in landscape architecture. I spent seven years in total studying and working for various landscape architects which gave me experience as well as knowledge.”
When you were first starting out were there any landscape designers you admired?
“Yes, lots! To name a few, I loved the work of Russel Page, John Hodgson, Capability Brown and John Brookes. I think John Brookes was a very influential designer and the first to make garden design something that was innovative and modern.” “Before John, gardens followed the ‘washing machine design’ - when your clothes are in the washing machine, they go to the outside of the drum leaving space in the middle. 70s gardens had plants glued to the outside of the fences with lawn in the middle.” “John’s designs totally rethought the outdoor space, using curves and structures. This was a big change for the way we used gardens. Also, my uncle would get me tickets for the Chelsea Flower Show and the gardens there are particularly inspiring.”
Was it difficult being a woman in a predominantly male industry? “You can make a really ugly house look stunning by the way you “I think gender does have some influence on the gardening world which is a shame. Whilst studying for my post grad diploma, there were 3 females on the course and 17 men. There are more female treat the garden. Just a series of plants in pots, creating a line of green foliage at eye level, won’t block anything but is enough to deflect your eye from any awful architecture.” landscape architects emerging, but it’s still predominantly male. Who are your clients? When I was on the judging panel, I was often one of the only women.” “Anyone can be my client. I work with everyone from premier league After graduating, Bunny worked in the private sector for several footballers to small suburban house owners. I haved landscaped years and started her own firm in 1986. Having worked in landscape small gardens in the UK to 30 huge garden projects in Japan.” design for nearly 50 years, Bunny has plenty of experience including working on reclamation sites, renovation of inner city housing estates, planning appeals, sheltered housing schemes, pedestrian precincts, golf courses, farm and estate planting, public roof gardens and many different private gardens. Bunny has designed a total of nine show gardens, winning six golds at the Chelsea Flower Show. “Many of my clients are returning customers - I have done three generations of gardens for one family. They all wanted something very different for very different houses, but it is helpful when your clients know the sort of thing you do, what you can do, and they have the confidence in you.”
Out of all your show gardens which was your
favourite and why? “My favourite Chelsea
How often do people change their gardens?
“The gardens I design are created to be that “My personal favourite is the M&G Garden in 2011. I received a silver guild for the garden, but I think it was the best I have created. It was Flower Show garden was the 2011 M&G garden. person’s sanctuary so they do not change as much as you might change your kitchen or bathroom.” very technically challenging as it featured a large, floating glass platform. Underneath the space was an area with a glass roof, a huge I only received silver but I think it was better than the “However, they do move on; only yesterday I received an email from a client whose garden I designed 30 years ago. Their outside furniture fireplace and sunken seating areas. Above the glass roof you could climb up the stone gardens I received gold for!” is now wearing a little and asked what I would suggest. I enjoy seeing how the gardens I staircase and view the whole garden. It was designed 25 years ago have transformed.” definitely the most stressful garden I have completed!” Are there any frequently asked for garden trends? Why do you think it is important to have a well-presented garden? “As all my clients are different, I do not think there is a commonly “Many people have something in their house which might not be asked for design. Every space is very different, and I work all over perfect like the kitchen’s too small, or the hallway is too the UK and the world, so my work is vary vast.” narrow. There is usually something all householders would change if they can but a garden, if designed cleverly, can be exactly what you want.” “Clients do not usually ask for the same thing, but they will often show me examples of what I have done and say I like this and then we will change it to suit them and their needs.” “You can make the outdoor space your sanctuary, hide all the things you want to hide and even design an enjoyable ‘room in the garden like an outside sitting room or garden kitchen.” “Being self-sufficient is popular, especially with the lockdown, so I have been asked to input kitchen gardens for my clients to give them the space to grow their own herbs, fruits and vegetables.” “Designing a garden is different to designing something inside like a kitchen. When designing a kitchen, you are restricted by some Are there any new trends that you are wanting to try? elements or can only have so many choices, but when designing a “I am always playing with design, experimenting and developing garden, your choices are limitless.” new ideas. I am currently creating a green cathedral out of plants and
Below: Bunny has had to design all sorts of gardens from enormous plots (below is Thyme - thyme.co.uk) to small city retreats, working with such a range of sizes and styles.
metal work. I always like to move on and use different, unique designs. I experiment at home first and then build prototypes.”
