↧
Almost Wordless Wednesday - Autumn colours and blooms
↧
The Garden House - a remarkable plantsman's garden in Devon
 |
| The Garden House has eight acres of naturalistic planting at the edge of Dartmoor |
 |
| Visitors can enjoy fantastic views of the church and Dartmoor beyond from The Garden House |
Tucked away down winding country lanes in a village called Buckland Monachorum, it was created by a passionate plantsman more than 60 years ago. Successive head gardeners have considerably enhanced the eight-acre property and added their own stamp over the years, particularly Keith Wiley, who spent quarter of a century here adding to the backbone of the garden created by the owner.
![]()
![]()
The story here began in 1945 when a former Eton schoolmaster - Lionel Fortescue - moved to the 1920s vicarage that forms the central focus of much of the garden and began planting a walled garden around the ruins of a former 16th century vicarage in the lowest section of the landscape. Fortescue was the son of a Newlyn school painter and he clearly had a good eye for colour. He also liked innovative planting schemes and during the period that Keith Wiley worked with him, they created a series of inspirational vistas, with views to the village church and Dartmoor beyond.
Fortescue was also a passionate plant collector who travelled far and wide to find good specimens. Today The Garden House has an excellent collection of azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias for spring colour and acers that come into their own in the autumn. The emphasis here is on naturalistic planting, which is considerably enhanced by the stunning views over the horizon and the theatrical elements of the ruins within.
 |
| The lower sections of the garden are woven around the ruins of a 16th-century abbey |
Fortescue worked closely for 25 years with head gardener, Keith Wiley, to create the spectacular walled garden that is such a prominent feature here. And although the former schoolteacher died in 1981, Wiley continued as head gardener until 2003, when he was succeeded by Matt Bishop. Keith has now moved on and created his own magnificent garden and nursery at neighbouring Wildside - elsewhere in the village. Definitely one for the wishlist and open during high summer (click on link for details).
The Garden House is open from the beginning of March until the end of October daily, from 10.30-17.00. Admission is £6.60 for adults and £2.70 for children, and annual membership costs just £28, which also admits you to another of my favourite Devon gardens - Coleton Fishacre - and Trebah in Cornwall - well worth the money if you're lucky enough to spend time in the West Country.
![]()
 |
| The Garden House has something to offer throughout the seasons - seen here in October |
↧
↧
Two of the finest sub-tropical gardens in Cornwall - Trebah and Glendurgan
 |
| Stand at the top of Trebah and you will enjoy views over the gardens and estuary below |
 |
| The gardens at Trebah date back more than a century and are reminiscent of Jurassic Park |
 |
| The laurel maze at Glendurgan appeals to all ages |
↧
One for the Christmas Wishlist - The New English Garden
In the run up to Christmas, we’re all on the lookout for books to give to family and garden-loving friends. Tim Richardson’s latest offering – The New English Garden – with lavish photography by Andrew Lawson, is certainly one to consider. It features 25 contemporary gardens that have “been made or remade over the last decade” and while it is perhaps a bold project because it will date quite quickly, it’s certainly a lavish coffee table offering and a source of new ideas for gardens to visit.
That said, most of us will be hard pressed to visit some of the properties within, since they rarely open to the public. Plaz Metaxu, Tilbury Hall and Mount St John do not open their doors for the NGS and unless you’re lucky enough to find them on a private garden tour, you're unlikely to get to see them. But the joy of this book is that you can enjoy a vicarious look through Andrew Lawson’s eyes.
The New English Garden features some surprises, given Richardson's explanation for his choices. Both Great Dixter and Highgrove appear, although neither fit the bill of "made or remade" in the last 10 years, but they complement the other properties and certainly provide some previously unpublished images in a book that for the most part features gardens created on a scale that we expect to see at huge estates.
