Autumn 2012 sees the launch of a new collaboration between M&S and award-winning garden designer Paul Hervey-Brookes. Paul has designed a range of exclusive garden products and gifts, ideal for garden-lovers everywhere.
About the designer
Paul is a highly renowned plantsman and garden designer who works on private and public commissions both in the United Kingdom and abroad. He has won a number of awards and has exhibited at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Hampton Court Palace.
Paul first trained at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 1999 before working in prestigious gardens in France and Italy. He is now based at the Rococo Garden, Painswick. Paul also co-owns a plant nursery there which specialises in species and unusual perennials.
Paul says: “Inspired by my own gardening experiences I have developed a range which is not only beautiful, but manufactured with an awareness of the environment. The range has the ability to increase the biodiversity and habitat potential in your garden. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed designing them.”
Explore the range
–Shop full gardening gifts range here or find out more below…
1. Hedgehog House. Paul says: “Made from natural wicker this Hedgehog House closely resembles the type of nest hedgehogs create from twigs and sprigs. Instinctively in Autumn the hedgehog begins to collect leaves, bracken, straw and twigs to create a nest for Winter. You can help by placing this natural woven shelter in a quiet part of the garden under a hedge or large shrub. During Spring this shelter provides the ideal safe environment for the hedgehog to raise its young. Did you know that the Hedgehog has long been known as ‘the gardener’s friend’ eating slugs, beetle and caterpillars amongstmany other things?”
2. Mini Greenhouse. Paul says: “This mini greenhouse is ideal for raising plants for the garden. Sow the supplied seeds in the mini greenhouse and simply keep it on a windowsill or in a protected spot outdoors. Once the seedlings are large enough to prick out, use the lid as a protective cloche.”
3. Insect Hotel. Paul says: “Increase pollination of fruits and vegetables by creating the perfect habitat for insects with this insect hotel. This ‘hotel’ is the perfect place for friendly and beneficial garden insects such as lacewings, solitary bees and ladybirds to breed shelter or hibernate in.”
4. Gardener’s Apron. Paul says: “Made from thick durable cotton canvas, this apron has evolved through my own experience. Two large pockets make handy places for secateurs, string, labels and an all important pencil. A smaller pocket allows you to slip your mp3 player into a safe place and listen to your favourite music whilst weeding or potting up in the greenhouse.”
Paul using the cane topper from the M&S range
6. Cane Topper. Paul says: “This stylish cane topper is made from durable earthenware and is ideal as a decorative feature on top of a garden tripod. It also can be used to create a habitat for garden-friendly insects. By filling the top section with suitable material you can create a home for ladybirds or lacewings. These wonderful insects will patrol your runner-beans, sweet-peas and any other plants growing around the tripod, eating aphids by day and night.”
7. Garden Mug. Paul says: “The mug features a handy planner to make sure your next gardening project gets off to the best start.”
5. Growing Container. Paul says: “Even the smallest balcony or courtyard garden can produce tasty crops for your kitchen. This durable metal container has been designed to allow you to grow salad potatoes, carrots, radish and a host of tasty leaf crops throughout the growing season. Why not use the container to grow unusual salad varieties such as lettuce ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ which has been grown for 150 years and can be harvested in just over a month from sowing.”
Paul’s gardens have featured in many national magazines and newspapers including the Garden Design Journal, the Times, Financial Times and the Telegraph. See below some photographs of Rococo Garden, Painswick, where Paul is based.
Source: M&S Stories – Paul Hervey-Brookes Launches News Garden Gift Range for M&S
