English Garden 10 2016

GARDEN
THE ENGLISH
OCTOBER 2016 For everyone who loves beautiful gardens www.theenglishgarden.co.uk
Glowing grasses
and vibrant
perennials
JAPANESE
MAPLES
Small garden
trees with the
The brightest leaves
ART of
SIMPLICITY
Crisply designed gardens
with autumn appeal
Autumn inspiration 4.30
BORDER advice from Waterperry

Get your LAWN ready for winter
Clever tricks for BOUNDARIES
Top 10 plants with FIERY foliage
The NaTioNal TrusT GreeNhouse ColleCTioN
www.alitex.co.uk 01730 826900
Welcome...
CONTRIBUTORS
Jo Whittingham
Jo is a garden writer
based in East Lothian.
A utumn begins its march gently. Softer light, dew on the lawn,
mists that lend a smouldering, smoky quality to the landscape.
Then gradually, fiery colours take hold as deciduous leaves turn
from green to gold, rusty bronze, vibrant scarlet a final hurrah before
falling. October is a brilliant time to enjoy the display, when frost is yet
She has a column in
the Scotsman and has to strike and autumns most colourful flowers are still being produced,
written several books
on growing fruit and
everything coming together to create wonderful seasonal compositions.
vegetables. She visits The gardens in this issue blend late blooms and falling leaf colour
Glenkyllachy in the
Highlands on page 40. with the expertise of an Old Master. Far north in Tomatin, the garden
at Glenkyllachy is a patch of vivid colour in the rugged Highland
landscape, thanks to a collection of acers and rowans. Rye Hall Farm
in Yorkshire is an advert for why glowing
grasses should be included in the autumn
mix, while Kents Hole Park, and Hetton
House in Northumberland, make a strong
case for dahlias and salvias. Oxfordshires
Liz Ware Waterperry Gardens just wouldnt be the same
Liz is a garden writer,
photographer and
without asters. We also celebrate 35 years
initiator of the Silent since Painshill, a landscape garden in Surrey,
Space project,
which aims to keep was rescued from neglect. All are ablaze with
gardens free from
modern noise. She colour made all the more intense in autumns
explores Waterperrys
exemplary gardens on
wonderful warm light. What a way to start the
page 52. gardening years most vibrant season.
Clare Foggett, Editor
ON THE DIGITAL
COVER PLATFORMS
Anthony Pauls Purchase digital
COVER IMAGE CLIVE NICHOLS; HELEN REEVES
Andy McIndoe design for a garden in

Coldharbour, Surrey,
editions of The English
Garden for phone and
Andy is a practical
photographed by Clive tablet from the App
horticulturist and
Nichols, brings smart Store for iPhones,
author who has been
modern style to a and Google Play for
responsible for 25
beautiful rural setting. Android.
gold-medal winning
exhibits at Chelsea. He
brings us an expert
pick of the best acers The-English-Garden-Magazine @TEGmagazine englishgardenuk theenglishgardenmagazine
on page 87.
OCTOBER 2016 THE ENGLISH GARDEN 3

SE NTIAL
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For everyone who loves beautiful gardens
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CONTENTS
October 2016
Gardens
24 A PRIVATE ARRANGEMENT 66 AN HOLISTIC APPROACH A broad
Gardening is an intimate, personal view of a sloping site yields reward.
affair at Hole Park, Kent.
73 SCREEN STARS Garden boundaries
32 RECEIVED WISDOM The legacy of can take a wealth of forms; choosing
Beatrix Havergal and Avice Sanders well makes all the difference.
lives on at Waterperry, Oxfordshire.
40 TAKING A GENTLER PACE When Plants

autumn arrives, Jane Lovett sees her
Northumberland garden in new light. 79 SEEING RED These dark-leaved
plants offer superb autumn colour.
46 HIGHLAND FLING Shades of gold,
bronze and copper gild the garden 87 THE LATE SHOW Andy McIndoe
at Glenkyllachy, Scotland. picks the best species of Acer for
glorious seasonal shades.
52 FIELDS OF GOLD The garden at Rye
Hall Farm, Yorkshire, comes into its 95 LOOKING AFTER LAWN Prime
own at this time of year. lawns now for a perfect green
sward in seasons to come.
87
60 PARADISE REGAINED The
18th-century landscape at Painshill in 100 PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Surrey offers a surprise at every turn. Exceptional photography from the
International Garden Photographer
of the Year Award.
Design
22 ITS A WRAP! Ruth Bridgeman wins Regulars
The English Garden Future Fund.
9 THIS MONTH A guide to garden
events, tasks to complete, open
gardens and nature to note.
16 SHOPPING Take care of garden

storage and falling leaves with these
covetable accessories.
21 GARDEN PATHS This year Juliet

