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Re: Writers was- Re: Name tangles and .......

David Poole wrote:
> 
> Tim wrote:
> >So many gardening books are so bland
> >- purveying a world in which all the gardens are perfect, all the
> >gardeners are Sweethearts of the Compost Heap -, it's a positive
> >relief to come across a garden writer who can BITE! A pleasurable
> >relief which reveals my deplorable character, I guess...
> 
> Oh how I agree with you there! (not the deplorable character bit)  One
> of my favourite gardening writers is Christopher Lloyd of Great Dixter
> fame.  He is very positive in his likes and dislikes and decidedly
> irascible at times.  Not one to mince his words, Lloyd will either wax
> lyrical or completely discard at the drop of a hat.  I like this in
> people, it shows great character and sense of purpose.  It also shows
> a passion for plants which far outstrips that of the 'blandies' of
> today.
> 
> Some years ago, he came down here to South Devon and looking at the
> permanent sub-tropical plantings in several locally, well known
> gardens, took much of what he'd seen, on-board, in a big way.  Back at
> Dixter in Sussex, he ripped out established rose plantings (much to
> the horror and astonishment of the 'gardening luvvies') and replaced
> then with great swatches of immense leaved Cannas, Basjoo Bananas and
> the like.  He really loved the stunned reaction of those who thought
> Dixter should remain a museum of early and mid 20th century gardening
> and not a living, breathing garden that should evolve rather than
> stagnate.  Many were quite convinced the old fellah had 'lost it', but
> now a few years on, most have to admit, the 'new' planting is most
> impressive and a great success.
> 
 David 

As a long time admirer of the old boy, I loved your tale. If he
continues to stay so fresh in his ideas he might just live forever!!!

Moira
-- 
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
(SW Corner of the Pacific Ocean)
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