“I like to move on all the time and my daughter who I work alongside with has a background in design and is very good at keeping up to date with trends and what is going on all over the world which is quite interesting.”
If you could only have one thing in your garden, what would it be?
“That would change for every week of the year! If I had to choose just one thing, it would be quince trees like Cydonia Oblingas. They are lovely trees. I have four in the courtyard outside my office and they are fantastic all through the year.”
Could you give our readers some top tips for summer gardening?
“When potting plants in containers I suggest cutting the bottom out of the containers to make them bottomless. I do this a lot, because it raises the plants, giving them a frame and making them more important.”
“They’re better for frost resistance as water doesn’t pool in the base and freeze. Even if they are in a paved area, the paving comes out underneath the pot so they will root through meaning you do not have to water them after the first year.”
“They will grow much bigger, be healthier and you can design the containers to match the house. Paint them the same colours at the doors or use terracotta or steel.”
“Secondly, I am always in favour of creating bespoke outside furniture. If you are wanting to add a bench or table to your garden, try designing it yourself and take your design to a joiner or metal worker.”
“There are lots of amazing suppliers you can use, and it will often be a fraction of the cost of a mass-produced item. It may take longer to create but it will be worth it when you have your own design in your garden that you will never see anywhere else.”
“Upcycling is also an easy way to renovate your garden. I recently updated a green oak table I created over 20 years ago. The top was rotting so I used acid etched galvanized sheet metal and put studs around the edge and just popped it on top. It looked fabulous and we had a new, individual table.”
Throughout your career you have published several books. Which have you found most valuable?
“I think the whole business of health in the garden is very interesting and I learnt lots from the book I wrote with physiotherapist Jacqueline Knox - Garden Your Way to Health and Fitness.”
“The idea for the book started over coffee and Jackie explained that she has a peak in clients in the spring usually after someone has been out in their garden and twisted or sprained a muscle.”
“Gardening is an all-round health booster, it is emotionally rewarding, getting outside, drawing on those sun rays and all those hours spent weeding, raking, digging, and planting serve to increase stamina, build muscle tone, and burn calories. However, you can injure yourself if you bend or lift something wrong, so our book explains how to garden whilst avoiding stresses and strains.”
“I no longer have any problems with my back when gardening and the book really helped. It also dips into how to physically and mentally look after yourself in the garden with exercise ideas and hints and tips on how to create a beautifully designed garden.”
“Another of my favourites is the collaboration with his Royal Highness, The Prince Of Wales - Highgarden: A Garden Celebrated.”
“This was a true privilege to write and it was extremely fascinating as I had the opportunity to study Highgrove and how the garden has
Images: Above is Bunny and her daughter and work partner Unity. Other images on the page are all examples of private gardens and professional gardens Bunny has designed and created. Each is unique and creative and beautiful in its own way.
transformed over 30 years. I was able to wander through each part of this astounding garden through the different seasons, whilst Prince Charles described the thinking behind each garden, his mistakes and the triumphs and his plans for the future. The garden is always moving on.”
What was your favourite part of Highgrove?
“I thought his topiary hedges were fabulous and they also had a fantastic story behind them. Prince Charles bought Highgrove at a time when the press was crazy! A camera lens was always watching his private life and he wanted to put up a fence around his garden to protect his privacy.”
“As he wanted this fence to go up quickly, he was going to use leyland cypress hedges. However, any gardener will tell you that leyland cypress hedges are a disaster! They grow wider and wider, blocking all the light, they are impossible to contain, and you can’t chop them back as you are just chopping into dead wood that never regrows.”
“At the time Prince Charles didn’t know any of this as he was new to gardening but Lady Soulsby managed to persuade his Royal Highness to go for a yew hedge instead and explained if the hedge was looked after, it would still grow quickly. Later on, the yew hedges were topiarised and they are now beautiful designed with scallops, balls and birds flying over them all in topiary!”
“They are phenomenal and inspirational. It’s ironic that the Prince started off wanting the most awful hedge in the world and he has ended up with world class examples of yew hedges.”
n If you enjoyed reading this article and would like to find out more or glean more handy tips and advice from Bunny, feel free to subscribe to her Youtube channel where she dispenses regular tips and tricks or follow her on Instagram or Twitter at BunnyGuinness1. Her contact details are available on her website www.bunnyguinness.com.
Kneeler
This Sophie Conran kneeler offers superb comfort for knees, even on gravel. It’s a product you don’t realise you needed so badly, £19.99.
