The Manor House, Bledlow; sculpture and setting (89)

December 10, 2017 / thegardengateisopen / 7 Comments

Back in May we stayed with friends in North Buckinghamshire and they suggested we might visit Bledlow Manor, the home of Lord Carrington. A beautiful drive through the Chilterns brought us to this lovely estate and we were able to park under the line of flowering chestnut trees.

The house had been in the family since the end of the 18th Century and when the Carringtons moved here in 1946, it was in need of much renovation. There was no garden of mention at that time and work did not begin in that area until 1969. Created together, it was Lady Carrington who had the interest in plants; her obituary in the Telegraph in 2009 reported “My wife,” Lord Carrington always said, “is the plantswoman,” adding (in a reference to her encyclopaedic knowledge of botanical names): “She doesn’t really talk English, she talks Latin.”

Lord Carrington, the last surviving member of Churchill’s cabinet, and just short of age 98 was standing outside the front door ready to greet visitors. After exchanging a few pleasantries we slipped through the tall pineapple-topped gate posts to the right of the house.

We decided to head straight down to the water garden, known as the Lyde Garden, and just for the moment snatching a view of the terrace running in front of the house,

and swiftly passing the armillary sphere to the right, with the intention of returning to this part of the garden later on. The yew and box are trimmed like perfect cut slices of cake.

The Lyde Garden is situated across the road and is actually accessible at all times of the year. Well-made steps guide us down through the leafy wilderness,

and at the base level the path bends gently round and through an oriental wooden structure,

from where you can sit awhile and enjoy the peace and the circular pond, the centre of which has a group of metallic flowers poking up above the still waters.

The river Lyde rises here and is a tributary of the Thames. Originally watercress beds, it is now planted with ferns, gunnera and hostas.

Cool and watery, the weeping willows have now replaced the diseased wych elms.

Crossing back over the road we arrive onto the lawn in front of the charming Adam house which sits gracefully amongst low summer borders.

At one end of the lawn are crisply cut buns of yew,

and at the other, ornamental fish ponds surrounded in brick, a design which perhaps reflects the time of construction.

The garden is not just about the plants but is a glorious setting for a fabulous collection of sculptures which the Carringtons began collecting in the early 1990s.

The first piece of art, strategically placed and called ‘Primitive Form’ is by the Italian born Marzia Colonna. Today it has been enhanced by outstretched arms.

Purchased in 2005 it fits perfectly amongst wedges of box where it can be viewed from all angles.

The brick pathways lead out into an open, less structured area. Mown lawns sweep around borders packed with a huge variety of shrubs.

Then around the corner we meet gorgeous ‘Gorilla’ by Michael Cooper and made from Belgian fossil marble commissioned in 1993. Lord Carrington explains how it came about:

“Michael Cooper is a friend and near neighbour of mine and, some years ago, I asked him whether he would be prepared to do a piece for a new garden I was making at that time and in which there was an empty plinth. ‘I will do you a gorilla’, he said and there it stands, or rather sits, today – greatly admired and loved by all the children who visit the garden during the summer. Michael has the most wonderful talent for portraying animals, as those of you that have seen his sculpture in many public places will know .”

The Carringtons were keen to support young artists, and this piece was commissioned in 1991 when Alastair Lambert was still a student at The Royal College of Art.

Paul Vanstone was also still a student at the Royal College of Art. Vanstone recalls that following a visit to the College in 1993, Lord Carrington invited him to the garden and after spending a day there he commissioned Fallen Angel.

In 1998 Barry Mason’s Water Sculpture was added to the collection. Mason’s early work was conceived to be installed in landscape settings rather than art galleries. This catches the sunlight as it magically spins around.

Some way from its homeland and happy amongst the cow parsley, “Rainbird”, a Ground Hornbill is by the Showa sculptor Saidi Sabiti. It was purchased in Harare in 1993.

It was a charming moment when I saw a child hop up and sit for some time on one of these ‘Three Fruits’. Enjoying their natural shape, he rubbed their smooth surface with his hands. No restrictions of an art gallery here. These were created by the British artist Peter Randall-Page in 1991,

who also produced, four years later ‘pomegranates’.

Sheep can be heard grazing in the field beyond, and Red Kites fly overhead. John Robinson’s (1935 – 2007) ‘Immortality’ in polished bronze was purchased in 1992. Robinson describes its conception:

“Soon after my mother’s death, our eldest son married, and as these things go, after a while his wife was expecting a baby. My position had suddenly changed. Instead of being the middle generation, I became the older one, a grandfather. I began to think of doing a sculpture that would capture the passing on of the precious flame of existence within a family, and I needed a symbol.

I believe that Immortality is made up of one’s memories of the past, as well as those one leaves behind. I see this Symbolic Sculpture not only as a continuous journey through generations, but also the scroll on which all of life’s experience (DNA) is recorded. “

‘Rondo’ is by Charlotte Mayer and was acquired in 1997, A Fellow of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, she says:

“A work of art should speak for itself. It should need no verbal description although a title may give a subtle hint of what is in the sculptor’s mind”.