Readers will have no problem visiting the one National Trust property featured - Packwood House - or indeed Scampston Hall, Trentham and Cottesbrooke Hall, which throw open their doors to the public throughout the summer season. Other gardens that were once totally inaccessible to the public are also included, notably The Laskett and Highgrove. And with a little determination, readers can also access Bury Court and Arabella Lennox Boyd's garden at Gresgarth Hall.
I've been lucky enough to visit at least 10 of the gardens in this book, including The Laskett, Gresgarth Hall, Bury Court, Mount St John and most recently, Keith Wiley's Wildside, but there are still several that remain on my Wishlist, notably Througham Court and Plaz Metaxu. But until I get there, I too will have to satisfy my curiosity with Tim Richardson's latest book.
RRP for this book is £40.00, but the publisher is offering a special price of £32.00 (including p&p in the UK) to Galloping Gardener readers. To order a copy telephone 01903 828503 or email: mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk, quoting reader offer code APG19 and giving your name and address details. Add £2.50 for postage and packing for overseas orders.
 |
| Bury Court in Hampshire, which showcases both Piet Oudolf and Christopher Bradley-Hole's work |
 |
| Mount St John, designed by Tom Stuart-Smith opens occasionally to the public |
RRP for this book is £40.00, but the publisher is offering a special price of £32.00 (including p&p in the UK) to Galloping Gardener readers. To order a copy telephone 01903 828503 or email: mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk, quoting reader offer code APG19 and giving your name and address details. Add £2.50 for postage and packing for overseas orders.
↧
Alphabet Gardens 2013 - Some awesome "A" properties
 |
| The holm oak walk at Arley Hall in Cheshire |
With so few gardens to visit in the winter months and with weather forecasters telling us this is going to be the coldest winter on record for many years, I plan to feature a series of alphabetical posts in the next few weeks, showing what's on offer here in the UK for garden lovers. The list is far from exhaustive, but growing every year and covers some of the gardens I've enjoyed visiting during the last four years. Most are only open during the summer months, but if you're planning garden visits for 2014, you may want to bookmark those you like the look of.
![]()
Aberglasney Gardens in Wales is well worth visiting because of the painstaking restoration work carried out here to transform what was once considered "lost" into what is there today. Saved by a group of historic house enthusiasts and an American benefactor in the 1990's, the results are impressive and, as you wander through the grounds, you feel as though you've stepped back in time. Also worth knowing remembering because it's open every day except Christmas Day.
![]()
Alfriston Clergy House in East Sussex (above) is a 14th century cottage surrounded by a series of Arts & Crafts terraces, owned and operated by the National Trust - the first property added to their portfolio as long ago as 1896. It nestles in glorious countryside near the coast and makes an interesting stop if you're visiting any of the Bloomsbury Set gardens in area, especially Monks House, which is just a stone's throw away.
![]()
Athelhampton House in Dorset (above) has a fine architectural garden, with unusual features including a circular Corona, Great Court with its 12 immaculately clipped yew pyramids, and the benefit of the River Piddle, which bounds the garden on one side and feeds the pools and fountains that are one of the most attractive features of the property. An interesting house too, and lovely views over the surrounding Thomas Hardy countryside. Gardens open March to end of October, and there are many other spectacular properties nearby, including Mapperton.
![]()
An Cala in Scotland sits in a marvellous position near the sea (above), and is a series of carefully planted areas which invite further investigation, and there are many charming touches including sheep sculptures, a burbling stream and a small wooden temple. Generally considered to be at its best in spring and summer, and with a wonderful collection of azaleas and rhododendrons, I visited in the autumn and really enjoyed my afternoon amid the falling leaves, with the bracing air. Open April - October, and well worth combining with some of the other fine gardens in the area.
![]()
Nearby Arduaine is another must-see in Scotland (above), with fine sea views, an incredible collection of trees and shrubs and an interesting history. The first great gardener who lived here was James Campbell, a tea planter, who brought back fine specimens from his forays into Sri Lanka and the East. Acquired in 1971 by two Essex nurserymen, Edmund and Harry Wright, the gardens were given to the National Trust for Scotland in 1992. Open year round - wonderful for views over the Sound of Jura and long walks.
