Top Dog Design
Journalism Examples
THE EXTRA ROOMJane Torday loves Spring-time in her garden.
"The movement of Spring can be intoxicating. You can actually hear things growing and the soil moving. Plants will be bigger in the evening than they were in the morning."
It's a beautiful sentiment. But then Jane has a beautiful garden.
The Garden Station is hidden within the tiny community of Langley, a short distance from Hexham in Northumberland. As suggested by the name, this was once a working station from 1867 until this beautiful part of the rail network was closed in 1950.
Jane first saw the station in 1990 and describes it as a "sleeping beauty". Slowly decaying, its only remaining function was as the local sub-post office. Jane had no idea how the old Langley Station would change her life.
With the death of the then postmistress two years later it looked as if, not only was the community about to lose its local post office, but that the station had also reached the end of its life.
A freelance writer and garden designer, Jane devised a plan whereby she would take over the postal duties in return for using the building as her own office. The one minute commuting time from her home to her work space was hardly taxing on family life, and so the first stage in the rebirth of the station was in motion.
Six years later, Jane's internal drive was screaming for a new challenge, yet she could not bear to leave this space, despite its lack of working plumbing.
"The entire building needed to be embraced and brought back to life. I suddenly knew that this was what I wanted to do more than anything else."
"But how?"
The idea that formed was one which would not only make good use of the building, but also respect its history as a public building. Jane would restore the station and convert it to a centre for gardening courses and events.
In 2000, Langley Station became The Garden Station. From a decomposing, withering place, Jane and a hand-ful of others have transformed the station into a magical and enchanting outdoor world.
Developed in front of the station building and along the old railway track, the garden is on three levels, framed by the original rail bridges, and leading subtly into a woodland walk.
"My view has always been that the garden should be as natural as possible", Jane explains. "It would be jarring to formalise the space too much. Rather, it should blend into the landscape, yet still be defined as something in its own right.
"One bonus is that you can get away with murder - weeds can be part of its charm!"
This garden is for people to enjoy, indeed Jane says that everything they do at the station is designed to bring people pleasure. To wander there is to find tranquil spots; a bench to enjoy the sunshine; hidden corners with the most beautiful of flowers; the chance of spying a foraging red squirrel.
"People want to come here just for the garden, to go for a walk and be peaceful and tranquil. It's a quiet place and that's what people love it for."
Visitors can also buy a range of perennial plants at The Garden Station, and help themselves to coffee and cake at what Jane imagines must be the smallest self-service cafe in England. 'The Leaning Shed Cafe' really does lean - an imperfection that adds to the charm of this unique place.
And there's no bill once you've finished, rather visitors place the money in an honesty box. "People like to be welcomed and treated respectfully" Jane says.
Internally, Jane has merged the old male and female waiting areas into one space. Here she can serve lunches to the public - her country recipes are the other aspect of her talents.
This is also an ideal area to provide courses in a variety of subjects for people to take part in. From all angles of gardening, including gardening for beginners, growing organic vegetables, cottage gardens and even tree medicine, Jane also has visiting tutors to cover artistic topics as diverse as willow weaving, textile art, painting and drawing, singing, origami, sculpting, creative writing and cartoonists.
"This is a special place for courses" says Jane. "Because it's more of a retreat and it's cosy and friendly, it is an ideal place to be stimulated, and you are able to have a real connection with people.
"In the 'new' countryside, there are lots of creative endeavours going on all over the place. Although it may always be under strain, the countryside is far from being dead. You have to make your own life and rise to the challenge."
Though The Garden Station goes into hibernation during the winter months, this is still a full-time job for Jane, working at least six days a week and often a 12-hour day.
"I'm continuously working on the garden. I know there's a lot more I can do to add to it; to develop and enhance it.
"Gardens aren't meant to be static. You can continually reinvent them."
But how easy is it for someone who has the inclination but not the know-how? Jane suggests starting small.
"It can be very daunting starting with a big empty space, but just take it stage by stage. Even just start with containers around the house before you venture outside.
"Decide what matters to you and what would cheer you up the most. Would you like a quiet place to sit at the end of your day; would you like an expanse of lawn for the family; ask yourself which particular plants appeal to you most.
"It doesn't have to be a lot of work, and it is only as expensive as you let it be.
"Sow from seed and take cuttings to save money. You can do a lot without spending a fortune.
"Gardens are supposed to be more about leisure and recreation than they once were, so don't see it as the enemy. Rather connect with the garden and the space that you have.
"Then the interior and exterior of your home will combine and you will just have created an extra room."