I never discovered who this was by, small but not insignificant nestling by a buddleia; perhaps its identity will be revealed.

Nestling amongst the shrubs since 2006 is ‘Torus’ a piece by Jonathan Loxley, who usually now works in marble.

Perfectly positioned in a small clearing is the serene ‘New Renaissance’ created in 1993 by Patricia Volk, the Belfast-born ceramic sculptor.

Terence Coventry’s ‘Avian Form’ has stood here since 1999. Lord Carrington happened to be nearby when we were admiring it, and jokingly he said ‘he doesn’t like you, you know’. And perhaps he was right.

Oh, and this little figure is actually alive. Lord C names his wire-haired dachsunds after prime ministers; having already a Margaret but before Theresa, he decided on Dame Norma Minor, ‘”well, she couldn’t be Major” he laughed.

A fleet of wheelbarrows raised against the hedge are almost an art form.

Skirting around the tennis courts we come into the south garden. A magnificent metal bowl decorated with swirling fish stands at the head of a double row of viburnum carlesii which lead up to a sunken pond,

where ornamental herons are enjoying an afternoon’s fishing.

Over the hedge is the two storey gazebo; made of Buckinghamshire material it was inspired by a visit to Hidcote.

Steps lead up from this south garden to a small enclosed area. From the raised urn you walk diagonally across to arrive at the front of the house where we originally entered.

Tea is served in the open cart sheds and today there is a specially large cake in celebration of 50 years opening with the NGS.

Time is running out and we have not seen half the garden yet. We race back across to the armillary sphere where we turn right through the archway in the yew hedge. Here is ‘Coracle’ by William Pye commissioned in 2001. Its gentle ebb of water is mesmerising.

In the next section of garden this unidentified piece at the end of the brick path seems to dance, its outline lifted by the dark background hedge.

We wonder at the rhythmical design of this slightly oriental trellis.

The map describes a snail garden and we think we have found it.

Another set of pineapple-clad gate posts welcome us into the walled garden where a haze of lavender lines the path up to the gazebo.

It can’t all be works of art; there is a practical side to this garden too. Over to the left rows of vegetables, not yet in full production, are being prepared, and over to the right the alliums are flowering with the peonies still tightly in bud.

In the centre of the wall is the a mural of Vertumnus, God of Vegetation: painted in the manner of Guiseppe Archimboldo, it is by Owen Turville.

Out onto the lawn near the main entrance is Barry Mason’s Oculus. Originally commissioned by English Heritage as part of the ‘Year of the Artist’ celebrations it was sited in the ruined nave of Hailes Abbey near Cheltenham and was donated to Lord Carrington in 2003.

Photo taken from https://www.ngs.org.uk

Only 2 gardeners look after these noble acres and it really is time to go now for they are sweeping up behind us and the shadows are long. We purchase some honey and say our goodbyes. The great man is still here and must be pleased with his 350 visitors or so,

I say once again ‘you don’t have to be a gardener to enjoy a garden’. Here the garden is not without its many features of herbaceous borders, mature shrubs and hedges, fine lawns, ornament, parterres, topiary and water but it also combines as a gallery.

An inspiration and a visit hard to beat.

——-89——-

42 Falconer Road, all a twinkle in Bushey. (88)

December 2, 2017January 20, 2018 / thegardengateisopen / 9 Comments

When I began my Ninety Garden Adventure back in January, I did not imagine that there would still be gardens opening in November. The entry in Gardens to View appeared encouraging if not a little intriguing especially with the opening time advertised as 4pm. I could not resist a visit on my circuitous route to London.

The short description of course just acts as a guide; you really have no idea what lies behind. There was no garden gate and a few of us gathered outside, a little confused by the change of time from 4pm to 5pm. Owner Suzette answers our knock and expresses her dismay that it is not yet dark but invites us in through to the conservatory.

I feel more like a guest than a visitor; it reminds me of the 18th Century when garden visitors would apply to the property beforehand and then would often be shown around by the owner who acted rather as the host.

The orchids are beautiful in the conservatory and it is like entering an antique shop which then extends out into the garden.

I was grateful that I had arrived early because I could take advantage of the last of the natural daylight. While the family were setting up the illuminations, I wandered around absorbing the eclectic contents of this small and cunning space. Knick-knacks and plants clamber up the wooden steps;

china jars are arranged on the small ornamental metal shelf set against the fence amongst the trailing ivy.

In a corner area the myriad of bejewelled hangings dangle from the confusion of wisteria, and are accentuated by the mirrors behind.

Bird cages are everywhere, either small and propped on posts surrounded by bamboo, hydrangea and richly-coloured acer,

or simply upon the ground looking slightly oriental.

This little collection is suspended gracefully together and is just starting to glow in the fading light.

