DAVID AND DECIMA AT HIDCOTE
Hidecote Manor Garden in Gloucestershire is a must-see. It’s one of the best-known and influential Arts and Crafts Gardens in Britain. A series of outdoor ‘rooms’ show yew and holly hedges, rare shrubs and herbaceous borders. It’s not all about being ablaze with summer: the contrast in texture and colours of green are important, as are harmonies in white of foxgloves against more delicate blossoms.
GRAND HOLLYHOCK IN CONTRAST WITH TOPIARY
An American, Lawrence Johnson began the project in the early 1900s.
CONTRAST IN TEXTURES
He conceived a plan to transform the fields around his mother’s Manor into a showpiece. By the 1920s, he employed a dozen full-time gardeners.
TOPIARY VISTA
His designs developed and changed over the years, but he left few records of the ‘why, how and when’. Intricately designed rooms lead one into another, named for their elements.
SUNDIAL GARDEN
The Fuchsia Garden has low box hedges and the burble of a fountain. Hidden birds twitter: David spotted a chaffinch. Below, notice the contrast between foliage, with just a stipple of bright red.
A DELIGHT OF CONTRAST AND COLOUR
The Long Walk brings a spectacular vista of clipped hedges on either side, in contrast with mature trees and softer green shrubs. Topiary avenues and, a stream, add interest. Below, folk enjoy the red and white waterlilies.
WATERLILY GARDEN
The Bathing Pool Garden, is raised with a fountain. Unfortunately, WordPress has omitted access to this picture from their selection of photos. See my FACEBOOK PAGE
THE MAGIC OF RAINDROPS ON LEAVES
There is a delight for the eye at every turn.
LILIES
No description could do this garden justice.It deserves several visits in different seasons.
