Last Sunday morning we drove out of London via this garden in Muswell Hill. St Regis is a cul de sac and number 5 is tucked away in the corner. Described in the book as an Artist’s garden and Maureen Lipman’s favourite we could only be encouraged by the words  ‘A unique experience awaits!’

A small chatty queue had already formed but we were kept amused by the colourful bunting and the astro turfed front lawn.

Time to read those new little NGS notices planted so effectively in the ivy.

Then we spotted this one on the wall. Familiar faces appeared;  members of the film crew. It was the same team we had met at 51 The Chase, the last garden we visited last Tuesday. They recognised us. Did they think we were stalking them?

Nipping down the side of the house we began to follow the path taking us into the garden.

In just the first few steps we found plenty to see. A wonderful fireplace set in the hedge; cleverly complementing the planting of  lonicera nitida ‘baggesen’s gold and heuchera and tulips.

An oriental pagoda is set into the purple cotinus coggygria, wisteria and a variety of succulents arranged at the base.

Then round the corner we came across the film producer and the charming interviewer. This time in pink and we greet each other like long lost friends. ” Can we do that again” said the producer. Acting not being my forte I reluctantly agreed and we greeted each other once again. The interviewer is a natural; it is no wonder as I discover she is Miranda Hart’s mother.

Having dispensed with the retake we continued our tour. Meanwhile other visitors were already enjoying a cuppa under the dripping willow tree.

There are several mirrors strategically placed around the garden. One of a pair either side of the shed is guarded by ravens. A symbol of good luck or has someone been to the Tower?

This mirror cunningly hides all those bits you don’t want visitors to find,

And these large wall mirrors broaden the space.

Across the lawn there is a ghostly figure standing in the ‘blue marbled’ temple.

On closer inspection I wonder if she is trying to tell me something or is it a wardrobe malfunction?

It is not just the ornaments that provide a spectacle; the planting everywhere is exuberant with not a bare patch to be seen. This neatly edged border is an explosion of that favourite mix of tulips, wall flower and forget-me-not.

Hostas fire up out of antique chimney pots.

and there are plenty more in the medley of containers arranged on the terrace in front of the studio.

The garden owner is a masterful potter. Her studio is open and we cannot resist a purchase. Walking through the studio and out the other side we find the plant sales. Such a popular feature in many NGS gardens, and no exception here.   I covet a giant echium only to be devastated as it is snatched away before my eyes.

The place is positively packed with plants. Propagated in this greenhouse, or should it be called a redhouse.

Hiding this industrial area is a colourful wall, with a circular mirror set within.

Another mirror gives the impression of a path continuing  on through the gate.

An oriental house conveniently fits the corner and provides a welcome place to sit.

The red and oriental theme carries on over the small bridge.

Fork and Fish appear in a softening patch of geranium.

We spy a cameraman spiralling  down from the roof of the studio.

Retracing our steps we leave the other visitors who, out in their numbers, appear to be really having fun.

Pausing a minute by this clematis  I wonder if it is the colour from this flower that has inspired the potter’s hand.

The same colours are reflected in the pot that I have bought and I am pleased to take home a tangible memory of my visit. The studio is central to this unique garden, but it is not the only aspect. Ornament and artistry is woven naturally into the beautiful planting. It was my second London garden and so utterly different from the first. Have I still not learnt that no two gardens are ever the same. That of course is the joy of garden visiting.

——-35——-

Last Tuesday I was in London.  A cold wind blew as I crossed Clapham Common and cut to the Chase.  This evening’s opening followed on from the previous Sunday’s when visitors had turned up in their hundreds. We were fortunate to have a fairly small and select gathering to this evening opening.

Select it was; the first visitors we came across were two garden owners from Norfolk. Out of context we were all momentarily confused but soon rallied to our senses and were able to delight in the success of their recent opening at Wretham Lodge.

I was keen to see the The Chase, my first NGS London garden which has been created over many years by a member of the Society of Garden Designers.

There was far more to my visit than I expected…

We entered the garden along a path by the side of the house. I have learnt that a lawn roller, does not always signify that there will be mown grass.