Garden’s Gubbins Pots
These gorgeous tins bring a pleasing order to all your bits and bobs and save hours of hunting and unravelling, £9.99.
Harvesting Basket
This attractive handcrafted wire basket is perfect for harvesting from the kitchen garden or greenhouse. It’s also ideal for eggs, £16.99.
GARDEN GEAR to get you going
If you’re inspired by Bunny Guinness and her wonderful work, here are some fantastic tools to get you going with your own garden projects. They are all of the highest calibre, and will ensure you have all the gear (and hopefully some idea) to ensure you’re on your way to being a top gardener... Products: Sophie Conran and Burgon & Ball.
Bird Food Tin
A galvanized pest proof tin to store your bird food with handy scoop - it fits neatly under your arm and stops spillages and mess, £19.99.
Tool Bag
This stylish tool bag is the perfect size for gardening; not too heavy and bulky to carry as you garden, even when fully loaded, £24.99.
Compost Scoop
The compost scoop enables you to shovel just the right amount of compost into your pots without the ensuing mess, £19.99.
Everyday Gardening Gloves
These stylish soft gloves are perfect for keeping by the back door to slip on when you pop out for a spot of gardening, £17.49.
Herb Garden Seed Set
Grow fragrant herbs and leaves to bring your cooking alive with fresh flavour, including basil, rocket, thyme and coriander, £10.99.
Creating a Legacy by Minimising Tax
Why do we want to build wealth? Is it so we can buy plush homes, drive fast, sleek cars or sun ourselves in exotic climes? Or is actually for a far more personal reason?
FOR SOME PEOPLE, filling our lives with luxury is a key motivation to make money; however, most of us also want to help those who we love by leaving behind a legacy that will give them the best start in life, or enable them to continue to live out their lives with confidence and certainty.
But is just making money enough to guarantee this? Inheritance Tax is currently set at 40%, meaning that, if your estate exceeds the threshold (currently £325,000 for a single person and £650,000 for a married couple) you could end up giving away nearly half of your wealth to the Government. I’m sure that you don’t want them to become the single largest beneficiary of your hard-earned money! That’s why protecting your wealth in later life is becoming more and more poignant. Historically, Inheritance Tax has been the preserve of the super-wealthy, but this is changing. The ever-evolving world of tax, especially Inheritance Tax, is not just targeting the very rich; in fact, it is beginning to hit the average family too. Last year alone, we saw HMRC collect £5.1 billion in Inheritance Tax - a rise of 9% from 2016 . And with the conventional Nil-Rate Band is fixed at £325,000 until April 2021, this trend looks set to continue. But what can you do? Careful planning around your finances is one of the key steps to take now in order to protect your wealth for the benefit of your loved ones. A former Chancellor once said, that “Inheritance Tax is paid only by those who distrust their family more than they dislike the Inland Revenue.” But was he right? To use a palatable analogy, this planning is very much like
baking a cake. First, you need to identify what could ‘spoil the mix’- in this case Inheritance Tax. Next, you need to choose the best ‘ingredients’ to minimise the amount of tax you pay and ensure that your loved ones will receive the most they can. Only then can you ensure that you are in the best position to financially feed your own future as well as that of your loved ones; so, you can have your cake and eat it! Any planning around tax can be confusing, time-consuming and controversial! In the UK, we all have to pay tax in some form, so it is important that any plans you make are lawful, accurate and fair. Achieving the balance between what you want to do and what you have to do is a little bit of a minefield, so we have created a lunchtime talk to demonstrate what your obligations are, and what options are available to you.
Our event will explain key areas and show you how you could: l Avoid hefty Inheritance Tax Charges. l Ensure that your house and capital are protected against third-party risks. l Take measures to prevent your assets disappearing if a divorce in the family were to happen.
Understanding these areas could be the difference between you leaving your family ‘a life changing sum’ and a ‘life changing lesson’.
n The event will take place on Wednesday 16th
September at 1200 at Portfolian House, 30 Melton Road, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6AY. To book your complimentary place, please contact us on hello@efficientportfolio.co.uk or 01572 898060.
Charlie Reading created Efficient Portfolio to offer entirely independent financial advice and helping people clarify and realise their dreams and goals through financial planning. Call 01572 898060, see www.efficientportfolio.co.uk or visit Portfolian House, 30 Melton Road, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6AY
EXPERT CARE FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY
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