MY STYLE Events manager Max Freer Inside the Egyptologist's ...

www.thenorthernecho.co.ukJanuary 200711Most of the workinthe garden isdone byShirleyherself,asshe gentlypotters aroundduringthe day.Herhusband helpsout whensomething manlyneedsdoing,suchasstainingorchopping,but he alsoenjoys trying toscare Shirley by jumping out from behindshrubs and trees (usually with acup ofteain hand).Agardener comes in as and when necessary,and Shirley will often work togetherwiththem on aproject,oron aparticularsectionof the garden. Theirnext pieceofworkis tocreate aseating and barbecue area outof aspace that currently houses plants inpots, waiting to get into the ground. Whenthey first moved into the house, the gardenwas filled with fruit trees. There were 27 ofthem in all. Slowly,she hashadthem takenout, or they have succumbed to canker anddisease. Ahandful remain today,most arecontorted and twisted, and supported oncrutches,but theystill bearagood crop everyyear.The huge vine thatused togrowin theconservatory became too large,and sufferedbadlyfrom mildew.Ithasnowbeen replaced‘by outdoor varieties, accompanied by ahealthy passionflower.Adelicate mulberrytree, with its large, heart-shaped leaves willsoon provide her with branches filled withjuicy fruit, but for the momentis still alittle bit immatureto doso. The treeearns its place through itsbeauty though.Foliage forflowerarrangingisprovided bythe leatheryleaved griselinia, ribbedcrocosmia lucifer and longstraps of phormiums.Otherplayers aregolden cypress,contorted salix andvariegated eleagnus. Someof the smallershrubs,suchasabluespruce,come fromother peoples arrangementswhich have been dismantled aftershows,and grownonascuttings.The largerblue conifer that spreads along the groundat the bottom of the garden, though, wasgiven toShirleyand herhusband asasilverShirley has longbeen an importantperson in the localart scene, gainingfame for herpaintings and herflower arranging skillswedding present. She smiles as she tells methatshe spentmanyyears trying togetittogrow tall and straight, only tofind out thatitisthe horizontal growing variety.Fun, laughter and life arefundamental influences inShirley’sgarden. Everythingis practical, has apurpose,and is inspirational. Ahalfcaught glimpse of aray oflighthitting apetalatanunusualanglemightbethe motivationfor her next painting.A curious colourcombination might set off acreativesparkwhilst searchingfor ideas for an impendingarrangement.Every plant in the gardenisapotentialsubjectforoneof Shirley’s beautiful paintings. The morebeautiful the garden becomes, the more artitinspires.Thisisone garden thatcantrulylayclaimto being as pretty as apicture.Introducing Granite Transformations,arevolutionary way togive yourkitchen worktops acool, sophisticatedlook and awhole new lease of life. Allthe shine and chic of solid granite,fitted in as little asone day -and for alot less than you thought possible.• 95% natural granite• Fits directly over existing worktops• No demolition, no mess• Scratch, heat, impact and stain resistant• 10 year warrantyBetter than granite? You'd better believe it!Call us today for afree quote orvisit our showroom.0191 4171999Unit 34, Crowther Rd, Crowther Industrial EstateWashington NE38 0AQwww.granitetransformations.co.ukgranitetransformations@ntlworld.com