![]()
Arley Hall in Cheshire is one to visit if you've got at least half a day to spare. Reputed to be the home of Britain's first herbaceous borders (above) - first recorded on a map in 1846 - they are well worth visiting throughout the season and you'll be treated to different flowering displays every month. But equally impressive are the two walled gardens, the spectacular springtime rootery, filled with early flowering woodland shrubs, and the holm oak walk (top). Open March to September.
![]()
Ascott in the Vale of Aylesbury, is a former Rothschild home and a grand 30-acre landscape featuring topiary, borders and fountains. Originally purchased by Baron Meyer de Rothschild, but transformed by his nephew Leopold into what you see today. With fountains by Thomas Waldo Story (above) and a huge topiary sundial sculpted out of golden box and yew, this is a garden to savour on a summer's day.
↧
↧
Alphabet Gardens - Best of Britain's "B" gardens
Barnsley House in Gloucestershire, former home of Rosemary Verey - well-known society plantswoman and author of several seminal gardening books, is one to put on the Wishlist for 2014. Notable for its laburnum arch, modelled on the larger version at Bodnant (see below) and the potager, this garden is well worth visiting at any time during the spring and summer. Now an acclaimed hotel and restaurant, where the garden is principally open to guests, rather than garden visitors, there is an annual Barnsley Village Festival in May, when the garden opens to all.
Barrington Courtin Somerset is a large Tudor house set in 11 acres of grounds, operated by the National Trust and known for its 20th century garden commissioned by a former tenant after World War I, who enlisted the help of Gertrude Jekyll for the planting there. Particularly notable is the kitchen garden, where you'll see spectacular displays of both flowers and vegetables in season. A further bonus for garden lovers is the other notable gardens nearby including Lytes Cary and Tintinhull.
If in Scotland, head forBenmore, home to Britain's finest avenue of giant redwoods (Sequoiadendron gigantum) and some of the finest conifers in the country, this is the spectacular arboretum and country garden affiliated to the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. Particularly noteworthy in spring, when the 300+ species of magnolia and rhododendron are in flower and in autumn, when the acers (above) give good colour.
The Beth Chatto Garden in Essex is one of the most popular in Britain (above) and visitors flock here throughout the year to see what this veritable plantswoman has created. She is famous for her shade planting schemes and the garden is a joy at any time of year (especially springtime) when visitors will draw inspiration from her plant combinations, clustered around a series of ponds. Equally popular is her dry garden, a relatively new addition to the landscape here, but showing just what grows in arid conditions.
Bodnant (above) one of the jewels in the National Trust's garden crown, has a stunning location near Colwyn Bay in North Wales and exceptional views over the surrounding countryside. Best known perhaps for its laburnum arch and dazzling spring colour displays, this is another of the most visited gardens in Britain and can get very crowded. Fortunately there are 80 acres to explore, so you can leave the crowds behind you if you are fleet of foot!
![]()
Borde Hill in Sussex is another property where the woodland gardens play a starring role in springtime. Get there on a sunny day and you'll be blown away by the magnolia blossoms glinting in the sunshine (above). Much time and effort has been put into this 200-acre property at the heart of the Sussex Weald in the last 10 years by the Clarke family, who live in the Tudor mansion there.
Bowood Housein Wiltshire arrives on the gardening map in May, with the astounding colour displays in its 60-acre woodland garden (above), where rhododendrons and bluebells guarantee spring displays that will make you gasp if you're lucky enough to see them. But this is quite separate to the Capability Brown landscape surrounding the main house, which remains open throughout the summer months, and offers elaborate Italianate terraces overlooking a series of lakes.