Potted hydrangeas stand before the euphorbia mellifera and mark the shaded entrance into the garden.

Despite the shade there is plenty of underplanting, greenery and colour,

with a decorative canopy of laburnum flowers falling from above.

Looking up first at the house, my husband was delighted to find mesembryanthemum, memories of childhood in Guernsey where it invades the cliff paths. Here it trails down from the tulip-clad balcony.

I can’t help but notice a shower head on the wall below, and I wonder at the experience of having a hot shower outside. It is a very chilly day.

A pair stone ornaments decorate the balcony; they look ancient with a vaguely modern twist,

and from here you get a good view over the garden. Lovely old-fashioned lilac grows up against the fence on the left hand side.

A plethora of planting fills the space either side of the central path. Not a patch of grass to be seen.

Coronilla valentina grows on either side and fills the garden with fragrance.

There are hundreds of tulips; these, mixed with irises.

and beyond the low growing apples they appear to us like a Persian carpet.

Then, on the path we come across a cameraman quietly filming.

I really hope that he has noticed the glorious tree peony behind him.

The sound man seems to grow up quite naturally from behind the rosemary.

Deeply intent on his job I wonder if he has glimpsed the colourful mix.

Another cameraman has taken up position on the higher balcony.

And then quite suddenly, I find myself on set. My interviewer, a gentle Mary Berry-like lady is easy and charming and we chat for awhile. It is a surreal moment.

The husband takes refuge in the ‘Eden project’ type glasshouse where with some amusement he surveys the scene.

Enjoying a lemon or two.

The interview is but a brief interlude in our visit and we resume our walk towards the end of the garden.

A delicate flower on the substantial camellia bush which fills a corner and helps to screen the neighbours beyond.

What better way to use the old office chairs.

You can swivel round and admire the emerging flower of melianthus major behind. It looks a lot happier than my weather beaten specimen at home.

Or admire the purple leaves of the cotinus bringing out the flash of colour from the tulips.

The central point at the end of the garden is the ascent of steps. They give clever elevation and add extra space to the garden which all in all, is not very large.

At the top of the steps is a fine metallic bull enjoying the shade from tall trees.

Returning to the house, the explosion of yellow brightens the now darkening evening light.

A patch of iris confusa chengdu grows happily in the shade and I make a mental note to grow it at home.

I am a little surprised to find what appears to be a rosa banksiae lutea also in the shade scrambling over a tree.

Exotic Brugmansia appears quite content to be outside.

Tulips are not just confined to the garden behind the house; this cheerful parrot variety line the neat gravel path by the front door.  It is a welcoming area and good to see plenty of planting and no room for parking.

A mature and magnificent medlar grows near the door.

It has been a beautiful garden and a memorable visit. Fun to have an evening opening which is clearly popular for a younger generation of visitor seeking and finding inspiration for their own garden. Great too to have Channel More4 promoting the gardens and the good work of the NGS. An unusual take from my normal visits, I have no doubt that I am destined for the cutting room floor!

——-34——-

 

 

Walcott Green is a tiny hamlet right away across on the far side of the Norfolk  from me and very close to the coast at Happisburgh. The trouble with inviting myself to visit a garden before the Open Day is that those bright helpful signs are not yet visible and so I get hopelessly lost.

Eventually I found Walcott House. It was an added bonus that Nick not only showed me around his lovely garden but also gave me the most delicious lunch.

The garden begins in the old farmyard next to the house. Sheltered by walls the herb garden is well advanced in early April when I visited. The roses centred in the four beds will be flowering pink in June when the garden opens for the NGS.

Traditional farm buildings link together providing a series of gardens. In the next enclosure a block planting of Epimedium is effective in softening the edges of the brick path.

A local blacksmith made the centrepiece of the old bullock yard, where the character of the buildings is retained. Euphorbias are growing richly in the beds and will soon fill this outdoor room.

We are enticed past the hayracks through to the next sunny space.

Where the theme is predominantly white. Tulips will in time be replaced by roses and clematis.

This is a garden still in progress. The round box balls will be contrasted by yew pyramids yet to be cut.

