In Bristol, England, a sixty-something amateur gardener has become a local legend for his vibrant garden filled with 200 self-cultivated hanging baskets.
Shaun Schroeder, aged 61, spends about three hours each evening tending to his garden in Bristol. During the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the grandfather of two took up gardening and has since fallen in love with this ancient and beautiful art. Every winter, he redesigns his garden during his free time, giving it a different look each year that is a feast for the eyes.
“During the winter when everything withers, I have a blank canvas,” Schroeder told SWNS. “This year’s appearance is especially unique with all new plant varieties and a different overall layout.”
In May, Schroeder spent a whole week planting all the plants so that they would bloom simultaneously in late July. Throughout the summer, he meticulously maintains the garden, handpicking slugs and snails every night to protect the plants from being destroyed.
“My nightly routine at 10 o’clock is to remove them all and release them properly,” he said. “I can pick off over a hundred every night!”
Schroeder’s annual garden budget is approximately £1,500 (about $1,970), which includes the cost of purchasing all plants, compost, fertilizers, flower pots, and gardening tools.
“This year, all these 200 hanging baskets look fantastic,” he said. “As I get older, it’s harder to keep up with everything, but the work really brings me joy.”
This year, a friend’s niece asked if she could rehearse a dance event in his garden, which he considered the ultimate reward for his year-long hard work.
“At first, I was surprised, but then I thought, doesn’t this show that I did something right?” Schroeder added. The garden helps him unwind after a long day’s work. “After a hard day’s work, walking through the garden, even just a quick glance, helps me relax,” he said. “But I do it not only for myself but also for others to appreciate.”
During the pandemic, passersby told him that his colorful garden was like a ray of light, brightening their mood during the lockdown. His mailbox is often filled with letters from visitors praising the beauty of his garden. Locals even take detours during their walks just to catch a glimpse of the flowers.
This year, Schroeder planted over 2,000 plants, more than in previous years, including asters, begonias, fuchsias, small-flowered begonias, snapdragons, geraniums, water lilies, and lavender.
Interestingly, he diligently cultivated these beautiful flowers in 200 hanging baskets, making the colorful blooms more prominent and giving the garden a stronger sense of depth. Unexpectedly, his meticulously crafted garden has also become a local tourist attraction.
“I’m lucky to have an understanding wife who lets me spend the entire weekend in the garden!” Schroeder said.
As plant prices increase, Schroeder propagates more plants through cuttings rather than buying new ones. About a quarter of the plants in the garden this year were propagated using this method.
Although the lockdown is a thing of the past, Schroeder continues to present a beautiful sight for others to enjoy.
“Even many residents near Whitchurch town take detours to pass by my garden,” he said. “They like to come in and take a look, and if they’re willing, I’m happy to show them around.”
“Some people pass by in the evening and tell me how wonderful it looks here, and there are always people knocking on the door.”