A National Trust Property Hidcote Manor is, without doubt, one of the finest Gardens created in the 20th.C. Work began in 1907 when a Gertrude Winthrop purchased the 280-acre estate. The gardens took shape during the next 25 years by clipping the newly planted shelterbelts to create the intricate and architecturally pleasing “walls” for Hidcote’s twenty-two garden rooms. From the initial vista by the house, running away beneath a mature cedar, through the heart of the garden to Heaven’s Gate and the Cotswold escarpment beyond, this garden will enthral you with every step.
Bourton House Garden, when purchased in 1983, was in a very dilapidated state. The three-acre garden was in serious neglect. Now, without a doubt, one of the finest creations is a box-edged parterre inspired by a pattern from Chinese trellis furniture. Box is used effectively to provide low hedging, By contrast, a series of deep, herbaceous borders surrounding and raised above an immaculate lawn introduce an exciting mix of colours forms and textures to the garden.
Like the Manor, the garden has changed little in 400 years. The overall structure of terracing, paths, vistas, and main garden were all laid out during the Tudor Period. In the centre, a parterre of closed clipped box and yew surrounds a circular pool and beds planted with Narcissi, tulips, fritillaries and alliums.
Kiftsgate Court Garden is famous for its Rambling Rose first named in 1951. A remarkable garden, it was created, developed and maintained by three generations of lady gardeners from the same family. Today there is a feeling of calm and tranquillity in the garden. The semi-circular plunge pool laid out on a terrace below a steep west facing bank with its woody plants and climbers. In 1972 a further pool complete with fountain was added to the centre of the sunken garden. In 1981 Extensive gardens of tender plants on the sheltered west-facing bank created a wonderful Millenium water garden and continue to maintain and enrich and indeed enhance the plantings within the original borders.
Damaged during the Civil War, the castle was allowed to fall into dereliction until it was purchased in the 19thC. by the Dent family. One of the finest, now restored, is the Queens Garden which contains an outstanding collection of old fashioned English Roses. One of the latest gardens to be added in 1995 to the landscape is an Elizabethan Knot Garden inspired from the pattern decorating a dress worn by Queen Elizabeth 1. Within and around the remains of the Tithe Barn, fragrant climbers clamber over the walls whilst extensive borders full of foliage surround its foundations creating a romantic and peaceful atmosphere.
Rococo gardens, full of flamboyant and quirky architecture are a garden not to be missed. Today this fascinating 6-acre garden comprises a series of delightful follies each with its dramatic vistas across the garden, plunge pools old fashioned herbaceous borders, a tunnel arbour of hornbeam, large kitchen garden and a privet maze planted in 1998 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Thomas Robins painting.
Copyright 2024 | Mark Ransom | Cotswold Blog
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