The garden flows out from the farm buildings and a glance back reveals the wall which will soon be smothered in a white rose.

Nick is a man who enjoys symmetry and order. What better way than to express it than in the garden.

Pleached hornbeam gives height above the box hedges. Paths criss-cross in straight lines.

A planting of Stipa giganta gently eases you into the less formal area beyond.

Along the terrace in front of the south-facing side of the house is a  line of urns.

The eye is drawn over the croquet lawn to the trees beyond.

We can get a sense of how this will look in the summer from the website photo https://www.ngs.org.uk/find-a-garden/garden/31685

Turning back to the house and just to the right is this little lady encircled by box.

The old drive gently curves away from the house. Each year the planting is increasing: primroses, hellebores and camellias.

Formality has been washed away along the stream where the planting is exuberant and relaxed.

Nick has planted hundreds of trees here since he arrived in 2002; there is a great variety stretching out either in avenues or shelter belts.

We come to an area yet untouched.  He is still deciding on the plan. I suggest a maze might be in keeping with his love of uniformity.

Overlooking the tennis court is the delightful restored pavilion. Mounted on a swivel, it was used for TB patients and could be turned to face and follow the sun.

A wild plum which was already here nestles next to it.

We walk back through the farmyard; a pittisprorum fills a corner sheltering from the coastal winds.

Nick is proud of what he has created over the past 15 years and quite rightly so. Hedges from cuttings, trees from young whips, and buckets of patience. The neat structured areas contrast perfectly with the natural and the woodland.

The garden will be opening on Sunday 25th June from 1.30pm – 5pm. Those lucky enough to have sat nav NR12 0NU.

 

 

Columbine Hall is a gem. A moated medieval manor it is set in the Suffolk countryside just north of Stowmarket. Bought by the present owners in 1993, it is a garden designed by George Carter which seems to have a touch of everything except that is, decay.

I imagine visitors would normally drive through the barn archway, but today cars are directed around to the side. Driving past we were given an enticing glance of what lies beyond. At first sight we knew we were in for perfection.

The potager is in fact just through on the left. A beautiful garden gate is open:

Big silvery leaves of artichoke are reflected in the colour of the wooden obelisks. Tulips are planted around the edges of the four square beds.

It is a productive place with a battalion of bamboo waiting in perfect line.

Teas are served in the delightfully restored barn opposite and it is here that we find an aerial plan. It is that direct drive running from the right straight to the house that we now take.

First crossing  over the moat we a find a series of courtyard-like spaces.

The first, surrounded by yew is uncluttered, and a shaped hawthorn stands in each of the four corners. Steps on the right lead up to a lawn but for the moment we follow the brick path straight ahead.

Here the area is open at either side with views stretching across the mown grass. Along the ornate picket fence fennel is emerging amongst the tulips,

and the open gate invites you into the inner courtyard immediately in front of the house.

Where the planting is simple but attractive; rosemary spreads out onto the gravel.

Even the log basket is a work of art.

It is so hard to think that it once looked like this.

The house and garden is completely surrounded by the moat which can be seen from various view points. Here it is glimpsed through the verdant hornbeam.

No area however small is left unlandscaped.

Tall hornbeam walls create unfussy outdoor rooms.

An avenue of pleached limes rise above the informal growth of cow parsley.

Structured vistas which criss cross one another.

The soft green walls are decorated intermittently by elegant stone.

What a setting.  How does it feel to have two sides of the house standing in the water?

We skirt around the outside of the moat avoiding a fearsome obstacle on the way.

This is a chap you do not want to offend.

Straight paths are mown in the orchard where the blossom is wonderful.

Outside the moat is an attractive watery garden following the line of the gently flowing stream.

The path winds up through wild garlic, bluebells and irises to the bridge at the top.

We arrive in woodland;  a mix of trees less structured than the area close to the house, it does however maintain a degree of control.

Originally planted to ward off the plague in medieval, bird cherry prunus padua is overflowing with blossom.

We walk back through the farmyard and even the muck heap has an air of charm!