Small statues gather on the miniature bridge,

and the old gardener’s boot is providing a convenient home for a succulent,

Plants overflow from the old metallic watering can,

nearby to the miniature ones arranged and “sedumed” on a glass-topped table.

Carefully stepping through the paved garden there is so much to see. By the side of a rhododendron sits a rusty old stove,

and the clock defies time with its hands set permanently at twenty three past twelve.

Low walls are built with a collection of artifacts,

and there is just room for a small hexagonal glasshouse.

Having been absorbed by the myriad of cages, chimney pots and curios, I reach the end of the garden and retrace my steps to await the approaching darkness.

Back inside I am able to admire the photographs displayed of the garden decked in its summer dressing, elegant and floriferous. Suzette generously opens over two weekends in July and August and has been doing so for the NGS for over 5 years.

While I wait for the brightening of the lights outside, I gaze at the collection of bird cages hanging inside and wonder what the generic name for such a collector might be.

Just outside the conservatory things are starting to glow, it is hard to distinguish the difference between light and lobelia.

I knew this would be a tricky one to photograph but woh, I am not quite sure if it is a result of the mulled wine or inadequate equipment.

Ah ha, it all become clearer as I switch to iPhone, and the garden takes on a warm and magical look.

More visitors have arrived and the children ooh and aah as they gaze at the glitz and the glow.

Bird cages flutter into light,

making a pretty sequence throughout the garden,

In the dark there is a different atmosphere and some ornaments remain familiar whilst those previously unseen, appear in the show.

The glasshouse retracts behind the twinkle of green lights,

and looking back it is proof that gardens need not be necessarily just about plants and it is obvious the visitors are just loving this evening display.

I return to the conservatory once more where just outside green lights dance around the naked stems of the wisteria,

and inside it there is a warm glow.

Suzette has shown such generosity. It has been a magical visit, something just a little bit different and entertaining for all ages. I can’t help thinking if we want to encourage the next generation into the garden we might all take a leaf out of Suzette’s book and be a little bit more imaginative in our gardens at night time.

——-88——-

Lakeside House, a welcome and watery restoration. (87)

November 24, 2017January 20, 2018 / thegardengateisopen / 6 Comments

The calendar of garden visiting is on pause now, and with the skiing season fast approaching one of the gardens I look back at with fondness, is the extraordinary garden at Brundall, once known as ‘The Switzerland of Norfolk’.

The garden was created in 1880 by a Dr Beverley who, along with planting an arboretum, dug out a cascade of ponds as seen in the centre of the postcard below. An entrepreneur named Frederick Holmes-Cooper then purchased the grounds in 1917, built a new house for his family which he called ‘Redclyffe’ and set about making ‘Brundall Gardens’ a visitor attraction with a fine hotel and restaurant.

Postcard 1920

In 1922 it was reported that 60,000 people flocked to see the gardens. Visitors travelled by bicycle, foot, rail and river disembarking at the jetty just by the restaurant.

Postcard advertising day trip to Brundall Gardens

Of course I arrived by car, and it was a cold day back in April. The garden, much reduced in size now is owned by Janet Muter. In the mid 1980s she and her husband bought a newly-built house on the site, just above the cascade and set about restoring the garden. It had suffered much neglect since its closure in the 1930s and subsequent requisition during the war when the property was used as an enemy aircraft plotting station.

I was very touched when Janet presented me with the book, Rescue of a Garden that she has recently written about the fascinating history of her garden.

So I cannot resist starting our tour with a picture of the house taken from the book showing the building in 1986, which she describes amusingly as ”A house undressed”:

Rescue of a garden by Jane Muter

No longer so naked, it is clothed in mahonia and clematis armandii,

and an attractive little border softens the hard landscape by the front door.

From the house we cross to the other side of the roadway which is in fact the drive to the neighbouring house. I have to confess I am a little confused; a rustic hut but where is the lake?

Crossing back over towards the house I admire the mixed planting in the flower bed, and continue to wonder at the apparent lack of water.

Then, walking through the trees towards the south side of the house, I realise that this has just been the warm up. The curtain raises and as I look down, the spectacle unfolds; a series of three delightful ponds descending to a lower lake.

I am standing upon the patio where a collection of colourful acers grow in pots. You can see that the grassy slope falls away very steeply.

We gently follow the path down on the right-hand side admiring the mixture of mature trees and shrubs, some in flower, that have been planted over the years.

The large-handled pot points the way and its shape is complimented by the planting around it. Perhaps a gentle reminder that this was a site once inhabited by the Romans.

The first pond is the smallest. There are no straight lines in this garden; pool, plants and pots smoothly flow in a curve. On occasions, a fountain plays in the centre.

The path leads away from the water’s edge down through swathes of ground cover; vinca, pulmonarias, lamium and ivy dotted with white honesty.

Bluebell flowers are just emerging and I catch glimpses of water through the branches,

and finally at the furthest point we venture out through the trees to arrive at the lily lake at the lowest level.

