Horticultural journeys often begin in unexpected ways. For Colin Jones, head gardener at Salterbridge Gardens, it started with his grandfather's fruit patch and eventually led to prestigious gardens across Ireland and Scotland. Now managing a magnificent private estate in Waterford, Colin brings passion, expertise and global perspective to garden creation.

The transformation of Salterbridge under Colin's stewardship has been remarkable. Over just three years, he's planted 1,600 trees and shrubs, developed stunning herbaceous borders, and created a breathtaking cutting garden that became the focal point for a family wedding. His approach combines practical wisdom with artistic vision – focusing on infrastructure before planting, limiting varieties while increasing quantities of signature plants like Verbena 'Bampton', and selecting hero plants including 28 varieties of dahlias.

What sets Colin's work apart is his deep understanding of plants in their natural context. His plant-finding expeditions to Yunnan in Southwest China have profoundly influenced his design philosophy. Witnessing Thalictrum delavayi growing alongside Hypericum forrestii in the wild inspired combinations he's recreated at Salterbridge. As he explains, "If you can go to where a plant originates and see how it's growing, you have a better understanding straight away of what conditions it needs."

Colin's insights extend beyond professional gardens to practical advice for home gardeners. From navigating challenges with deer to balancing gardening with family life, his experiences resonate with anyone trying to create beauty within constraints. His philosophy that "the best way to keep a plant is to give it away" speaks to the deeper connections gardening creates between people and places.

Experience Salterbridge Gardens for yourself by arranging a group visit, or catch Colin's upcoming talks about his horticultural adventures. Whether you're planning your own cutting garden or simply appreciate the art of thoughtful garden design, Colin's journey from apprentice to master offers inspiration for gardeners at every level. 

You can contact Colin Here: [email protected]

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Until next week
Happy gardening
John