Pashley Manor’s Tulip Festival is now in its 27th year and, for the sheer brilliance of its massed plantings, it is hard to beat. Among the cast are tulips in myriad hues, masterfully blended to line pathways, fill box-hedged beds or simply bloom for the sheer joy of it. It is a breathtaking sight and one of which James and Angela Sellick, the garden’s owners, never tire. “Planning for next year’s display starts in September when we choose the tulips and colour schemes,” Angela explains.
This starts with a leisurely tour of the garden, accompanied by head and assistant head gardeners, Greg Ovenden and Fiona Gilman, with Chris Blom, of supplier Bloms Bulbs. “We discuss what has worked well in previous years, and ideas for new colour schemes,” explains Angela.…