We’ve written in the past about Katya Gilbert, Julian’s wife, and her love of gardening and the wellbeing benefits it brings. Her garden in Harpenden is a wonderland of flowers, a beautifully fragrant green oasis that she and her family take joy in spending time in.

In June, Katya held an open garden day with the National Garden Scheme, allowing members of the public to come and enjoy her garden too. We asked her a few questions about the experience. Here’s what she had to say.

    “The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas, and cake. Last year I applied to join the scheme and my garden has been accepted. To me, it’s such a great opportunity to share my garden with others and raise money for the charity.

    Every single part of my garden has been created with love and passion but I’ve got a particular interest in roses – I’ve got over 150 rose plants! I also really love my beautiful Hydrangeas.

    This year we had around 75 people and raised £779. I’ve got great feedback from the visitors, they enjoyed the garden (and cakes of course) and asked me lots of questions about plants and how I grow them. We were really lucky with the weather! So it was a really lovely day.

    I really enjoy opening my garden to the public so I’m definitely planning to do it again next year.”

Excitingly, Katya has recently established her own business as a garden consultant within the Harpenden area. Check out her website at www.egilbertgardens.com and follow her on Instagram at @inmydreamgarden to keep up to date with her!