The Entrance Garden. This small garden
with raised beds was first begun in the winter of 1994 and includes
outdoor seating for teas in the garden. The Fernery has climbing plants
and bamboo to provide shade.
The
Yew Walk and Parterre Garden were created in
1998. The parterre is divided into colour-themed quarters densely
planted with mainly herbaceous perennials, bulbs and some less common
annuals and surrounded by low box hedges.
The
‘Church’. This metal sculpture
in the form of a ruined church was constructed in 1999 by ‘Bluefoot Forge’.
It is now bedecked
with purple-leaved vine, scented roses and a multitude of clematis.
Hedge Germander surrounds the outside walls with box buttresses.
The Lavender Garden. Hidcote lavender
is considered to be one of the best forms for hedging and is clipped
hard after flowering to maintain a bushy habit. A taller form of
Lavendula
angustifolia
surrounds the urn
and beneath sprawling Rosa ‘Evangeline’
and Rosa ’Sombreuil'
is a small hedge
of Rock Hyssop.
Beyond here, beech hedges form two enclosures, one of which has the
Swallow House. The swallows are happy to share with anyone who wishes
to sit and enjoy the view. From this point a gate leads to:
The
Exhibition Area. We are currently
showing the fine work of Tony Hall (Castle Hill Pottery) These pots
are hand-thrown and are fully frost-proof, they come in a variety
of designs and sizes.
The
Meadow. This former sheep
pasture has not been ‘improved’ for the past seven years
and is allowed to grow for hay during the summer months. There has
been a small amount of spot planting of wild flowers such as ragged
robin in the wetter areas and oxeye daisy, field scabious & primroses
on the banks. Many more species such as bluebell, lady's smock, bird's
foot trefoil and yellow rattle to name but a few, have arrived unaided.
Paths have been cut through the grass to guide you round the recently
dug earthworks and on to the archway to:
The
Viewing Gallery and Toposcope. take advantage
of a superb view of the hills of the border country, including Herrock,
Bradnor, and Hergest Ridge (England) and of course the Whimble and
the Radnor Forest (Wales). The latter two form the skyline known locally
as the Sleeping Princess.
The triangular piece of ground to the south of the toposcope is being
planted with native trees which thrive in wet ground providing a sanctuary
for wildlife, particularly birds. We are delighted to have many and
varied small birds. Buzzards soar in every direction and more recently
the Red Kite has begun to make a frequent appearance.
