I am lagging behind with my England tour posts, not that there is an urgency, but I know if I don't get them recorded and organized, my feeble memory will begin to muddle them. The three previous gardens (Hidcote, Kiftsgate, and Bourton House) were visited on the first day of the tour. Day 2 took us across the border into Wales, where we saw two gardens.
Our group (about 25 people) rode in a comfortable bus, and everyone kept saying that it was much smaller than the buses they normally used. I thought it was fine, and most of the time, I had my aisle to myself. Unlike the Japan trip, where our mode of transportation changed daily, we kept the same bus during the entire trip. I soon learned that it was best for my mental health to sit on the right side of the bus. The country lanes of England are indeed as narrow as they appear on television, and the ever-present hedgerows grow right next to the roadside. Watching these hedgerows fly by within an inch of your window is very unsettling. Our driver, Chris, was amazing and such a nice guy!
Rock walls are another ubiquitous feature of the English landscape. Fascinating and beautiful. We passed one estate, and the rock wall bordering the property went on forever, at least five miles. I was amazed - where did they get so many rocks? I was told that there would be even more in Wales.
We had excellent weather the entire three weeks we were there. Our tour guides, Bruce and Jerry, said that they had been to England dozens of times over the past two decades and had never seen it so dry. However, as we ventured into Wales, there was a brief shower, and the atmosphere was misty.
Our first stop was Highfield Farm Garden in Monmouthshire. It is owned by Jenny and Roger Lloyd. Jenny's family has owned and farmed the property for six generations. She and Roger moved to the farm in 2015 to renovate the gardens. The gardens are open several days a year and the proceeds go to charity for the National Garden Scheme as well as Macmillan Nurses, who cared for Jenny's mother when she became terminally ill. Jenny was previously a commercial plant breeder for Sutton Seeds.
Roger met our bus at the end of the country lane that leads to their home. We took a short, leisurely stroll to the entrance.
As we gathered at the entrance, we were once again greeted by more glorious wisteria.
Roger discussed the garden's history and talked about his meeting the previous day with the Royals - they were honored by King Charles for their charitable work. I cannot remember how much money they had raised, but it was a considerable amount.
Here is he chatting with us as we started the garden tour. Notice the variegated kiwi vine (probably 'Arctic Beauty') - just stunning.
This three-acre garden is packed with plants (over 1400 cultivars). We were early for a lot of blooms and I'm sure it is a riot of color later in summer.
An absolutely stunning hawthorn (or is it crabapple?) -
And, lastly, coffee, tea and homemade treats! Delicious!
Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
The description of the bus ride made me feel woozy, I'm glad you found a spot on the bus that wasn't as overwhelming. The garden looks like a joy to walk around, that hawthorn/crabapple? is amazing!
ReplyDeleteLike Tracy, I reacted to your story about the bus ride. Good information should I even get the chance to tour gardens in the UK. The garden in question is of course magnificent.
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