Broughton Grange is well worth making the trek to see, even though open days are extremely limited. It took me five years to get there, but when I finally made it earlier this year, I was glad I had. The gardens were redesigned as a Millennium project for the owner by Tom Stuart Smith, who has left his mark on the property with the stunning walled garden featuring his famous and much-photographed parterre (above). The garden opens infrequently for the NGS and selected local charities - well worth making the effort to see if you can get there.
Bressingham in Norfolk was one of the biggest surprises this year for me - a stunning 16-acre garden created by a family of plantsmen who ply their flourishing nursery trade, known as "Blooms" all over the world. Renowned for its island borders and collection of steam trains, this makes an ideal family day out, because the unusual combination of plants and locomotives provides entertainment for all the family. The garden is simply stunning in mid summer and definitely one to put on your Wishlist.
Buscot Park in Oxfordshire is the best surviving example of a Harold Peto water garden anywhere in Britain (above), but is also well known for its pleasure gardens and walled garden, which is a blaze of colour in mid-summer. The gardens are administered by the National Trust, but art lovers will also enjoy this property, because of the fine collection of Rubens, Rembrandt and Reynolds that adorn the walls in the main house, under the stewardship of the Faringdon family.
↧
Catch those charismatic "C" gardens when you can!
Sit and savour the same views enjoyed by Sir Winston Churchill when you head to Chartwell in Kent, where you'll find an astounding landscape overlooking the Weald and some unexpected features including an immaculate and well-stocked kitchen garden, water gardens created by the great man, and his wife Clementine's charming rose garden. The house is steeped in history and attracts thousands of visitors annually, but the garden is also well worth visiting.
If you're looking for a charming cottage garden, head to Chiffchaffs in Dorset (above) on a spring or summer's day to immerse yourself in cosy planting schemes and to breathe in the country air. This property is particularly glorious when the rhododendrons are flowering in May and you can savour the woodland walk, but there's always something in flower here during the season and with the excellent adjoining nursery, you can the buy plants that inspire you. Only open on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Sundays, from 2.00-5.00 but well worth making a detour for if you're in the area.
The Claremont Landscape Garden in Surrey is unique - one of the earliest surviving gardens of its kind, just outside Esher in Surrey, this surviving 18th century gem bears the hallmarks of William Kent, 'Capability' Brown and Charles Bridgeman. This was once Sir John Vanbrugh's country seat, now preserved for the nation by the National Trust. Open daily throughout the year (except Christmas Day), expect to see wonderful vistas in the cold wintery weather, especially when it snows.
The garden at Claydon House in Buckinghamshire is a riot of colour throughout the summer months and has one of the finest walled vegetable gardens in the country. Much work has been done here in the last few years and the gardens, attached to a well-known National Trust property, are operated privately and open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday ((12.00-17.00) from March to October.
The fabulous Arts and Crafts garden at Coleton Fishacre in Devon is well worth making the trek to see if you're heading west or wanting to see an unusual landscape with fine coastal views. And the climate here guarantees that you'll see all sorts of unusual, exotic plants in high season, including proteas. Art Deco enthusiasts will enjoy the interior of the house, which was once home to Rupert d'Oyly Carte. Open daily throughout the spring and summer months (except Fridays).
Cothay Manor must surely rank as one of the most romantic gardens in Britain, with its moated approach (above) and 12 acres of glorious garden rooms, faithfully tended by owners Alastair and Mary-Anne Robb, who won the nation's heart when they appeared on "Country House Rescue" a few years back. You'll need several hours here to fully appreciate the scope of this property, which was originally created by Lt Col Reginald Cooper, who arrived brimming with ideas from close friends Lawrence Johnson of Hidcote, and Harold Nicolson of Sissinghurst.
Coton Manor in Northamptonshire has been in the same family for 50 years. There was nothing here when they arrived, but today it is one of the most prized public gardens in this part of the country, attracting some 30,000 visitors annually. Open selectively for snowdrops and hellebores in February and then daily throughout the main season, there's plenty to see in this charming 10-acre garden surrounding the 17th century stone manor.