Large and untamed, the lake was almost inaccessible in 1985.

The Muters cleared fallen trees, excess reeds and rushes. Janet has always been mindful of the wildlife, the enjoyment of which is an important part of this garden. A beach was created and the gravel path seems to ebb and flow in harmony with the water’s edge.

There are some lovely gems planted on this side; the exquisite aronia melonocarpa

and pinky darmera peltata, its large leaves yet to grow.

Popular primula japonica is very content here.

Water lilies spread out in a Monet manner across the lake from the far side, where the sound of a railway can be heard as a train rattles by.

After a while we ascend the side of the lower pond where sweet woodruff grows amongst the fresh green unfurling fronds of the ferns.

At the top of the lower pond we cross over and look back. It is deep and requires dredging every year.

The middle pond is in fact in the care of the neighbour. Annually it is drained to remove the leaves. These water gardens do not just flow timelessly, they need maintenance. There has not been much rainfall in recent months and so the water level is low.

The top pond has a variety of plants emerging around its edge and it is the selection of euphorbias that catches my eye today,

with the ajuga edging the carrstone wall. The stone would have originally been brought over from the western side of the Norfolk.

An old tree trunk supporting a climbing rose combines with an ancient pot to provide a touch of antiquity.

We are grateful to have steps to climb this last part but I worry that I have kept Janet outside for too long. A hardy type as she might be, she is an octogenarian and it is a chilly day.

We pause on the top step to take in one last look over the haze of light blue periwinkle. I am in awe as to how someone can garden on such steep terrain.

Watery and wonderful, this can have been no easy garden to restore and maintain. It is hard to believe that for half a century it was hidden away by undergrowth. With careful restoration and a lot of hard graft, the Muters brought it back to life and while enhancing the beauty with their love and knowledge of plants, they have encouraged not only the wildlife to return but also the visitors. I quote from Janet’s book:

‘And in 25 years of opening my garden I have never known anyone leave litter or steal so much as a cutting, well not when I was looking anyway. Whilst rescuing my garden it has helped to raise thousands of pounds for many charities, but mainly for the National Garden Scheme.’

Lakeside House opened for two days this year over the May Bank holiday and raised nearly £3,000 for the NGS.

We are of course very grateful to Janet who will be opening next year by arrangement only. In the meantime you can enjoy this wintery scene and do read the book; it is an interesting story.

——-87——-

Ramster, open for 90 glorious years. (86)

November 18, 2017January 20, 2018 / thegardengateisopen / 8 Comments

I cannot draw to the end of my ‘ninety’ without including the historic rambling wooded gardens of Ramster in Surrey. It was one of the original 609 gardens that opened for the NGS back in 1927 and has opened every successive year since. It is the only other garden along with Sandringham to hold such an impressive record.

Originally named Ramsnest, the garden was created out of an Oak woodland in the 1890s by the then owner Sir Harry Waechter, a British businessman and philanthropist.

The local nursery of V. N. Gauntlett & Co Ltd., specialists in all things Japanese, conveniently adjoined the garden and their influence is very much in evidence today.

In 1922 the property was bought by Sir Henry and Lady Norman and has remained in the same family being passed onto the fourth generation in 2005. Ramster Hall tucked away in the Surrey Hills is a private home but earns its keep by hosting weddings and corporate events.

At the annual NGS conference recently Miranda Gunn (third generation) gave an amusing account of the garden. She explained how in the early years an honesty box sufficed at the entrance, but times have changed and on arrival the driver of the coach full of visitors asks three simple questions: Where are the loos, where are the teas and what is the name of the dog!

Wooden obelisks mark the entrance to the 25 acres and the map shows plenty of meandering paths to explore and helpfully outlines the hard path route giving some access to wheelchairs.

A fallen Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii, has been turned, actually chainsawed, into this porcine family by Simon Groves http://www.grovessculpture.co.uk/home.html.

Opposite, a redundant tennis court has taken on a new lease of life,

a quiet enclosed flat area where a gentle fountain plays into the dark waters of the raised pool,

with a variety of pots, and places to sit. It is a contrast to the wooded undulating 25 acres yet to come.

There is a gentle unhurried atmosphere here, a place to wander with plenty of benches along the way,

placed strategically under trees such as this deciduous conifer the Swamp Cypress Taxodium distichum,

or tucked in under what is known as the ‘Grouse Hole’. From here you can sit for awhile

and admire the ‘Gauntlett’ Cranes standing still in the green lagoon.

Seating is also made simply out of fallen trunks,

or enriched by the chainsaw of Simon Groves.

From the winged back log you can look down on the bog garden, where an acer is acquiring an autumnal glow and tall thin purple verbena bonariensis rise up in front of the fat green gunnera manicata leaves.

Logs are used on the walkway; neatly sliced, they allow the children to experience the Gunnera jungle.

