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Trees are stately and numerous, with a 600-year-old oak, giant western red cedar and surely some of the best specimens of oriental spruce in this country. A wellingtonia is always a sign of an important residence and true to form, the example here is stunning. John Heyworth, father of the current owner, planted over 250,000 trees on the estate in his lifetime! It is a tradition which continues with 60 new trees planted in 2010 on The Anniversary Lawn. Expect to see some rarer examples around the Park too, from the snowdrop tree to unusual horse chestnut relatives. Ginko, Liquidambar, a diverse collection of Magnolia and the highly collectable Wollemi nobilis, the list is endless! Fast forward to 2020 and a new arboretum is already in the planning.
There are over 50 species of bamboo on site, from the hauntingly blue ghost bamboo to stunning yellow stemmed varieties. In fact, exotic planting is very evident. The Walled Garden illustrates this theme particularly well, with bananas and cannas canoodling with cordylines and the first palm introduced to the gardens – still standing – the hardy Trachycarpus fortunei. I also spotted my favourite – Phoenix canariensis – and bought a couple of these from Cheltenham’s Wyevale in December – gorgeous, but do need winter protection.
The Arid beds surround those sweet little TV star meerkats and are full of cacti and succulents. Many spent the winter under cover and as spring arrives they will be settling into their
outdoor homes. From Tree aloes to Echinocactus grusonii, joined by delicate little Narcissus bulbocodium displaying their petticoat petals at the moment – this is definitely an area not to miss.
Water is also impressive around the grounds, with tropical water lilies in one part to a large natural lake in another, where the gathered flamingos look like giant exotic flowers sprouting from their long leg stems!
The Tropical House is of course somewhere to head when the rain comes a calling and falling! Jewelled birds swoop around while a sloth munches on a banana in its jungle like surroundings, including such gems as Strelitzia and Aristolochia grandiflora.
In contrast to the formal areas of planting around the Manor and mass bedding planted out in spring and summer, two meadow sites are managed and are currently ablaze with our native Narcissus pseudonarcissus and wood anemone, displaying all that is wondrous about our wildflowers.
Horticultural genius, James Alexander-Sinclair (with whom I have shared many an enjoyable conversation over the years) visited last autumn to help plant up 1,000 ‘Caresse’ pink tulips in the borders in front of the Manor. These, along with over 100 other different varieties, invite you to join them this spring – so head off to The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens without delay – you can’t turn down a tulip!
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THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE CAMI L LA BAS S E T T - SMI TH
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