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Biography
Interview

Penelope Hobhouse
Penelope Hobhouse is one of the most revered exponents of British horticulture, and her numerous books have provided inspiration to gardeners around the world

The titles she has written include Penelope Hobhouse on Gardening, Colour in Your Garden, Flower Gardens, Garden Style and The Story of Gardening.

Demand runs high for her gardening design skills. Penelope has created gardens in Britain, France, Italy, Australia and the United States through her successful international practice. Between 1980 and 1993, she and her late husband restored and revived the Arts and Crafts garden at Tintinhull, a National Trust property in Somerset. More recently, the author has been involved in the exciting restoration of the Aberglasney Gardens in Wales among numerous other projects.

  • The Story of Gardening draws on your own life’s work as a gardener. How has your gardening philosophy evolved over the years?

    My gardening philosophy has obviously changed and matured as I have grown older. I am now less interested in short term flower colours and more intent on an overall look – examining gardens in their settings and providing architectural frames for flower gardens. I am interested in looking at foliage shapes, textures and colours, together with good structural design.

  • You have travelled the world in order to research your book. Is there one nation or country that you consider to harbour particularly high numbers of talented gardeners?

    Japan, UK and USA do have some exciting attitudes to modern gardening. So do Germany, Holland, and Belgium.

  • Could you name and describe your favourite garden ever?

    My current favourite garden is the Bagh-i Fin in Iran - a 17th century oasis garden enclosed by high walls. It has bubbling water running through canals lined with turquoise coloured tiles, and flanked with 400-year-old cypresses.

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