Great Christmas gift ideas for gardeners
It’s that time of year again. Christmas present lists are beginning to litter everyone’s kitchen tables. If you are near the delightful Kentish Wealden town, Hawkhurst, you must visit Cranbrook Iron’s ‘pop up’ shop opening on the 6th November at Septimus Quayles, Ockley Road, Hawkhurst, Kent TN18 4DP. In addition there will also be an enticing range of pieces by local makers including ceramics by Jane Macalls, carved birds by Lucy Williams, Debbi Siniska’s textiles, vintage items from Gloria Stewart Brocante and French linens and furniture from Foxhole Antiques. So rush along and get your Christmas presents sorted before the last minute panic that besets most people.
Whimiscal birds that would enliven any garden, small or large. A bargain at £14 each or £25 for two.
Fruit cages, plant supports, benches, gates, railings, handsome planters, wisteria walkways, rose arches are all available from Cranbrook Iron who have a devoted local following as well as several export customers. One off commissions can be made to order. ‘We come into our own if you want something a bit out of the ordinary’ says Rob Longley, who runs the firm with Wendy Rainthorpe.
Every child’s dream – a iron structure for growing willow around to create a little den.
Cranbrook Iron’s balancing sculptures are very beguiling and would make a very good personalised present. #why not send Rob and Wendy a picture of your dog, child, or favourite animal and they will immortalise them for ever balancing in the breeze.
An elegant garden sculpture.
A fern cut out using a plasma cutter.
Wendy Rainthorpe of Cranbrook Iron.
Perfect for outdoor entertaining.
Wendy, who has a degree in horticulture and Rob who studied agricultural engineering describe themselves as ‘artistic fabricators’. The sheer range of what they design and make is testimony to their consummate skill and inventiveness. ‘I tend to concentrate on the clunkier things’ says Rob such as gates, plant supports and rose arbours’.
Rob Longley hard at work.
Plant supports.
Why not have an outside Christmas tree decorated with Cranbrook Iron’s wide range of hanging decorations. Buy a length of outside tree lights and hey presto you are all set for Yuletide.
Novel Christmas tree decorations.
Whimiscal tree decorations.
If you are after something more substantial why not invest in a handsome planter? As Rob proudly claims ‘They will last for well over a hundred years’.
A handsome planter brimming with hydrangea ‘Annabelle’which is eminently durable. ‘It will last for well over a 100 years’ says Rob Longley.
A tea light holder.
For more information email: wendy@cranbrookiron.com. Or telephone Wendy on: 07790 064327
The shop will be open Mondays & Tuesdays, Thursdays – Saturdays 10am – 4.30pm.