Sargent became the first black
woman to exhibit at Chelsea.
85 THE NATIONS FAVOURITE The

Conference pear is integral to
60
Britains fruit-growing industry.
92 PLANT SWATCH Laura Oakes

chooses chrysanthemums in happy,
sunshine shades.
6 THE ENGLISH GARDEN SEPTEMBER 2016

24
32
104 THE REVIEWER New releases and
an interview with Chris Baines.
elements to elegance
114 LAST WORD A good apple is
irresistible. Katherine Swift considers
IMAGES MATTHEW BRUCE; ALAMY; CLIVE NICHOLS; ANDREW LAWSON
the options.
Offers
72 SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE EXTERIORS | INTERIORS | BIG SPACES
Buy 13 issues of The English Garden
for just 38 and receive a mixed
half-case of wine free.
+44 (0)1235 859300
112 HOME INSURANCE Take advantage www.davidharber.com
of this special offer for readers of
The English Garden.
Triennial SoloShow
of over 50 new sculptures
@
MALL
GALLERIES
The Mall, London, SW1
10-22 October 2016
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October
GARDENS TO VISIT
NGS GARDEN
OF THE MONTH
FOUR SEASONS,
WEST MIDLANDS
This aptly named
garden impresses at
any time of year, with
much to keep visitors
attention. It contains
three defined areas
each offering distinct
planting. The Upper
Garden is the largest,
with a lawn and formal
planting, including
many acers. The Middle
Garden has oriental
features and a jungle
of ferns, palms and
bamboos. The Lower
Garden has a large
stream, a woodland
area and a sunnier
Five gardens with great autumn colour

space for perennials. In
autumn, the rich reds
of Virginia creeper are
Witness the fiery hues of autumn in these beautiful gardens that glow followed quickly by the
with leaves in every shade, from gold to russet and vibrant red intense colour changes
of acers and azaleas.
DRUMMOND CASTLE BODENHAM ARBORETUM POWIS CASTLE & GARDEN Open for the NGS
GARDENS With a variety of tree species The dramatic landscape of on 22-23 October,
Considered one of the finest that come into their element Powis Castle is heightened 10am-5pm. Entry
formal gardens in Europe, the during autumn, Bodenham at this time of year by a flush 3.50, with teas
gardens at Drummond Castle Arboretum (below) is alight of autumnal colour from its available. 26 Buchanan
IMAGES GRIMSTHORPE & DRUMMOND CASTLE TRUST; CLIVE NICHOLS; TONY NEWTON
(above) transform in autumn with golden hues right now. trees falling leaves. Welshpool, Road, Wallsall, West
as 14 species of Acer reveal Kidderminster, Worcestershire Powys, SY21 8RF. Tel: 01938 Midlands WS4 2EN. For
their russet hues. Muthill, Crieff DY11 5TB. Tel: 01562 85244; 551944; nationaltrust.org.uk details visit ngs.org.uk
PH7 4HN. Tel: 01764 681433; bodenhamarboretum.co.uk or see fourseasons
drummondcastlegardens.co.uk CALKE ABBEY garden.co.uk
Home to some of the oldest
WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM trees in the UK, including a
This National Arboretum venerable ancient oak known
comes alive in autumn with as the Old Man of Calke,
many tree species boasting Calke Abbey glows with colour
golden and amber leaves, this month. A wide variety of
making it the perfect spot for wildlife such as red and fallow
leaf-peeping in October. deer inhabits the grounds
Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 and woodland trails. Ticknall,
8QS. Tel: 0300 067 4890; Derby, DE73 7LE. Tel: 01332
forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt 863822; nationaltrust.org

October
PLACES TO GO
Do the twist
WILLOW WEAVING WORKSHOP
15 October
Make woven Christmas decorations in a
day-long workshop at Tatton Park, Cheshire.
The class will be conducted by artist Sarah
Gallagher-Hayes, of TwigTwisters, who
started her career working with metal,
before turning her hand to creating life-
size woven willow sculptures that make
enchanting garden pieces, whether they are
reindeer, ponies, rabbits or tortoises. Tickets
70. 10am-3.30pm. Tel: 01625 374428;
events.tattonpark.org.uk
Hello pumpkin
LONDON HARVEST FESTIVAL 4-5 October
This two-day event at the Horticultural Halls on Vincent Square celebrates
seasonal bounty with entertainment such as apple bobbing, while judges will
assess such things as the largest vegetables, heaviest pumpkins and perfect
specimens of apples and pears. Visitors can also seek advice from the RHS
Gardening Advice Team regarding common fruit-growing problems including
apple scab or bitter pit. Tickets 6. 10am-9pm. Tel: 0844 338 0338; rhs.org.uk
LOOKING AHEAD: PLANT FAIRS AND SHOWS