And on that note I have to compliment the loos. Surely the best NGS ones so far.

There have been many visitors on this chilly April day. We have moved seamlessly through the different areas of this enchanting garden. The structured spaces have provided a variety of formal and wild, vegetable and flower. The NGS are surely privileged to have such a garden in their scheme.

——-32——-

Very few notices were displayed on the approach to The Beeches but this Jack Russell knew exactly where he was going and was very intent to lead us through the open garden gate in Walsham-le-Willows in Suffolk.

By the front door grows the Chilean Vestia foetida, the flowers complementing the yellowy leaves of the white wisteria behind.

Tables for tea were laid out in the sheltered space by the back door.

On the other side of the house a standard wisteria will look good in a week or two.

An ancient hedge reminds us of a locomotive steaming along.

A leftover treat from Easter egg hunt has yet to be found, or is this the dove that laid the golden egg?

If the lack of rain carries on this could well be hauled back into use.

The Topiary has recently been clipped

The funny creatures and shapes fill the beds either side of the steps.

The thatched pavilion serves the croquet lawn.

There has been a Japanese influence,

surrounding the ornate well.

and interesting hand rail.

An unusual colour is painted on the trellised gate,

and beyond in the wilder area is a gazebo overlooking a stream.

It could be Narnia.

The fronds of the fern are gracefully unfurling.

Damp shady plants of rodgersia and gunnera also grow by the water’s edge.

Back across into the main part of the garden a shaded area is waiting for a little attention.

And the small potager is growing apace.

According to records the garden originally opened in the month of July and has done so for a magnificent 20 years. Interest and knowledge have gone into the planning and planting but as so often happens maintenance can become a trial.

Garden owners sadly grow old and pass away, and here is no exception; it would be fair to say that maintenance over the last few years has been minimal. Hopefully the new generation will in time have the enthusiasm to tackle this and restore this once loved garden.

——-31——-

As you travel up the drive to Witton Hall, bluebells stretch out either side under a canopy of deciduous woods. Confusingly there are in fact two Witton Halls in Norfolk; this one is near North Walsham whilst the other is closer to Norwich.

The original Hall was burnt down, the footings of which can still be seen. This entry into the Norfolk NGS booklet is not so much a garden; certainly no neatly mown lawns and sumptuous flower beds.  It is however a walk through glorious woods.

This resplendent beauty greets us at the top of the drive.

The wooded walk begins over on the other side of the grass. On Open Day there will be a tent here serving teas.

You can see why a house was sited here, the view to Happisburgh and the sea is memorable. It is permitted on the Open Day to walk across the field to the local church (not visible in the next picture).

It came as a surprise to me to discover that bluebells are part of the asparagus family. There is no doubt that these are the ‘real McCoy’  but do we know how to tell the difference between the native hyacinthoides non-scripta, and the Spanish immigrant hyacinthoides hispanica ? I quote from the Woodland Trust:

‘The easiest way to tell the difference between native and non-native bluebells is to look at the colour of the pollen. If it is creamy-white then the bluebell is native. If it is any other colour such as pale green or blue than it’s not native.’

If you don’t want to lie down on the woodland floor in order to check this out then there are other clues too. The sweet smell being the most noticeable one.

A clump of bluebells, which many of us might have in our garden, is a joy

but a carpet of bluebells on the floor of natural woodland is just stunning.

There are many varieties of rhododendrons here. I garden on chalk so am not an expert but I know this is the bright and fragrant Rhododendron luteum. 

Is there another genus with such a range of vibrant colour? 

It is interesting to see the development of the opening flower all happening on the same bush:

Variations can be subtle, here it is in the colour of the flower stalks.

Evergreens break up the palette allowing the eye not to become too overwhelmed by the splash of colour. Some such as the ilex are variegated.

So too is there variegation on this unusual Stachyrus praecox ‘Magpie’.

We follow the path through naturally formed archways of dark laurel,

and into areas where the soft fresh green of an acer spreads its elegant branches.

The gentle Magnolia stellata, hails from Japan

While this shocking pink of a type of magnolia lilliflora comes from China.

