About Stephen Griffith
I have been the Horticultural manager/Curator for Abbotsbury SubTropical Gardens since taking over after massive storm damage back in 1990. The gardens trustees wanted a fresh new 10 year development plan to revive this historic yet overgrown and neglected garden, to improve the plant content, infrastructure, interpretation and tourism aspects – Prior to Abbotsbury I have been designing and restoring landscapes and gardens in diverse places such as Saudi Arabia, South of France, Sark C.I, Cotswolds and the New Forest. I also lead garden tours world wide, write articles and the odd book. Professional bodies – I am a member of the RHS woody plant committee, M.I Hort, International Camellia Society.
‘At last there are signs of Spring in the air’
I had a quick walk about in the garden this morning, avoiding the running rills of excess water as it's still pouring off the hills and washing the gravelled paths down into the stream. Only a couple of weeks ago we had the first real heavy snowfall to hit…
Reflections and changes
The gardens have seen a steady flow of visitors this year right through from the early Magnolias Rhododendrons and Camellia flowering time in the spring, through to the high summer with colourful perennial borders, Hydrangeas and Roses. There have been cruise ships calling into Portland harbour bringing a wealth…
A Good Old Fashion Summer
It’s been a great summer for us gardeners and we can’t complain, we’ve just had a proper summer! We actually had sunshine and warmth throughout most of August just what the summer flower displays needed and the roses seemed better than ever. Sunny days have been bringing back childhood memories…
Flaming June
Flaming June!! Right now I am mentally confused over the weather! Some may agree with the narrative that I am mentally confused but that’s usually until I’ve had my first cup of coffee of the morning. It all started back in January when I had a wonderful family holiday in…