We know Agatha Christie for her murder mysteries. But did you know the Queen of Crime was a garden lover? As a child growing up at Ashfield House, her favorite spots were among the trees, plants, and woodland paths. After her success as an author, she was able to afford her own country house and gardens at Greenway, in Devon, England where she restored more than 30 acres of gardens.
The property includes several distinct garden areas including two walled gardens, a vinery, a kitchen garden, and a fern garden restored with a central water fountain.
Two of Christie’s most famous mysteries, Five Little Pigs and Dead Man's Folly are clearly set at Greenway, under fictional names. These stories include many scenes in the gardens. (The murder weapon in Five Little Pigs is local spotted hemlock.)
Christie’s use of poisonous, plant-based chemicals as the “murder weapon” in so many of her mysteries reveals her gardening expertise. Many of the poisons in her stories come from plants that she knew well because they were growing in her own garden beds and in the surrounding woodland areas at Greenway.
The cost to see the house and gardens is 36 British pounds per car. The gardens are open daily from 10:30 AM-5:00 PM.
And now for the IWSG question of the month: What are my thoughts about using AI like ChatGP? Would I use it for research, creating outlines...?
Well, I haven't used AI for regular writing jobs that apply to writing the actual book. I like going down my own rabbit holes for research and creating outlines and writing. That's part of the fun. What I have been doing, is using AI for marketing: coming up with keywords for search optimization, coming up with ideas for YouTube posts. I find it very helpful for those things. If you let it, ChatGP would do all the thinking about these things. And maybe that's good. Less time for me to think about it, and more time to write what I want. What are your thoughts?
Hi dear friend Sherry! It's so lovely to see your post come up on my news feed today! :) The photos are beautiful! I have in the past read some Agatha Christie books, but in the last decade or so I read only non fiction.
ReplyDeleteI did not know that Agatha Christie was a garden lover! I did know that my favourite artist, Claude Monet, was a nature and garden lover, though. I saw a few videos on YouTube of Monet's house and gardens. Just gorgeous!
Thank you so much for sharing, Sherry, and I wish you a wonder filled week and a great September!
Using it for marketing is a good use.
ReplyDeleteI guess Agatha Cristie was prepared to do in some house guest if need be with all of those poisonous plants around.
Next time we go to England, I'll have to seek our her house.
ReplyDeleteYou know, that's why she was so inspired -- so much time outdoors in the fresh air. LOL! We all need a little bit of that. Or a lot.
ReplyDeleteBe careful in those rabbit holes. Make sure you've got an exit, eh?
I loved the post about Christie's love of gardens! So beautiful. As to AI, I'd let it do the mundane chores, but I want all the fun for myself, too,
ReplyDeletehttps://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com/
Ooh - a new bucket list item. Agatha Christie's place. Sounds lovely. As for AI, I am wary. At the simplest level, it never seems to find the words I am thinking. I am grateful to not be a teacher grading essays.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry - Agatha Christie had an enquiring mind and absorbed all kinds of information. I've always 'dashed past' Devon as I was on my way to Cornwall ... but the west country has some amazing gardens - lots to see. AI: it's all around us isn't it ... I like your idea about using it for marketing ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteCount on Brits to have massive, gorgeous gardens, the climate works for them massively.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sherry!
ReplyDeleteYour rationale for using ChatGP makes a lot of sense, dear friend. I agree that much of the fun involved in crafting a story is doing your own research and drafting your own outline. Thanks for the interesting details about Agatha's gardens and how her knowledge of plants such as those on her property informed the plots of her murder mystery novels. I'd love to tour that magnificent Devon estate!
Enjoy the rest of your September and look for my next post at Shady's Place to begin running October 1. Thanks for visiting me today, dear friend Sherry!
I always like English gardens, much preferring them to the French over-coifed style.
ReplyDeleteThat poisonous plants is scary stuff.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely good for writers to have an outdoor hobby. Typing tends to override the yearn for sunshine, ha ha. Marketing with AI? I suppose I haven't typed "sell my book for me" into AI engines. 🤔
ReplyDelete“Let’s strive to be better in September!” – Charmaine J. Forde #quote
My novelette came out on the ninth. A post about condiments is scheduled for the 17th on the A to Z site. Hope you're well!
J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) @JLenniDorner ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge