History | Courtyard | David Austin Roses | Pets |
| The Cottage | News |
| Group Gatherings & Blessings |
The Soul’s Hearth

A Little Rose Sanctuary in south Shropshire

My Shropshire Garden

Hello, I’m Julie.Welcome to “My Shropshire Garden.”In 2015, I arrived here following a fire in my thatched National Trust cottage in Atcham, Shrewsbury.Moving from the busy hub-bub of Attingham Park to the deep quiet of the woods of Wenlock Edge was a transition born first of necessity. It was February, freezing cold, and I had a gaping hole in the roof and no working heating after the fire; it was not possible to stay. I simply needed a roof and a hearth to sit in front of and get warm; as you can imagine, a house fire was a fairly traumatic experience and I think I was still in shock.What began initially as an essential refuge soon led to a deep love affair with the wildness of this sacred land. The remoteness took a time of getting used to but after a while began to settle in my bones. Growing up in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, I am used to wild landscapes, through Shropshire is more of a polite sister of the majestic Welsh mountains.This is not a garden tended by professionals; it is the work of one woman with a love for trees, the sacred, and roses.Now, first, a caveat if I may: this is not a "neat and prim" space at all, but more a wild sanctuary where David Austin roses scramble freely high into the trees and native, bee-laden sweet-scented honeysuckle weaves through its branches.I fell in love with the spirit of this land even through its challenges: the knee-high cold fog that hugs the ground for days during winter, the “dark-dark” from the absence of street lights, and the profound, beautiful remoteness of these hills and the huge Wenlock Edge woodland.I created this page as I wanted to document the beauty of this place for myself, and also to give you the opportunity to peek into a residential National Trust garden in the UK. I know those abroad are often fascinated by our little cottages and their gardens. Yes, there is a little cottage here too, but more of that later.My hope is that this page might inspire you, or perhaps even offer you a moment of rest in this busy world we all share.Being a bit of a romantic at heart, I always feel we are strangers only once, and often kindred spirits at heart through our love of nature and the mystery of the unseen.Wherever you are in the world, I am so glad that you are here and have stopped by for a visit today at my little corner of the world, albeit digitally.With blessings and grace,Julie.Do wander, and if you would like, feel free to sign the guestbook and leave me a message of what brought you here today.

My ministry

A Quiet Anchor in the Shropshire Hills

As I mentioned, I am an ordained Interfaith (multi-faith) Minister.Since 2007, I have offered an inclusive sanctuary of deep listening, ceremony, and prayer for those seeking to enjoy their faith in a nature-based environment, or perhaps without the confines of traditional religion.I work with people seeking deeper connection, regardless of personal faith or background.If interested, you can read about it here:

• My Ministry Website

Early days flanked by misty mountains

Growing up under the shadows of the majestic Brecon Beacons pre-internet, I have always found the Divine in the natural world.Since 2007, I have served the community tucked in the South Shropshire hills. Though the smaller hills are “quieter” than the majestic “roar” of the Welsh mountains, they are equally rich in atmosphere.Many of our group ceremonies take place outdoors in nature, where the land itself acts as a cathedral for our shared stories.

All faiths

Whatever your spiritual beliefs, faith, or chosen path,I am so glad that you are here!

• Contact Julie

Marking life’s turning points with Grace and Intention

Thresholds

Life is full of sacred thresholds, moments when one chapter closes and another begins.I facilitate ceremonies and blessings for milestones such as house dedications, new ventures, personal transformations, and significant birthdays.Each gathering is mindfully designed to honour the transition, providing a prayerful, grounded presence that supports you and your loved ones with meaning and grace.

Little Wonders

Baby Blessings & Naming

Welcoming a new soul to the world with Grace and Joy.Celebrating Life’s Sacred Beginnings
Naming ceremonies and baby blessings are a wonderful way to celebrate the gift of life and their journey ahead.Through gentle ceremony, reflection, and heartfelt celebration, these moments become treasured memories for all who gather.A sacred beginning for family, community, and the path yet to be walked.

Gathering Together

Sacred Ceremony

I have long believed that the simple act of gathering together in our moments of celebration, honour and even grief, brings us a deep inner strength and the reassurance that we are not alone.To be held in both a collective togetherness and Divine Presence can be very comforting and deeply moving in times of change or celebration. Even guests who might not have a faith or spiritual belief at all, often comment on the deeply rich and peaceful atmosphere at our ceremonies.Whether you are marking a birth, a marriage, or a quiet moment of goodbye, my goal is to help you find the Grace, peace, joy and celebration that is already present in your and your loved ones' life stories.

Whether we meet in the shadow of the Stiperstones, a quiet village hall, or your own garden, I am here to facilitate a space with care, professionalism, and deep respect for yours or your loved one’s unique journey.I look forward to hearing from you,

Weekly Quiet Reflection

Weekly Blessings
& Prayers

Friends,Join us for our Online Weekly Prayers, Blessings and Meditations.Please sign the guestbook below to receive the latest calendar of events.

Whatever your current path,
may you find firm ground
beneath your feet.Whatever your current prayer,
may it be met with grace,
favour, and peace.With heartfelt blessings,Julie