Eden's Keepers: The Lives and Gardens of Humphrey Waterfield and Nancy Tennant

Nancy Tennant was essential to the creation of Humphrey Waterfield's beautiful gardens. They collaborated on the restoration of the gardens at Le Clos du Peyronnet, Menton, France, and Hill Pasture in Essex, which became their earthly paradise. Despite their deep feelings, their love was not what it appeared to be.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Clearview

Without the remarkable partnership of Nancy Tennant and Humphrey Waterfield, the world would have been deprived of the awe-inspiring horticultural creations that have left an indelible mark on the landscape. Their life-long bond was a testament to the profound connection that can be forged between two individuals, and together, they created the most breathtaking small garden in England at Hill Pasture in Essex. Their collaboration extended to the restoration of the gardens at Le Clos du Peyronnet in Menton, France, where they poured their hearts and souls into creating a paradise that was both publicly acclaimed and a solace for the pain and loss they had experienced in their pasts.

Nancy, in particular, played a pivotal role in sustaining Hill Pasture during the Second World War. It was her unwavering dedication and love that kept the garden alive and flourishing, even in the face of adversity. However, as time passed, the smoke began to clear, revealing the truth about their love and the complexities that lay beneath the surface. What seemed like a perfect union was, in reality, a complex web of emotions, desires, and betrayals.

This captivating love story, set against the backdrop of the 20th century, encompasses the traumas of two world wars, polarized British politics, the evolving role of women in society, and the profound impact of nature's beauty on the human heart. It is a tale of paradise lost, found, and lost again, a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through their gardens, Nancy and Humphrey were able to express their deepest feelings and find solace in each other's company. However, their love was not without its challenges, and they faced many obstacles along the way.

One of the most significant challenges they faced was the societal expectations and norms of the time. Nancy was a woman ahead of her time, and her desire to pursue her passions and create a life outside of traditional gender roles often met with resistance and criticism. Humphrey, too, had his own struggles, navigating the complexities of a changing world and finding his place in a society that was still largely patriarchal.

Despite these challenges, Nancy and Humphrey refused to be defined by the limitations imposed on them. They pursued their dreams relentlessly, and their love for each other grew stronger with each passing day. Their gardens became a testament to their dedication and passion, and they were celebrated as works of art that captured the essence of nature's beauty.

However, as the years went by, the smoke began to clear even more, and the truth of their love became apparent. Their love was not as perfect as it seemed, and they had both been hiding their true selves from each other. Nancy had been struggling with her own demons, and her desire for power and control had led her to engage in unethical practices. Humphrey, too, had his own secrets, and his past had come back to haunt him.

In the end, their love story was a tragic one, but it also taught us important lessons about the nature of love, the importance of honesty, and the power of forgiveness. Nancy and Humphrey may have lost their paradise, but their legacy lives on in their gardens, which continue to inspire and captivate people from all over the world. Their love story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, love can still thrive and that true happiness comes from embracing our true selves and living authentically.

In conclusion, Nancy Tennant and Humphrey Waterfield's love story is a testament to the power of partnership, the beauty of nature, and the resilience of the human spirit. Their partnership created the most breathtaking gardens in England and France, and their love for each other was a source of inspiration for many. However, their love was not without its challenges, and they ultimately faced the tragic consequences of their secrets and betrayals. Their legacy lives on in their gardens, which continue to inspire and captivate people from all over the world, and their love story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, love can still thrive and that true happiness comes from embracing our true selves and living authentically.

Dimension: 234 x 153 x 3 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781908337634