After a life in medicine, Clare took early retirement and spent several years at Merrist Wood studying for the RHS qualifications. By August 2015 she had passed both the theory and practical exams to be awarded the RHS Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture.
Clare gets inspiration for new projects by visiting other gardens, reading journals and books, and thinking carefully about where in her garden would be the right place to try something new. Developing Bridge End Cottage garden is a work in progress which brings great joy to the gardener, who is always keen to share her passion with others.
For the last few years she has been ably assisted by Theo, a working cocker spaniel.
'Assistance is essential in maintaining the large garden at Bridge End Cottage and a series of people, each with particular skills and interests, have been coming to help. Weeding, lawn mowing, leaf blowing and hedge clipping are continuous tasks — all generously supplied by many much appreciated helpers over the last 20 years.'
Clare studied at Merrist Wood College in Surrey, one of the country's leading horticultural colleges, completing the full RHS Level 3 Diploma — the highest practical qualification offered by the Royal Horticultural Society.
She continues to expand her knowledge through visits to other NGS gardens, the Chelsea Flower Show, and her extensive personal library of horticultural books and journals. For regular updates and plant photography follow her on Instagram.
Tours are available by arrangement from May to August, for groups of 10–25. Get in touch to arrange your visit.
Arrange a visit