Hello to May and the garden season!
We couldn’t think of a better place to visit and photograph our finest summer florals than at Brantwood, the historic home of John Ruskin on the east shore of Coniston. Set into the hillside, with spectacular views of The Old Man, Brantwood’s collection of jewel like garden islands are beautifully managed by their expert team of garden staff and volunteers. Head gardener Simone Daye offered to model for us and take us on a tour. We hope you enjoy this extended feature of a spring evening at Brantwood.
With love
Janet, Rachael XOXO
Tel: (01229) 480703
rachel.twobytwo@gmail.com
Rumour has it that Ruskin's cousin Joan Severn designed the Harbour Walk Path to be the exact width of her skirts so they wouldn't get soaked on the grass as she made her way down to the lake.
Now that's a style commitment!
The Nila Rubia Roshan Tunic £89
doesn't take the full width of the path but makes a statement nonetheless
also available in blue animal and ruby
The glorious azaleas are the originals that were planted by Joan Severn and they were in full bloom for our visit
Nila Rubia Nadala Maxi Dress £99
This is truly a garden of colour and style
Handprint Dream Apparel Arlington Dress in Pink Odyssey £59
Elegant yet wild is one of our favourite style genres
Handprint Dream Apparel Safari Dress in Summer Pinks £69
The gardens meet the lake at Ruskins Harbour and visitors approaching by boat land on the jetty
Handprint Dream Apparel Geisha Dress in Waterworks Blue £79
Mansted Kenya Cardigan in Cobalt Blue £75
Simone and the team work hard to keep it spic and span for visitors!
Working at Brantwood is a labour of love and
Volunteers are always welcome!
Handprint Dream Apparel Trixie Dress in Bluebell £59
Aran Mills Donegal Tweed Cardigan in Denim £129
This beautiful cedar greenhouse was donated to Brantwood by one of its volunteers ...
Handprint Dream Apparel Lobster Dress in Garden Green £69
Aran Mills Donegal Cardigan in Green £129
Stehmann Mellina White Cotton Capris £45
... and the volunteers propagate all the plants in the greenhouse to sell in the Brantwood shop
Handprint Dream Apparel Arlington Dress in Cleo Pink £59
Simone made her hat at one of Owen Jones workshops (you may have seen him at Dickensian Festival selling his handcrafted oak swill baskets) It took 8 hours to make out of rushes from the lake and is the most useful and comfortable hat for gardening and she wears it all summer long.
We have a couple to sell in the shop and they are £75
Ruskin planted apple trees for their flowers rather than their fruit
Handprint Dream Apparel Geisha Dress in Doozy Lime £79
Seasalt Sweet Day Cardigan in Pine Roots £49.95