Following a rough woodland path clearly marked as unsuitable for any type of wheels I reach the lake, the furthest point of the woodland. It is hard to imagine what it must have been like in those early years with something like 40 gardeners. I am reminded of the story Miranda recounted; remembering the days when a team of gardeners was employed in the fifties and false teeth were all the rage, her mother would go out into the garden calling them and have to wait a considerable amount of time while the team would rush back to their potting shed to be reunited with their teeth and so appear with a gleaming white smile!

Throughout the woodland, autumn tints are creeping in particularly amongst the acers; the large leaves of this young Acer palmatum Osakasuki, have nearly all turned,

while this mature Acer rubrum ‘Scanlon’ has just a very few leaves. It amazes me how on one specimen the change is so varied, a breakaway branch so brilliantly red whilst the rest of the tree remains determinedly green.

Liquidamber styraciflua ‘Elstead’ is beautiful too, a fine tree it is also noted for its deeply ridged bark.

However it is the rare Castor aralia Kalopanax pictus var maximowicizii that wins the prize for its glorious bark, the wondrous patterns of nature.

Ramster is not only famous for its autumn colour but also for Rhododendrons and Azaleas, and many readers will have seen the wonderful display shown on Gardener’s World back in May. Not a flower to be seen now it is the naked limbs which still have such beauty; the tri-trunked specimen of Rhododendron Loder’s White.

and a frenzy of multi-stemmed Rhododendron ‘Cynthia’.

Some ‘naked’ trees are put to good use; a support for a beautifully scented honeysuckle Lonicera ‘Copper Beauty’ which flowers from June to September.

Another member of the honeysuckle family and still in flower is the Heptacodium miconioides known in N. America as Crape Myrtle or seven son flower.

There are the mighty giant trees such as the towering Sequoia giganteum Wellingtonia,

and the straight Atlantic cedar Cedrus atlantica glauca. The couple seated below are season ticket holders and share their love the garden by showing me photos of the past seasons.

It is near here in a clearing that Miranda Gunn has positioned her grandchildren.

A delightful arrangement in bronze resin titled Oranges and Lemons it is by Christine Charlesworth. Lola, Nessa, Ollie, Tom and Bethan were not an easy commission and took two years to complete, finishing in 2011. There is such rhythm and movement in this piece that it is no wonder that Charlesworth was selected as the official artist for the 2012 London Olympics.

Behind the group of figures is the glow of a red Acer, contorted with colour,

it is part of the Acer walk, the Japanese influence incorporated a century ago.

A lantern is poetically placed amongst shrubs and contributes to the Anglo/Japanese feel.

I meander for sometime past lakes and ponds,

down steps and over bridges; it is a fun place for children to explore.

Returning to the car park I pass under the deliciously-looking but inedible baubles of the Dogwood Cornus porlock ‘Norman Haddon’,

and then quite out of the blue, and it is out of the blue because everything is red, is a lonely hydrangea, a reminder of the acid soil that lies below and I envy hugely.

Back in the car park the peculiar fruits of the Medlar Mespilus germanica are yet to blet,

and a Red London Bus awaits the next party of wedding guests.

Ramster is closed now until the Spring; its very informative website boasts of it providing the best cake in Surrey. I should check it out when it opens for the NGS on Friday 11th May 2018.

——-86——-

Great Comp Garden, follies fun and salvias. (84)

November 4, 2017April 8, 2018 / thegardengateisopen / 8 Comments

Great Comp is near Sevenoaks in Kent. The seven acre garden was developed by Eric and Joyce Cameron who purchased the house back in 1957 and first opened for the NGS in 1968.

Now it is managed by a Trust, with the Curator William Dyson and a team of gardeners and volunteers. Dyson has been growing salvias for over 20 years and has built up a large collection; as you walk into Great Comp you are greeted with a fine selection displayed for sale.

The nursery area is surrounded by borders of grasses and perennials allowing the visitor to slip seamlessly into the garden.

The apex of the Lion Summerhouse roof can just be seen above a delightful blend of shape and texture.

This 17th century building was at one time the estate loo but now contains a more enchanting style of seat.

The Camerons added a little architecture to the garden, not in the way of functionality but as a part of the design; ruins and follies are built from the stone and sand unearthed from digging the garden.

There are plenty of sculptures too and this pensive chap may just be wondering where he has left his trowel.

Despite being the end of October this border flows with colour; an assortment of salvias from pinks through red and purple to blue are complimented with tall ornamental grasses arranged at the back.

It was Pliny the Elder who was the first to write of a plant described by the Romans as Salvia, most likely the Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage which we use in our cooking. It is the largest genus of plants in the mint family Lamiaceae and is distributed throughout the Americas, Central and Eastern Asia and the Mediterranean. Dyson concentrates on the Salvias from the New World and has cultivated over 200 hybrids. Such an intense blue,

and it is not just the difference in colour but also in form and habit. These dark purple flower spikes look good with the autumn colours.

The colours compliment and blend so effectively,

or look good simply in a singular colour bursting out of a pot.

Salvia Waverly is a tender variety so will be taken under cover before the first frosts.