Another Chinaman is the Handkerchief tree, davidia involucrata whose  dark flower heads are enveloped by white bracts.

Conifers play their part in the woods. From the fairly recently planted Cryptomeria japonica,

to this unidentified specimen; once bought as a low growing prostrate shrub, like Alice it just grew and grew!

There is a profusion of blossom on the rounded bush of an exochordia x macrantha which grows on the edge of the wood.

A wooden throne sits with its back to the wood. It is not far from the house and the garden owner assures me that it is very comfortable.

From the throne you can admire the perfect camellia growing luxuriently on the corner of the house. Totally deprived of feed it is hard to believe that it suffers a hard prune each year.

We weren’t the only visitors today. Early in the morning six red deer ambled across the lawn. Badgers, muntjac, squirrels and rabbits all share this garden. In such places you live with the wildlife and it is they who dictate how the garden should grow.

Witton Hall is open this coming Monday 1st May between 12-4pm. The entrance is just £3.00 with children going free. There are surely not so many places where, for such a minimal cost one can take children to run along the paths through the bluebells, experience the natural colours and enjoy the freedom of the woods.

——-31——

It is a rare moment  that I get a chance to visit a garden ahead of the formal opening date so I was fortunate to be able to see The Old House as preparations were being made for this Sunday.

The garden is situated between the Church and the Broad at Ranworth on the East side of Norfolk.

A beautiful memorial stone  lines up with the church tower.

We follow the path beyond and into the arboretum, the planting of which began in 1991.

Cornus ‘Eddies White Wonder’ originally from America not only looks lovely now but will also have splendid Autumn colour.

Paths wind round and under branches. It is such a bonus to find all the trees have labels.

 

It is easy to forget how magnificent is the flower of the Horse Chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum.

The  cherry trees are overloaded with blossom,

and the variety in colour is striking.

Paths radiate out from the church tower including this avenue of oaks. The joy of an arboretum at this time of year is there is still plenty to come.

The cow parsley is nearly out and is going to look good with this Betula ‘inverleith’ .

Moving away from the arboretum towards the house the spreading arms of the sweet chestnut castanea sativa make it look positively human!

In the garden there is a potager with much activity in preparation for the opening.

It was inspired by a visit to the Chateau de Villandry many years ago.

The goddess Gaia, the personification of the Earth, overlooks the planting.

This pattern was taken from the ceiling of Cordoba cathedral,

whilst this brickwork was inspired by the floor.

An ancient terracotta pot surrounded by herbs,  sits firmly on a bed of thrift.

And a decorative bench is nearby.

The long grass path edged with box leads to a sculpture,

which is of a cheetah so swift of foot.

Aggie takes us through the gate,

which we close firmly behind.

We have entered another garden

which is overlooked by the pair of guinea fowl.

On the other side of this space is yet a further garden.

with yet another fine sculpture

Sheltering near the house the tree fern too is a work of art.

Part of the garden faces the wide expanse of water of Ranworth Broad. These beautiful gates were made by a granddaughter.

Narcissi and snowflake brighten the foreground. This broad is cut off from the boat traffic and is a peaceful haven for wildlife.

This realistic heron waits.

By the front door is Bengal Beauty, one of the first roses to flower.

On the stable block the wisteria has not been snapped by the first frost.

As I walk back to the car Magnolia Elizabeth is looking lovely with its soft yellow blooms.

This is a garden full of artistry; calming sculptures, fine trees, and beautiful blossom. Such glorious gates too, and they will be opening for visitors on Sunday 23rd April.

On Easter Monday we enjoyed a walk through the south Buckinghamshire Shardeloes estate, finishing up with the all essential Ham Egg and Chips at the pub in Little Missenden. Afterwards our friends joined us on a garden visit in nearby Amersham.

A bright display of tulips greeted us.

And the sweet scent of Daphne was welcoming too,

as well as the owl who has a flip side of a Teddy bear.

We enter the garden down the side of the house where against the shade of the wall stand a collection of pots of hostas.

The garden is packed and not just with plants. We arrived at  opening time and already there are many visitors.

