Date: 1st February at Broadwell Manor.
Details: Info@broadwellmanor.com.
I started writing this blog with the intention of spreading good news about all things gardening. With that in mind, I thought you’d like to hear about some new events being planned for Broadwell in Gloucestershire. The first event was a Christmas wreath-making course reviewed here on the blog. See below for details.
Rachel de Thame has now announced plans for a snowdrop painting workshop in association with celebrated artist Debbie George.
I was lucky enough to get a chance to wander about Rachel’s garden while foraging for foliage for my Christmas wreath, and there under the huge, hundred year old trees, I spotted masses of little green shoots. Rachel had no idea the snowdrops were there when she bought the house- it was a glorious and very welcome surprise when drifts of them emerged.
Rachel says she’s very excited to be teaming up with Debbie George for the snowdrop painting workshop and galanthus appreciation day. “It’s a rare opportunity to be guided by Debbie through the process of painting snowdrops. I’ll be sharing growing tips and discussing the passion that these tiny flowers inspire in enthusiasts. Then we’ll go outside to pick snowdops from the many hundreds growing in the garden for you to paint, with Debbie on hand to help and advise.”
All materials are supplied, as well as a three course lunch and refreshments throughout the day. There will be a selection of unusual snowdops available to buy, supplied by Ashwood Nurseries.
Debbie’s richly-illustrated book documenting her life and work was published in March 2024 by Rylett Press.
For more than thirty years, Debbie has painted still lifes – primarily flowers and pottery, sometimes landscape, and often all three in a single composition. Her paintings are today highly collected and appreciated around the world as joyful pictorial celebrations of the English seasons, of country life and the natural world.
Based on conversations with Debbie and drawing on her personal archive, the book provides a rare glimpse into the life and working methods of the artist. Packed with more than 200 illustrations, it shows that the clarity and sophistication of Debbie George’s art is the result of continuous practice and experimentation. This is a timely celebration of a lifetime of painting flowers, pottery and landscape.
“For Debbie George admirers and collectors, this celebration of her work is long overdue. It’s wonderful to see the full range of her paintings, spanning more than thirty years, collected together in one volume. Each turn of the page reveals another image to be poured over by all who share Debbie’s love of nature and feel lifted by her unique portrayal of Earth’s riches, however small they be.” – Rachel de Thame, BBC TV presenter, garden writer and columnist.
I hope you’ve enjoyed viewing these beautiful illustrations as much as I have. They have certainly brightened a very cold wet day here in Leicestershire. Thank you for reading my blog. Sign up for e mail notifications for more reviews, garden visits, and general news from my wildlife-filled, English country garden.
For more information on courses contact info@broadwellmanor.com.
For the wreath-making review:
For a review of Rachel’s latest book:
https://bramblegarden.com/2024/12/16/a-flower-garden-for-pollinators-by-rachel-de-thame/
Thank you and Happy New Year!
Bramble Garden 
Such lovely words and beautiful paintings! The colors and details bring so much life to each piece, and there’s a special charm in the way everything is portrayed. It’s truly inspiring to see art that captures nature and emotions so delicately. Thank you for sharing your talent!
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Thank you Mauro. Thank you for reading my blog. Best wishes. Karen
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Those paintings are glorious – and make me wonder if I have come across them on cards, as I am always on the lookout for those with snowdrops on. I love how she includes the pottery as well. Will you be able to attend the session?
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Thank you Cathy. They are glorious aren’t they. Something really cheerful to look at in winter while we are going though this awful cold spell. Yes, I love the pottery too. I can’t attend the snowdrop course, unfortunately. Not this time anyway. Hope they run the event again next year when I have more time. Enjoy your weekend . Karen x
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What lovely paintings and blog, it’s made me want to paint some snowdrops, although I’m not an artist.
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I’m ever so tempted Margaret, though I can’t paint a thing! I’ve just said to my husband, you don’t know until you try! I’m glad you enjoyed the paintings. I’ve only just discovered Debbie and what a joy those pictures are! I might even buy the book. Thank you for your very kind comments which are much appreciated. Best wishes. Karen x
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Lovely words and paintings!
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Thank you Anne. I hope you are coping with the cold weather. We are just a few miles and two villages away from an area declared a national emergency with the floods. Areas of the garden flooded here, but not got in the house, thank goodness. Thought this blog post would cheer us all up! Best wishes. Karen x
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I like the cold weather. I walked a mile this morning when it was 13°F outside.
I’m glad your house did not get flooded. We had a major flood a half mile away in September. I don’t know if you heard about Hurricane Helene that clobbered North Carolina. My area has recovered fairly well, but Asheville is still struggling, along with some mountain towns that were totally destroyed.
Your post did the trick! It was very cheery.
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Thank you Anne. Glad you found it cheerful 😃❤️
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Thanks karen snowdrops one of my favourites & painting flowers my favourite pass time at 92 years what more can l ask !
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Oh Jean, you are so talented. I can’t paint a thing! However, I did wonder if I could at least have a go. Everyone has to start somewhere, and Debbie is such a lovely kind and patient lady. I love her snowdrop illustrations. Thank you for reading my blog Jean. Happy New Year. Take care. Karen x
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Lovely artwork!
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Isn’t it glorious Eliza. I couldn’t resist sharing them.
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What a beautiful post, Happy New Year to you too Karen! Snowdrops are so magically delicate and unique in every possible way – the nature’s true reflection of hope and belief for a brighter sunny future ahead.
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Thank you Natalia. Happy New Year! I love your summary. Beautiful words. Xx
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