David’s inspiring garden of possibilities.

Life in Icklesham: A Picturesque Village.

That is me and my brothers at the The famous, Queen’s Head you guessed it, it’s a pub in Icklesham. closest first: Robert Cooke, David Cooke, Thomas cooke. Could not find Frank in any photo’s. Hello Frank!

The charming village of Icklesham in East Sussex is where my brother David, his wife Rossella, and their Husky, Dino, proudly reside. This picturesque village is known for its beautiful countryside, historic buildings, and friendly community. Oh, and Frank, a friend, is somewhere around too—hi Frank! They lead a peaceful life—when Dino isn’t plotting to chase every squirrel in sight, that is! The village is also home to the famous Queen’s Head pub, a perfect spot for a pint after a long walk through the scenic paths. Life in Icklesham is anything but boring, especially with Dino’s antics adding a touch of excitement to their serene lifestyle.

https://www.queenshead.com/opening-hours/

A deeper look to follow here.

Front of the cottage

As you stroll through the house, you come across a spotless kitchen. You imagine a gourmet chef leaping out and putting on their apron.

Some time ago, I went for Christmas dinner, and we had so much good food for the starters. We laughed when the turkey main course dish arrived, as no one wanted to admit they were already full. Rossella works so hard at big supermarket in the UK, and my older brother cooked on that day. I cherish the memories.

They offer you a five-course meal, with a side of Italian culinary delights. That’s because the main chef of the house is Sicilian she is a superb cook. Please don’t try to visit as it is not a restaurant lol.

David said in our WhatsApp group all brothers , and I quote: “Studies say owning a dog lowers your risk of cardiovascular death by 31%. Unless you’ve got a Husky… then it’s just a daily gamble on whether they’re giving you a heart attack or keeping you alive.” I hope it is the latter.

Just when you think it can’t get any better, you meet Dino the Husky, who looks like he just strolled off a dog modelling shoot. Seriously, I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a spa day booked right after our visit and don’t get me started on Kiki, his previous Husky companion(bless her heart now departed this world)—she was so beautiful that if she were around now, Dino might have to step up his game or risk being outshined. Honestly, if they start a dog fashion line, I’m getting in line for the merch!

Imagine this: You take two steps up, and you find yourself on a long lawn, where you can have a drink.

Their stunning garden is a testament to their commitment to a serene lifestyle. Still, it occasionally resembles a battlefield after a particularly enthusiastic round of fetch on the lawn.

David’s garden is a true reflection of his refined tastes. It was the first garden I ever worked on in my gardening business, and as my brother, he always sees potential in me that I sometimes struggle to believe is possible in myself. His garden holds a special place in my heart, largely because it didn’t involve any accidental plant mishaps or plant murders—no Agatha’s is a gooden to me.

Although I mentioned the Cane plant (Dracaena Massangeana)

My brother reassures me that the plant is just a distant memory in his garden. It’s much more appealing as an indoor plant, and thankfully, it’s no longer there. This is why I referred to “plant murders”—it’s not that I killed them, but a small fall onto a sharp edge could cause some damage. I tried to clear it out for him once. In my opinion, it was a relief when he decided to get rid of it. However, I thought this would be an interesting topic to explore here but I am still writing the blog on cane it’ll be here soon.

Upon reflection, I wish he had chosen bonsai trees or bamboo instead of cane. Bonsai trees bring back memories of The Karate Kid, where they use small trees cared for with a pair of nail scissors. However, be cautious if you plan to place one on a table in the living room, as it may die due to the central heating. Bamboo, on the other hand, is great for supporting plants as sticks go.

The garden has a Mediterranean feel and is another favourite place to visit.

To enjoy coffee or lemonade. When my brother has a cigar in his mouth, he adopts a certain persona—imagine Winston Churchill, though he may have a few ideas of his own. The scent of cigar smoke is like Marmite: you either love it or hate it. My wife visited the cigar shop in the old town of Hastings, where my brother works, and despite the thick air, she left feeling relaxed and happy. It could of been the lack of air and tobacco either way I counted my blessings she enjoyed the experience to a point.

Bit of a disclaimer: We do not dwell on smoking , it is not good for your health and this site does not endorse smoking. But my brother does, everyone to their own.

My brother and his family have truly mastered the fine art of unwinding—whether it’s through leisurely gatherings, beautiful outdoor settings, he has a lovely patio area which offers shade in the summer a nice place to sit and chat some roses to view with patio doors open, even a great place to watch telly listen to bird song. Or feasting on exquisite meals that could make a food critic drool! Their knack for creating a calm and sophisticated atmosphere is impressive, especially considering they still argue over who gets the last piece of dessert. We must have another get-together with all the family. Might be fun!

Just a tiny thought nothing like an off-topic banana split in the audience.

Can you stew pears for a barbecue? I know you can wrap a banana in foil? Please leave your answers in the comments.

The wet weather has occasionally been downright cruel to the lawn.

Turning the garden into a mini swamp through winter and drawing more attention than my last attempt at baking. I say baking but I made a Banoffee pie, my wife Rosemary said although not exactly baking it was a grand gesture, great effort, adding without the danger of fire I think It tasted great! fridges are dangerous too ( pause for thought.) if you get locked in them. To complicated to explain as you would have to climb in?

Where were we? Drainage wasn’t it?

The drainage system needs some improvements something to consider if your landscaping and then there’s Dino, our mischievous husky, who treats the garden like his own personal water park—bless him! The silver lining is that grass is tough; even when it’s bubbling like a cauldron, it refuses to quit unless you apply an expert-level amount of effort—or maybe just let Dino take another dive! I have heard Round-Up sort of kills the lot. (don’t do it, no dandelions, yet also no grass. I once witnessed a lawn sprayed and words were awkwardly exchanged of a consoling nature, before suggesting a good lawn feed company.

Chairs blog right here: https://www.bizzybee-garden-market.co.uk/winter-2024/

To conclude: David’s garden is a true haven, I’m grateful to have played a part.

It is a place where memories are made, my mum’s ashes barried under a rose. I guess that is what it is all about, though a garden is greatest when it is in use and loved and enjoyed.

Thank you for consistently reading my posts and returning regularly. Your support means a lot! I would appreciate it if you could share my content with others. If you’re inclined to contribute, a coffee donation would be fantastic. I’m always open to new ideas, so if you have any blog topics in mind, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best wishes,
Tom C.