A Garden Ready for Arrival…
Workday: 08/05/2025
As the arrival of the Clews family drew closer, Thursday carried a sense of urgency and anticipation. It marked the long-awaited return of Pip Clews, with whom I had been closely collaborating to redesign the Lover’s Garden. I was determined to complete the final touches on the four terrace gardens that day, a symbolic culmination of two months of hard work, creative decisions and hands-on dedication. There was a deep desire to present the garden in its full bloom, not only as a finished space, but as a living narrative of everything we had envisioned and brought to life together.
The day was a test of both resilience and adaptability. Working alongside the gardeners, we pushed forward with focus and energy, despite the uncertainty around the exact timing of Pip’s arrival. We were racing the clock, responding quickly to unexpected needs, especially when we realised the wood mulch had run out. With barely a moment to spare, we sourced more, ensuring each terrace received the same care, texture and visual coherence. It was a moment of collective commitment and problem-solving, where every gesture felt meaningful and every decision contributed to the final picture.
After completing the terraces by early afternoon, I took a much-needed breath and shifted into a more grounding rhythm. I returned to painting the mural, my quiet, reflective project within the Château walls, as I waited for Pip’s arrival. That transition from the fast-paced physical work in the garden to the slower, contemplative strokes of a brush reminded me how design lives in both motion and stillness. Whether through plants or paint, these moments continue to affirm the power of design to shape spaces and connect people.