The latest contender in our search walks Ashley Ball through the uphill task he has mastered in Monk Bretton.
WHAT Peter Tomes has done to transform a steep banking into a lush kaleidoscope of colours should be an example to anyone who thinks a challenging gradient can’t be conquered.
Peter, 70, has created a multi-storey garden which is loved by himself, his family and wildlife alike.
A lone tree has been left for visiting woodpeckers to chip away at - that’s the highest point of the garden but not the highlight with practically everything playing a contributing role. It is definitely more orchestra than soloist.
There is a definite Mediterranean feel to walking up the stairs which is enhanced further on a hot day and the perfumes and colours have the transportive quality.
Now retired after working on petrol tankers, Peter is dedicating himself to two loves.
Providing for wildlife is deeply important to him but it is also hard to miss several pieces of architectural salvage or antiques dotted around the garden.
On paper it sounds a quirky mixture but the salvaged stone, artwork and cast iron pieces enhance the planting.
Everything looks like it belongs and it’s clear Peter has slowly been honing his garden to how he likes it - without rush and with much consideration.
I have to do two laps of the upper reaches of the garden to try and ensure I spot everything and on my second visit I see planting and stonework I hadn’t the first time.
Peter has just about filled every nook and cranny with a plant but yet it does not seem overcrowded.
He said: “When I was working away it was a case of coming home and maintaining but as my kids got older I started planting and collecting.
“We had to cut out the banking and build walls. If the space was flat it might be a little bit boring for me.
“Because it’s on levels, you get different views. You have to tour around a little bit to see everything.”
On the ground level of the garden there’s planting and a wildlife pond and many reclaimed benches and chairs which allow you to look at the garden from every angle.
The family home for approaching half a century was rocked 18 months ago when Peter’s wife Lynne died from cancer.
Losing his partner of five decades is clearly still raw to Peter but it is also evident that gardening helps with the mourning.
“Sometimes I get a little bit upset,” he said.
“But I go out into the garden every day I can. There is always a job to be done.”
The search for Barnsley’s Best Garden is kindly sponsored by Sunflowers From The Hills.
Read more about our 'Barnsley's Best Garden' competition here: https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/article/28494/the-search-for-barnsleys-best-gardens-is-on
Meet all nine of our nominees and cast your vote :https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/article/29050/vote-for-the-best-garden-in-barnsley
Voteing is open from August 2 to August 11. You must be a registered user of our website in order to vote.
