With glowing colours and fresh days, October is a lovely month for getting out and about to visit gardens. Here is a selection, one of them for a trip further afield, in Devon. We advise checking before starting a long journey.
Time Off
LOCAL GARDEN VISITS - THE COTSWOLDS Compiled by Nicola Baldwin
Hidcote Manor Garden
Hidcote Manor Garden, with its structure of outdoor rooms, linked by vistas and furnished with topiary, is one of the most inventive and influential gardens of the 20th century. Designed over 70 years ago by self taught gardener Lawrence Johnston, each of the garden rooms has its own unique character, from profuse jungle planting with rich colour and texture to calm and restful interludes. The gardens include an astonishing variety of hedges, walls, water and paving. There are rare shrubs and trees, herbaceous borders and unusual plants from around the world. The garden changes in harmony with the seasons - look out for autumn’s spectacular Red Border. With sweeping views across the Vale of Evesham, a visit to Hidcote is inspirational at any time of year.
Location: Hidcote Manor Garden, Hidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden, near Mickleton GL55 6LR. Web site:
www.nationaltrust.
org.uk/hidcote Telephone: National Trust, 01386 438333. Open: until 6th November open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5pm. Admission: £10, children £5, family £25. Plant sales. Teas available. Wheelchair access.
Whitlenge Gardens, Hartlebury
Wander through three acres of beautifully landscaped gardens situated in the picturesque Worcestershire countryside. The gardens surround a 17th century cottage which was once part of the Bishop of Worcester’s estate. Owner and garden designer Keith Southall, bought Whitlenge House Cottage 27 years ago and has transformed it into an ‘ideas’ garden. The gardens are planted with over 800 varieties of mature trees, shrubs, perennials, alpines and heathers chosen to give all year round colour and interest. Walk through the twisted pillar pergola planted with fan trained apples, the large bog garden with the gigantic leaves of gunnera, enjoy the many water features and the scree garden, explore the camomile lawn, cave and fernery, walk the labyrinth, browse the five acre specimen plant nursery and relax and enjoy tea and cakes in the tearoom.
Location: Whitlenge Gardens, Whitlenge Lane, Hartlebury DY10 4HD. Telephone: 01299 250720. Email:
keith.southall@
creativelandscapes.co.uk Web site:
www.creativelandscapes.co.uk Opening times: Open seven days a week, 9am- 5pm and 10am-5pm on Sundays. Admission: £2, children free. Plants for sale. Refreshments available. Wheelchair access.
Lukesland Gardens, Ivybridge, Devon
Well-known for their wonderful spring colour, Lukesland Gardens, Ivybridge, are also delightful in the autumn. The shelterbelt of beeches, planted by the Victorians to protect this 24-acre garden from Dartmoor winds, turns a glorious gold, while more exotic species such as acers, cornus and gingko reflect their fiery reds and oranges in the pools of the Addicombe Brook. The Howell family, who run Lukesland, serve up seasonal soups and cakes in the tea room, by a roaring log fire. Children can enjoy a fun nature trail around the grounds, exploring the many secret paths and bridges in this very natural woodland valley. Dogs are also welcome on a lead.
Location: Lukesland, Harford, Ivybridge PL21 0JF. Mrs R Howell, and Mrs and Mrs J Howell. Tel. 01752 691749.
www.lukesland.co.uk Autumn opening: Sundays and Wednesdays, 16th
October – 13th November, 11am – 4pm. Admission: £4.50, children free. Teas. Partial wheelchair access. Country Gardener
Nicola Baldwin,
www.plotgardendesign.co.uk 35
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