Keeping it Fresh: Q&A with Judi Gopperth at Hirst Cottage

Q.  Is there a part of your garden you’ve changed, refreshed or even added, since the last time you were in the festival?

While mostly keeping to original structure, I make small changes from year to year and where needed. For example, this year I lost two huge branches from protected oak during July storms causing damage to the Oak itself and surrounding garden.

Q. If yes, where in the garden- and what have you done?

a. Front area – Planted additional Buxus ‘Graham Blandy’ and under planted with Hebe ‘Avalanche’.

b. Side area – Set up area containing rosemary and lavender

c. Pots – Planted lily bulbs in pots and planter boxes en masse.

d. Repaired and replanted garden area damaged by falling oak.

Q. Why did you make this change?

a.        To create better balance, have a place for Hebe Avalanche, replace struggling plants.

b.        A difficult part of the garden – experimenting with rosemary and lavender for visual benefits, perfume and to attract bees.

c.        Absolutely adore lilies, now with over 200 bulbs and still adding!! I needed to find space within the garden, plant in groups, make staking easier and maximise visual impact.

Planting in pots also provides ability to move these around in the garden and tuck away during the off season.

Also have three months of lilies to pick for indoors or gift, not to mention the perfume, which is divine.

Q. How important is it that you keep your garden refreshed?

While main structural plantings are in place along with fixed hard landscaping as permanents, I like to keep things fresh, healthy and well maintained.

I do this by removing struggling plants, pruning, relocating, replacing plants, spraying (although try to minimise), composting, attending to lawn maintenance, in addition to keeping up maintenance such as water blasting, painting and general repairs.

Q. What does the garden mean to you?

A place of calm, a place of pride, peace and productivity along with responsibility and enjoyment. A place to share with others.

A happy alternative to the gym.