One of the best spring and early season gardens in southern England is Cranborne Manor in Dorset, but you'll need to plan your visit, because it only opens one day a week - on a Wednesday. The original garden was laid out by John Tradescant (the Elder) in the 17th century. But today, this garden is a tribute to the family who live in the manor, who have put their own stamp on the property. Notable features include the wildflower meadow and exceptional spring flower displays.
One of the smallest gardens to make it into the alphabet listings - at just over quarter of an acre - the Crossing House is definitely one to visit if you're in the area, or on your way to neighbouring Docwra's Manor. This garden has been lovingly created by plantswoman Margaret Fuller at the back of the railway track and is open every day of the year. It will fill your heart with joy in mid summer!
↧
Happy New Year
As the year draws to a close, I'd like to thank all of you who have visited my blog in the last year and hope that you all have a happy and peaceful start to 2014.
↧
Take the walkway to heaven this winter at Cornwall's Eden Project
 |
| The Eden Project covers an area equivalent to 35 football pitches |
When news of Cornwall's ambitious new Eden Project began to appear in newspapers and on television screens in the late 1990s, it sparked considerable public interest, although many said that the ambitious £140 million venture, funded partially by the Millennium Commission, was doomed to fail. The visitor centre opened in 2000 so the public could see what all the fuss was about while the former china clay pit was being converted into a horticultural Mecca. In March 2001 the whole site opened and in its first year of operation, more than two million visitors walked through the door.
 |
| There are eight different sized biomes at Eden, constructed of steel and EFTE windows |
Eden is unique. It was the brainchild of Tim Smit who spent many years restoring the nearby Lost Gardens of Heligan. It comprises eight interlinked biomes of various different sizes - huge transparent greenhouses made of Ethylenetetrafluorothylenecopolymer (EFTE for those of us who flinch at the spelling and pronunciation). They are non stick, self-cleaning and transmit UV light. But most importantly, they provide an ideal environment for the specially-selected plants and crops growing inside, none of which would normally survive the English climate.
 |
| Visitors climbing the steps to the aerial platform in the Rainforest Biome |
Head for the Rainforest Biome if you want a real adventure and climb the steps (above) to the suspended aerial platform near the top of the dome for a bird's eye view of the crops and plants below including tropical exotics like chocolate, coffee, rubber and spices. Definitely not for the feint-hearted as it gets more hot and humid the higher you climb. But well worth it when you get the chance to look down on the huge variety of plants growing beneath you.
 |
| The aerial platform is new to the Rainforest biome - giving a bird's eye view of what's growing below |
The Mediterranean Biome is very different in character - far less steamy for starters and filled with native plants from wild landscapes in the Mediterranean, South Africa and California. It is here you can expect to see proteas in flower when the season is right and have the chance to explore the relationship between man and the landscape, as he has learned to cultivate crops that flourish in a warm, temperate climate.
Eden is an experience, designed to educate and engage visitors in the plant world. Its mission is "to promote the understanding and responsible management of the vital relationship between plants, people and resources leading to a sustainable future for all." It certainly makes for an interesting day out, and although admission charges are high (£23.50 for adults and £13.50 for children) your entrance fee covers you for re-admission for a year, so well worth the price if you are able to return throughout the seasons. If you can buy your tickets online, you'll save 15%.
 |
| Expect to see many exotic plants in the Mediterranean Biome at Eden |
↧
↧
Winter celebrations - January 12
There are so few gardens to visit at this time of year and the ground here in England is so waterlogged after weeks of rain that it's virtually impossible to work in the garden or walk in those that are open, so for the next seven days, I'm going to celebrate winter with a series of photographs that depict the slowly lengthening days in January.
For garden visits click here
For garden visits click here
↧
Winter celebrations - January 13
Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.
↧
Winter celebrations - January 14
People don't notice whether it's summer or winter when they're happy.