Another folly provides a seating area complete with bench and to the right a ‘tumbled down’ tower,

from where we can view the crescent lawn and an explosion of grasses.

Salvia is not the only plant providing flower colour today; a low growing geranium is almost as good as in early summer,

and the evergreen Liriope muscari so good in the shade and flowers from August to November.

The low autumn sun highlights the whiteness of the miscanthus grass.

There are many fine mature trees here, the perfect shape of a Sequoa sempervirens ‘Cantab’ stands erect on the edge of the square lawn in front of the house.

Further away is a fine specimen of a rowan, Sorbus hupenhsis laden with pink berries.

We walk away from the house down the avenue known as the Sweep, the curving line of the lawn and swirling shapes of the shrubs and trees suggesting a design reminiscent of the swinging sixties and early seventies.

We are joined in the garden by our young cousin Charlotte; bouncing with energy and enthusiasm she lifts our spirits on this chilly grey day. Rubbing her hands over the smoothly clipped box she asks if it takes long to grow. I don’t want to dampen any signs of horticultural interest and feel a touch guilty when I suggest it doesn’t.

Swiftly moving down the Sweep we admire the deep red leaves of the Liquidamber,

and head into the woodland. At the southeast corner there is a hydrangea glade which we walk through and follow along the leafy perimeter path,

to the Chilstone temple that marks the furthest south western corner and where the yellow Mahonia is well into flower.

Back out of the woods we seek out the Italian garden, passing under the canopy of Magnolia x soulangeana where the extraordinarily unreal seed heads contort above us,

and through the archway there is a different mood.

The Camerons combined their love of the classical with the theatre and in an eclectic mix of columns, fountain and ornament softened by dahlias, palm and tall rustling miscanthus they created a curious courtyard.

Amongst the old stone are engineering bricks that serve to make walls and define the arches and although there is a very slight air of a forgotten institution there are plenty of little seating areas to enjoy the characterful ambience.

It is time for Tea and we head off to the old dairy to sample the delicious cake just pausing for a moment to admire the lamp post with a turban top.

Nearby, Brutus is stylishly swathed in moss and seems to look over towards the neighbouring

goddess, a little less clothed she appears to be in heavenly bliss.

Opposite, the flat leaves of the ancient gingko are gently turning to a soft yellow,

Through the enchanting moon gate we can clearly see the herbaceous border across the neatly mown lawn.

Growing by the house is a sizeable Magnolia grandiflora who holds its seed heads tightly.

Passing by more seed heads, these are Phlomis we pass through yet another folly.

The garden, which is an RHS partner moves round to the northern side where the visitor before leaving can admire the front of the charming 17th Century house.

Returning through the nursery it is difficult not to admire the longevity of this summer flowering fuchsia, curiously named “Lady in Black”,

and wonder at a snowdrop in flower at the same time, the very early Galanthus ‘Peter Gatehouse’. I feel that I have nearly come full circle as it was not far from here at Spring Platt (A snowdrop of knowledge blog 5), that I became so acquainted with this enchanting flower. However, we still have a little way to go before the onset of the snowdrop season.

——-83——-

Askham Hall, artful acres of abundance. (83)

November 1, 2017January 25, 2018 / thegardengateisopen / 11 Comments

Last month following a visit to Larch Cottage Nursery in Cumbria (blog 79) we decided to visit the grade II listed gardens of nearby Askham Hall on the Lowther estate.

You enter the garden through the homely cafe situated in the converted Barn; it is always a good idea to begin a garden visit with a little sustenance.

The garden actually opened for the NGS back in June but up-to-date news about daily happenings is displayed on the board.

We are given a map, simply drawn and ideal for children, the guide on the back outlines over twenty features in the garden. Right outside the cafe is number one, the mediterranean herb garden with a selection of edible herbs.

The garden route begins between a gap in the beech hedge and a walk through walnut trees; our guide reminds us that they were introduced into this country 500 years ago.

The ground slopes away from the cornus trees just taking on their autumn colours.

Dried heads of allium long-since flowered rise above the fading leaves of hosta grown in the little bricked beds.

Before taking the steps up to the terrace we enter the woodland walk and find ourselves at the yew tree, rather unique in the fact that it is multi-stemmed and rises from the root.

Just at this moment I spy a red squirrel, busy in his nut gathering; he is just too quick for me. There is plenty of natural wildlife here, with newts and frogs inhabiting the pond,

and there is evidence of deer with these simple but clever wire defences.

The path leads on to the Land of Giants, an area planted with very tall herbaceous plants

such as Eupatorium ‘Massive White’ which towers above us,

we feel like dwarves against the Miscanthus,

and the young leaves of the Paulownia still looking so fresh and are the size of dinner plates.

I watch a group of visitors struggle across the lawn with a wheelchair. An impossible task but until you have pushed one you have no idea how limiting it is. To the right of the green sward is the herbaceous border, at its peak in the summer months, it is an incredible 230ft long (70m).

