Garden Photo of the Day

Part 1: Ethereal Beauty Across the Pond

By Kim Charles

Istvan Dudas, careteker of this young, English garden, captures its heart through his photos.

"The garden is only 5 years old, it's a private family garden in the UK where you will find a few different rooms. Back of the house borders, green and white border, barn garden and the vegetable garden.The borders located at the back of the house are old English borders, which include climbing roses on the house wall, shrubs roses, shrubs, perennials and annuals. The Barn's garden is a new English garden which includes perennials, shrubs, ornamental grasses and annuals. I have been working in this garden for 4 years and year by year I try to improve this garden. I wanted to create a unique border which not everybody likes. This is absolutely fine, because what everybody likes it can be boring.  My borders can be artistic, beautiful, or like a living picture but never smart!  I believe that gardening is not just a simple job, but also a passion and an art."

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Comments

  1. user-7007960 08/21/2017

    Amazing array of color, texture and variety! Are there pathways between the plants? No weeds, I'm sure, as the plantings appear to be cuddling next to each other. Beautiful!

  2. user-3565112 08/21/2017

    Good morning Mr. Dudas, Your gardens are terrific examples of what I believe English style gardens should look like when done right. The 1st & 5th photos would make beautiful covers for any book on English gardening. Thank you for posting & good luck, Joe

  3. user-7007498 08/21/2017

    Good morning, Istvan. You should be very proud of this garden. I love cottage style gardens, and your work is fabulous. The picture of the path gently pulls you along with repetition of color and form. I can't wait to spend time going through the photos carefully after work when I have the time. Great effort.

  4. Vespasian 08/21/2017

    Just stunning a perfect example of a true English garden perfectly cared for. It just works and looks so natural, what a great job you are doing, thanks for sharing your lovely photos.

  5. Sunshine111 08/21/2017

    Your gardens are vibrant, alive, and full of life! Thanks for sharing.

  6. User avater
    meander_michaele 08/21/2017

    My goodness, Istvan, your past four years have been impressively spent...you are a truly gifted and visionary gardener. Your employers must be thrilled with what you have created for them. The wall with the cathedral like arches as a backdrop in picture #4 is thoroughly amazing and you have done it justice with the dramatic spires of blue reaching for the heavens...all quite inspiring and humbling.

  7. User avater
    treasuresmom 08/21/2017

    Oh, my, how beautiful!

  8. user-4691082 08/21/2017

    Good morning, Istvan! Where did you receive your training? What zone is that garden in? It's breathtaking! Is there a winter season where no perennials are in bloom? You are so talented and I'm sure your employers are very happy!

    1. user-7007498 08/21/2017

      Hi, Rhonda. Most of England is in our equivalent Zone 8, but with cooler summers. They also have less light in the winter and more rain (somewhat like our PNW- except for last winter). Istvan can correct me if I am wrong.

  9. wittyone 08/21/2017

    Well, all I can say is "WOW"!

  10. Jay_Sifford 08/21/2017

    This is gorgeous. What an incredible feat for only 5 years!

  11. User avater
    Tim_Zone_Denial_Vojt 08/21/2017

    Your passion and the art shows. The stunning gardens really work well with the amazing home and structures. I can't wait to study these again and to see part 2!

  12. sithanthialfred 08/21/2017

    Utterly romantic ! rustic yet refined especially in the choice of flowering plants and the range of colors.

  13. chelleisdiggin 08/21/2017

    I am absolutely in awe! Each view is more beautiful than the last. Thank you for sharing.

  14. user-7007366 08/21/2017

    Utterly fantastic. Such beauty! Wishing I was on their list of guests for tea :)

  15. Chris_N 08/21/2017

    Wow! Only 5 years old? That is an amazing garden. What an amazing array of gorgeous plants. Looking forward to part 2.

  16. NCYarden 08/21/2017

    This is fantastic, and so stunning considering its "youth." Such a brilliant mix. Neat house too.

  17. 2bakeornot2bake 08/21/2017

    Looks like it is Modeled on Great Dixter -- you have achieved much in only 5 years- remarkable!

  18. greengenes 08/21/2017

    Istvan, you have created such a wonderful place! I love every meter of it! I so agree that it is an art form and a passion! I say plants are like paint to a painter. Thank you for sharing with us!

  19. user-6861263 08/21/2017

    Good Morning Istvan! What a gorgeous garden you have created. You have fit so much into each garden bed that I think one could spend hours just admiring each little detail. I tend to do the same- jamming in as many plants as possible- but you do it so much better! :) I love the purple, lime and white garden- the 5th pic I think? Absolutely stunning and clearly well planned and executed. Looking forward to part 2!

  20. btucker9675 08/21/2017

    Beautiful! Made me want to hop on a plane and come for a visit!

  21. sheila_schultz 08/21/2017

    Your creative passion is quite obvious, Istvan. Your gift as an artist cannot be questioned as you surround the homeowners with touchable beauty. They are incredibly lucky to have you creating your magic around their home, I'm eager for tomorrow's installment!

  22. schatzi 08/21/2017

    Lush and beautiful don't begin to describe this garden! Magnificent!

  23. JoannaAtGinghamGardens 08/21/2017

    Your work is amazing! I sure hope the owners appreciate what they have in you.

  24. user-7008735 08/21/2017

    Your borders are so deep and lush, Istvan! Those blue delphiniums are gorgeous against the arches, and the hedges and brick walls make a great backdrop for all the colour. Absolutely lovely!

  25. foxglove12 08/21/2017

    Absolutely beautiful and doesn't hurt to have that amazing backdrop! Thanks so much for sharing. My type of garden.

  26. user-6536305 08/21/2017

    Typical English garden with double perennial boarder, colorful perennial beds. Yours are better than any English gardens that I have ever seen so far, better than Kew, Great Dixter and Oxford Botanical Garden. Thanks for sharing and great achievement in 5 years. You made Monday great again. Where is the garden located in UK?

  27. Cenepk10 08/21/2017

    Oh stop it. The English !!!! Art INDEED- Fabulous... 4 years ???? I'm so jealous of the English..... I watch Gardeners World @50 on YouTube... mesmerized by your weather & roses & artistry - your gardennis so amazing- gonna get off my tiny phone screen & see this on the pc. Thanks for sharing

  28. user-7008847 08/21/2017

    Please sir, I want some more.

  29. VikkiVA 08/22/2017

    Oh my goodness, I am absolutely gob smacked! Can I be buried in this garden or at least have my ashes scattered there? Vikki in VA

  30. michelle_in_chicago 08/22/2017

    What an amazing garden -- great texture and composition. Truly a work of art!

  31. perenniallycrazy 08/24/2017

    Exquisitely beautiful! You have an amazing gift Istvan.

  32. thevioletfern 08/30/2017

    I love that you dare to be different! Gardening is an art! And yes, what everyone likes can be boring. Stunning borders! I love the unexpected. Certainly not a dull moment in this garden.

  33. User avater
    simplesue 05/16/2019

    How lucky this family is to have a true gardener that works a garden like an art project. This is a work of art! The house is so beautiful with the brick garden walls, but wouldn't be nearly so nice without the garden you have grown here. Perfect!

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