Raymond Smith was, up to the 2nd of August 2000, the 5th generation of the Smith Family to farm at White Coppice Farm. He was known as the ‘Moosical Farmer' as he is an amateur musician, organist, choir leader and composer of 4 musicals.
After turning 50 with farming in the doldrums, and his son not interested in milking cows he decided to sell up and convert the barn into 2 three storey houses and he would live in one of them. He designed and oversaw the conversion and set about creating the garden.
He then decided to do a course in garden Design at Myerscough College and set up his company 'Stones and Roses Garden Design'. The name was chosen as he builds in stone and grows roses and it also has musical connections with the 'Stone Roses' and 'Guns and Roses' rock groups.
Apart from building his own 2 acre garden he has taken on commissions including a roof terrace, postage stamp sized and large country house gardens.
Raymond gives a talk illustrated with 350 pictures called "From Muck and Music to Stones and Roses".
Raymond's design for Chorley's entry for the Southport Flower Show - The Pipe Organ Garden won a Gold medal.
NEWS & EVENTS
Open days for NGS 2012
Garden Openings 2012 - Sat and Sun 14th & 15th July, and Sun 22nd July, all 2-5pm.
Garden entrance £3
Groups by appointment, daytime only, £6 per person including Cream Teas. |