In the centre of the border we find the steep stone steps,

which take us on to the terrace where there is still plenty going on from the grasses and late perennials,

I particularly admire the appropriately named Sedum ‘Red Cauli’.

Yet more steps to climb,

but a little sign of encouragement drives us on.

At the top lies a flat area of lawn; straight ahead is the symmetrical listed house. Previously a family home of the present owner it is now an award-winning 17 room hotel with a restaurant.

To the left the neatly mown straight lines draw our eyes to the Wellingtonia,

a hundred years old it is the largest tree in the garden.

To the right a Gypsy caravan has come to rest. Now a place for the newly-weds to sign the register,

it was built in 1900 and was originally on wheels.

Photo on display in the cafe

Askham Hall is perched above the River Eden. You can hear the soothing sound of the water as it flows by, and, glimpsed through the branches on its bank is the Mill Cottage.

Lowther Church can be seen in the far distance.

It is on this same side that steps lead down to the parterre,

a private and secluded area reserved for the house guests, we do not linger long

before walking back around to the front of the house where a fine pair of salmon swim through the air,

and view the rolling farmland through the whimsical topiary which date back to the 1800s.

Passing through the courtyard, we marvel at the rope knot arch,

and the virginia creeper Parthonissus quinquefolia which provides dramatic colour to the grey stone walls.

A bicycle directs us to the kitchen garden and through thick hedges of ‘Discovery’ apple,

we find orderly raised beds bulging with fine produce.

It is decorative too, colourful Malope trifida ‘ Vulcan’ mingles with a collection of herbs,

and the striking heads of purple artichoke.

The poly tunnels are also productive, ready to supply restaurant and cafe.

For the ignorant like me a chilli is a chilli but here in pots are many varieties, all labelled some carry health warning signs as to the strength and I wonder that no one has thought of a Richter-type scale to measure the hottest.

This is also a working farm; the sound of chickens clucking nearby is broken by the crow of a cockerel, and over the fence ducks swim on the pond, whilst in the distance are the pigs and sheep.

This beautiful garden has a certain vibrancy to it. Open to the public, it has not lost its touch of being a family home. Located in a glorious setting there is just about everything from the history to horticulture, stunning views, a rich variety of planting, fun topiary, vegetables and fruit, and even fine dining. Thought has also been taken to provide interest for children, carefully avoiding that overload of education that at times can take away from the enjoyment of visiting a garden.

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Walkern Hall; Tiny Flowers and Tall Trees. (11)

February 25, 2017February 3, 2018 / thegardengateisopen / Leave a comment

I have travelled a few miles in the car over the last couple of months and I enjoy looking at the countryside rolling past. But what really upsets me is the layers of rubbish littered along the roadside. What I think might be snowdrops turns out to be discarded wrappers or cans. A glimpse of ‘travellers joy’ growing in the hedges turns out to be shredded plastic draped in the branches. It is a sight for sore eyes.

So it was a relief to turn off from the major road and drive along the neat and narrow lanes in an agricultural area of Hertfordshire. The garden owners had done a splendid job in signposting the way. An old rustic Garden Gate was ready to open.

Walkern Hall is surrounded by farmland. We parked in the farmyard, with English Longhorn cattle content in the fields in front of the house.

The garden owner was born here and wife Kate, a second generation NGS volunteer is on the Hertfordshire team. She gave us a warm welcome. So too did the blue sky.

We are directed to walk past the front door where an owl observes from above whilst a lion sits at the base.

The ground is dotted with aconites and snowdrops. This year they have been late in coming but are probably looking at their best right now.

The hazel catkins have also been coming out and look particularly fine by the Summer House. The inside of this intimate outdoor room is enhanced by the most beautiful wooden bench which curves gently round.

An impressive gate, but firmly closed, leads into the old walled garden sited some distance from the house. No longer teams of gardeners growing produce for the house, it is now enjoyed by teams of tennis players. I worry about stray balls flying into the magnificent glasshouses.

To the right of the gate is a Garrya elliptica enjoying the shelter of the wall. I make a note to move mine which has become totally browned off from the East wind.

The shed, sited at the end of the wall, appears more suited to an allotment rather than a garden of this size, but possesses a simple charm.

This garden is not about mixed borders and decorative flowers. It is more a landscape of green space and big trees. Mature and majestic, the trees stand uncrowded, growing away from the house.

We stride back towards the house which can be glimpsed through the Holm Oak Quercus Ilex .

A hugely tall London plane stands proudly on the lawn in the afternoon sunlight.

It is not hard to imagine this impressive fountain gently spouting water and entertaining a Victorian house party. I wonder at its history; who made it and why is it here? Curiously sited it does not seem to line up with the house, but is randomly placed on the lawn. It is perhaps that very fact, combined with an architectural splendour of a bygone era that is entertaining us today.

A small magnolia with swelling buds is waiting for Spring. It grows at the back of the house with snowdrops spreading freely around its base.

