When Rob and Amanda first moved into their home more than a decade ago, the garden needed care and attention. “When we arrived, it was a little neglected,” Rob explains. “But that gave us the chance to rework it and make it our own.”
Over the years, they’ve shaped the space into something that now feels well established and full of life. “It’s really starting to come into its own,” Rob says. “We’ve moved things around quite a bit, but it’s all part of how it’s grown with us.”
At the heart of the garden is a lawn that’s carefully looked after, even if it comes with its challenges. “Keeping the lawn in good condition isn’t always easy in Blackheath, with seeds constantly blowing in,” Rob says, “but it’s worth it.”
Surrounding it is colour and texture, largely thanks to Amanda’s love of plants. “Amanda is the expert,” Rob explains.
“She’s filled the garden with colour, from roses to all sorts of vibrant planting. We’re hoping to add more peonies as well, and we try to keep something in bloom throughout the year.”
But the garden isn’t just about how it looks. It’s designed to be shared. “We love using it as a social space,” Rob says. “It’s somewhere we can spend time with friends and family, relax, and enjoy being together.”
Based in Blackheath, their home has its own story. “Our house is Georgian and celebrating its 250th anniversary,” Rob says. “That makes it feel even more special.”
The surrounding community is just as important to them. “It’s a very friendly area. There are several other gardens nearby taking part, and just across the A2, there are even more. People tend to stay here a long time, so you really get to know your neighbours.”
Their involvement in the Open Gardens Festival has grown naturally over time. “This is our fourth or fifth year taking part,” Rob explains. “We started by visiting other gardens and thought, maybe we could do this too.” After investing so much time in their own space, opening it up felt like the right next step. “It’s a fantastic cause, and it’s rewarding to share something we’ve worked hard on.”
Their garden is easy to miss from the outside. “It’s a walled garden, so people can walk straight past without knowing it’s here,” Rob says.
“Opening it up gives people a chance to discover something a bit hidden, and it encourages us to keep improving it as well.”
One of the highlights each year is their much-loved event, Jazz in the Garden. “We work with Trinity Laban Conservatoire in Greenwich,” Rob says. “Music is really important to me, I trained as a musician myself, and I’m passionate about supporting young talent.”
The event creates an opportunity for students to perform in front of a local audience. “They are all incredibly talented,” Rob says. “Without something like this, many people wouldn’t get to see them play.” It’s a relaxed and welcoming occasion.
“People bring their own drinks, and we offer some Pimms and wine, and it becomes a really social afternoon or evening.” Funds raised are shared between the conservatoire and Community Hospice, making it an event that benefits everyone involved.
For them, the garden is also a personal retreat. “It’s such a calm space,” Rob says. “Even though we’re only about 200 metres from the A2, it feels completely tranquil.” With greenery all around and birdsong in the background, it offers a place to pause. “You can sit, think, and just listen. It’s a bit of a haven.”
Their support for Community Hospice comes from a place of understanding and respect. “We don’t have a direct connection, but Amanda’s mother spent her final days in a hospice,” they explain.
“That experience showed us the level of care, compassion and dignity hospices provide. It really stays with you.”
Opening their garden is one way they can give something back. “We feel lucky to have this space,” Rob says. “Being able to use it to support such an important cause means a lot to us.”
Their garden is one of many that open across Greenwich and Bexley as part of the Open Gardens Festival. Each one offers something different, from hidden courtyards to larger family spaces, all brought together by a shared purpose.
