Large gardens: 2 Pat Nelson

Jul 23 2008 by Val Javin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

PAT Nelson is a plantswoman to her fingertips.

She remembers as a child being taught how to dead-head flowers by a family friend who had a market garden and ran plant stalls at markets in South Yorkshire.

And the power of those memories fuelled a passion for gardening which has produced stunning results. Pat has created a series of beautiful gardens at the home she shares in the centre of Honley with her husband, Les.

His passion and skill with steam cars has taken this quietly remarkable couple to rallies and exhibitions across the world. “I’ve had an amazing life in many ways,” says Pat who is delighted that Les has an all consuming hobby, just as she has.

They tour in the steam cars together and Les is the man for any building project Pat needs. The results include a bandstand, a pebble pool and raised beds in the garden where it is Pat who is the head – and only gardener.

Hers is the skill with plants, the ability to grow and nurture from seeds and cuttings, to bring together an enviable range of plant species to create a garden which is as vibrant as it is interesting.

Turn in any direction and you’ll spot a plant treasure. There’s a stunning, lily formed clematis named for Princess Diana, a pillar box, eye popping red monarda, a phygelius that offers sheer delight with its blue grey foliage, dark stems and deep pink flowers and a burgundy-eyed white verbascum that demands attention.

A wheeled wooden cart, used by Pat’s carpenter brother to haul wood as an apprentice, has a new lease of life as a spectacular plant holder. Flowers cascade from it on all sides, but then that’s true too of every inch of this lush garden which pays homage to a woman who knows her plants, how to get the best out of them and enjoys every minute of her lovely garden.