Anton Checkov
↧
Winter celebrations - January 15
 |
| Photograph taken at Sussex Prairies |
Nature has undoubtedly mastered the art of winter gardening and even the most experienced gardener can learn from the unrestrained beauty around them.
Vincent Simeone
↧
↧
Winter celebrations - January 16
Winter is the time for comfort - it is the time for home.
Edith Sitwell
↧
Winter celebrations - January 17
In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.
Aaron Rose
↧
Winter celebrations - January 18
The poetry of the earth is never dead.
John Keats
↧
Winter celebrations - January 19
The colour of springtime is in the flowers, the colour of
winter is in the imagination.
Ward Elliot Hour
↧
↧
Kew Gardens' 2014 Orchid Festival brings a ray of sunshine to flooded Britain
Undaunted by the appalling weather conditions around the UK, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew has surpassed itself yet again with its annual Orchid Festival in the Princess Diana Conservatory, which opened this weekend. The annual exhibition - open until 9 March - brings a ray of sunshine amid the relentless storms here in Britain and gives visitors the chance to enjoy a floral spectacle that will warm their hearts.
The Orchid Festival has become an annual event at Kew and offers visitors the opportunity to walk among thousands of colourful flowers, imported specially for the month-long show.The theme for this year's exhibition is "A Plant Hunter's Paradise", with emphasis on plant hunting expeditions of the early 20th century and featuring dug-out canoes, travelling chests and equipment from days gone by, in one of Kew's magnificent glasshouses.
The exhibition is open daily from 9.30 until 9th March. Admission charges are £14.50 for adults, children 16 and under go free when accompanied by an adult. Members of the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Hampshire go free on presentation of membership cards.
![]()
↧
Thoughtful Thursday - Images from Rajasthan
Just home from Rajasthan in India, where I was lucky enough to see the opium poppies in full flower, many wonderful birds and glorious faces. And now it's time to catch up with our English gardens - after the wettest winter in recorded history, I fear there's going to be more than mud out there!
↧
Wander "lonely as a cloud" and enjoy spectacular daffodil displays at The Valley Gardens in Surrey
 |
| A "host of dancing daffodils" at The Valley Gardens, Surrey |
If you really want to experience the long-awaited joys of spring and feast your eyes on an ocean of daffodils, head for The Valley Gardens in Surrey just as soon as you can, because you will really understand how the great poet, William Wordsworth, felt when he wrote the verse that immortalised this charming yellow flower:
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of dancing daffodils
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze
The daffodil meadow there is fast coming into full bloom and you can spend a memorable afternoon walking through the 430 acres of parkland and enjoying all the spring flowers, including narcissi, heather and some spectacular magnolia blooms - all welcome sights after the incessant and torrential rain that has been such a feature of the last few months here in waterlogged Britain.
 |
| Acres of daffodils in bloom overlooking Virginia Water in Windsor Great Park |
The Valley Gardens are part of the Royal Landscape, and lie at the southern end of Windsor Great Park, near Virginia Water. You can park quite close to the daffodils if you get there early (parking costs £6.00 at the gate, but spaces are limited). Alternatively, head for the Savill Garden, and walk through to the daffodil meadow - it's not too far on a sunny day and you can enjoy the magnificent Heather Garden (below) en route.
The Savill Garden forms part of Windsor Great Park, and is named after its creator, Eric Savill, who went to work for King George V in 1931, as Deputy Surveyor. He was a talented plantsman with a knowledge of farming and forestry, who set to work, and planted the seeds of the magnificent 35-acre garden that is there today. It's home to several National Plant Collections and forms part of "The Royal Landscape" - a clever catchphrase for all the surrounding areas, including The Valley Garden.
![]()
 |
| The Heather Garden, located close to the daffodil meadow in the Valley Garden |
For other spectacular daffodil displays in southern England, click here. This year sees them flowering much earlier than last and you may want to check with individual gardens before travelling a long way to visit.
↧