At first sight there is a glory of colour and interest, form and texture.

A stoney face watches us all.

The raising of the crown is repeated around the garden. You can glimpse through and of course it allows for more planting.

A bit of fun hides the fence.

 

Everywhere is neat and tidy. The colour comes from not just the flowers.

Foliage plays a large part in the planting.

Bright green sweet woodruff edges the paths.

Even the frog blends in with the colour of the foliage.

In the clean new shed is a display of photographs which shows the making of the garden; just a bare field in 1991. There is a picture too of Mary Berry presenting an award of longevity opening for the NGS.

Even the corner behind the hut has not been forgotten.

At the far end of the garden are the shade loving plants; Erythronium ‘Pagoda’ the dog’s tooth violet grows brightly.

pulmonaria pretty in pink.

Hellebores after a long season are still giving colour.  Looking splendid in the pot, they stand heads bowed on the circular paving.

Close by the circular theme is carried on with a pond,

and at the centre of the garden is the circular lawn,

Divided by the path which has become the home for pretty saxifrage and other alpines.

It is a productive garden too with signs of serious composting. The owner also brings in spent mushroom compost.

Euphorbia is supported by the apple trees.

While there is much to keep the plant hunters happy,  these old boys are enjoying their tea. The cakes are sumptuous but they are pretending they don’t know that.

Yellow and white seem to be predominant with many fine narcissi and this stunning magnolia.

A jolly witch is content to fly nowhere.

 

Plant sales are doing a fantastic trade. Propagated by the owner and sold for the NGS, we can’t resist.

Eventually we take our leave but not without admiring this enormous fritillaria imperialis.

 

——28——-

Easter Day. On our way to stay with some lovely friends we visited this charming garden at Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire.

The cottage was once the fever house for Missenden Abbey providing a home for the sick; hundreds of years later the connection with health is still there, now opening its gate for the NGS and providing funds for the nursing charities it supports.

The house sits perched on a higher level to the entrance gate. So we begin by going down into the green dell below the cottage. The ground is covered by hellebores, comfrey and pulmonaria interspersed with tulip.

I wonder why the ordinary comfrey I  battle with at home isn’t this lovely blue variety.

Looking up towards the house the blossom on trees is  bursting out.

 Tree trunks elegantly frame the front door,

the beautiful blossom of malus sargentii is just appearing.

So too is Magnolia wilsonii one of the few fragrant magnolias to tolerate the chalky soil. It is a special bloom and the owner picks it for her friend who’s birthday it is. The pleasure is immense.

We take the steps up, matured with time,

to the lawn in front of the house.

Here we find a rather aged Poppy.

White comfrey, narcissi and tulip gather round the base of a sundial.

To the left of the house is a neat vegetable area. Low apple trees are trained along the path which narrows and ends just beyond the greenhouse.

Outside the greenhouse is a bed of herbs,

and inside a collection of fun looking auricula.

and in the corner a small clematis full of flowers.

Proudly displayed is a token of many years of opening for the NGS.

A bank steeply rises up behind the house; no notices to warn us off but somehow we know not to enter.

A narrow path leads along the front of the house. For now there are tulips and blossom to enjoy, later it will be roses and pears.

A delightful pond gurgles happily

Further on from the pond the neighbour’s house peeps over a confusion of shapes. It is a chilling reminder of progress; there are no neighbours now, they have left due to the HS2 rail link.

The garden studio is selling flower paintings, the proceeds will go to the NGS,

and the path leads directly down past the striking foliage of  Sorbaria sorbifolia “Sem”.

and the promise of a clematis.

We climb up the steps back to the house.

where the seats echo the architecture of the windows

and pink campion seeds itself near the door.

Sometimes it is only at other people’s gardens you are allowed to sit and relax.

It is time to be on our way and leave this pretty garden. The owners have been busy with plenty of visitors. There is that lovely feeling at the end of the day when, with mug of tea in hand, you close the garden gate.

The visitors find their tea in the church where an enterprising team bake, serve and clear. Not just today but every Sunday throughout the Summer, and it is an added pleasure to be accompanied by a pianist.

——27——-