Out of sight is the back gate, a treasure in ironwork. It is well bedded-in and appears to have been open for years.

Back on the lawn we have a debate about the trees. The one on the left is definitely an oak, but the one on the right? By a stroke of luck the tree man for Hertfordshire is amongst the visitors.

He tells us that it is a turkey oak Quercus cerris, explaining that it is taller than the English oak and its acorn cups are hairy. He shows us the leaf and twig.

Enlightened we move back to the terrace on the south side of the house. It is a small area recently planted with good effect. The young evergreen lollipop shape contrasts well with the deciduous giants.

There is Box providing formality and Winter Box filling the terrace with glorious scent.

Visitors enjoy the teas served in the courtyard and are able to keep warm by the fire.

Molly is for ever hopeful.

Time to leave this spacious landscape with its impressive trees. One last look at the drifts of those tiny flowers before we drive on to London.

and although the owners are very friendly there is a reminder that this is a very private garden!

——-11——-

Robinson College: Old with New and Mistletoe too. (1)

January 8, 2017January 15, 2018 / thegardengateisopen / 2 Comments

I was very surprised to find a garden open for the National Garden Scheme on Monday 2nd January. So with Christmas and New Year safely over for another year we set off on a bright but very cold day to visit Robinson College, Cambridge. The first of my 90 garden challenge.

None of the familiar yellow signs were displayed because this is a garden open most of the year. Directed by the NGS Gardens to Visit book, we entered through the Porter’s Lodge. It is the proceeds from the garden guide that you buy from the Porter which are donated to the NGS. The guide is a complete joy and provides the history, a comprehensive list of the plants and maps:

Entering the very modern courtyard we were disappointed to find the chapel with its John Piper windows was not open.

The entrance to the garden was not terribly obvious and it took us a little while to figure out which steps to take.

Up and over a stairway we found ourselves in the college garden. It is icy cold and the bridge is a touch slippery. Leaving the main building behind us we crossed over the Bin Brook into what is an amalgamation of gardens from Edwardian to Modern.

It is not specifically a winter garden as such but there was plenty of interest, either in the form of colourful bark,

or winter flowering shrubs such as Mahonia with yellow flowers exploding like fireworks.

The Sarcococca or winter box generously lining the path was smelling a dream.

Throughout the gardens there are plenty of places for scholars to sit, to think and to dream. Was the sail-like stainless steel sculpture meant to imitate the shape of the Wellingtonia (sequoiadendron giganteum ‘Pendula’) growing across the flat lawn. Or is it the other way round?

“Sailing into the future’ by Philip de Koning

Also called the Weeping Redwood, this mighty tree is almost human in form and looks as if at any moment it might pick up its branches and lumber right across the lawn.

A beautiful vase stands in front of an older college building,

and to the side is a cluster of seed heads of Verbena bonariensis which add a little interest and highlight the smoothness of the green beyond.

Even the unripened figs are a delight in the morning sun.

Not all the buildings are modern and at the entrance to this house is the inevitable bike with a Jasmine nudiflorum growing magnificently.

A metal fence with a central moongate not only provides a frame for the newly planted ivy Hedera hibernica to climb but also divides an eating area:

The Bar table seems refreshingly modern but somehow keeps a natural feel. The giant golden oat Stipa gigantea brighten the border behind.

Lutyenesque steps are an striking feature and also cleverly link a serious drop in ground levels.

Round the corner a splash of colour catches my eye, cyclamen so small yet so bright:

Old, old espaliered apple trees stretch their boughs along the straight path.

The outdoor theatre was created in memory of Maria Bjornson a celebrated stage designer. The empty stage now waits for its next summer performance:

Mistletoe Viscum album inhabits the surrounding trees growing on the outside of the college grounds; always so high up in the branches and out of reach,

within the garden it grows on the apple trees at eye level. You just don’t appreciate how very pretty it looks; the opaque berries are enchanting.

We were the only visitors in the garden that morning except for one Japanese student, the odd squirrel, a noisy cock pheasant and much to his surprise, and ours, a muntjac deer. Sited on the other side of the pond and viewed from many angles are two ghostly objects apparently in silent communication:

“Conversing Figures” by Christophe Gordon-Brown

We return to the main college building. It is the juxtaposition of the old and the new which is so striking; an aged tree lies propped up in front of the modern red brick building.

The sound of rushing water can be heard as it travels under the many levels of brick passageways,

and it is the many layers of gardens that have been so absorbing. We have enjoyed the sculptures and the spaces throughout the garden; the enclosed and the open, the wild and the tamed, the formal and the relaxed with a huge variety of plants and trees. It is a perfect garden for the scholar not just to sit, study and contemplate but also to eat, watch and even to act. We look forward to returning in the summer.

——-1——-

The Garden Gate is Open

Garden visiting, looking at what is through the garden gate, especially those open for National Garden Scheme, with just an occasional foray here and there.

Garden