WEST DEAN APPLE AFFAIR an array of exhibitors including flowers. Free. 11am-3pm. Tel: AUTUMN WREATH MAKING
1-2 October crafters, food producers 020 8742 3905; chgt.org.uk 20 October
This annual Sussex fair marks and those offering garden Learn the joy of wreath making
the autumn harvest with ornamentation. Tickets 8. AUTUMN PHOTOGRAPHY in this hands-on workshop
displays, orchard tours and 11am-5pm. Tel: 01732 885094; MASTERCLASS AT KEW in Richmond, south-west
cooking demonstrations. Adult greatcompgarden.co.uk 15 October London. Create a beautiful
IMAGES CAROL SHEPPARD; TATTON PARK
tickets 12.50, children 1. Tel: A practical course at Kew with autumnal wreath using
01243 818210; westdean.org.uk KITCHEN GARDEN OPEN DAY garden photographer Clive seasonal woodland materials,
9 October Nichols focussing on capturing under the guidance of florist
AUTUMN EXTRAVAGANZA The walled kitchen garden at beautiful autumn photos Thomas Broom-Hughes and
8-9 October the neo-Palladian Chiswick throughout the gardens and Petersham Nurseries Amanda
A two-day fair, held just as the House, west London, is open glasshouses. Tickets 150. Brame. Tickets 85. 11am-
garden at Great Comp, Kent, to the public. Enjoy plentiful 10.30am-4.30pm. Tel: 020 1.30pm. Tel: 020 8940 5230;
reaches its autumn peak, hosts displays of produce and 8332 5626; kew.org petershamnurseries.com
10 THE ENGLISH GARDEN SEPTEMBER 2016

Roald Dahl (Ausowlish)
Plan ahead and plant this autumn for

beautiful blooms next summer
David C.H. Austin
As the gardening year draws to a close, its time to plan ahead for next year.
Roses planted in autumn settle happily during winter, ready to bring unrivalled
beauty and fragrance all summer long and for many years to come.
Were offering readers of English Garden 10% OFF every time you
order with us before 30th November 2016, quoting code EG84
DAVID AUSTIN Visit: www.davidaustinroses.com Call: 01902 376300
October
THINGS TO DO
Plant a spring bulb display MONTHLY

CHECKLIST
Order bulbs of daffodils, tulips and alliums now, then plant in borders n Head outdoors
and containers for plenty of colourful flowers throughout spring and go leaf peeping.
Originally an American
colloquialism, it
involves travelling
to sites boasting
beautiful autumn
colour to admire and
photograph golden
leaves. See our pick
of the best locations
to admire the autumn
display on page 9.
n As winter frosts
The quiet transformation of they have a long growing For a formal display, identify
approach, protect
papery, dormant bulbs into a season below ground. Alliums a colour scheme and establish
half-hardy plants by
spectacular display of flowers should be followed by tulips, precise planting distances,
bringing them into
over just a few months is one of which are best planted a little using string or sand to help you
the greenhouse or
the miracles of the garden. later, in November. visualise the layout.
covering with fleece.
It is wise to put alliums and Although many bulbs do Consider plant partners for
daffodils in the soil now, so come up year after year, bulbs, too. With them in, add n Sow seed of hardy
planting new spring-flowering spring bedding plants such as annuals in situ for early
bulbs each autumn results in forget-me-nots or wallflowers, flowers next summer.
a dramatic display of blooms taking care not to damage the
n Bring the harvest
the following year. Tulips, bulbs below as you plant.
indoors with a
especially, are best treated as Bulbs are best planted
mushroom growing kit,
IMAGES JONATHAN BUCKLEY; SHUTTERSTOCK
an annual as the quality of their in well-drained soil at a

perfect for foraging
flowers diminishes over time. depth of twice their height.
throughout winter.
The planting style you wish In containers, use a mix of
to follow will usually determine multipurpose and loam-based n Keep lawns clear
the flowers that are best for compost for nutrients. of fallen leaves, build
your borders. In wilder, more Try Sarah Ravens Allium up of which can kill
relaxed planting schemes, for Collection (above) or Venetian turf and encourage
instance, a variety of heights, Tulip Collection (left). Tel: 0345 unwelcome diseases
textures and colours is ideal. 092 0283; sarahraven.com such as snow mould.
12 THE ENGLISH GARDEN OCTOBER 2016

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October
NATURE TO NOTE
Northern Flier
Bramblings seek winter food in the UK
Habitat As chilly weather spreads across their native

Scandinavia and Siberia this month, bramblings start to
arrive in this country. These pretty orange, brown and
black finches can often be seen in mixed flocks with
chaffinches. The numbers of bramblings visiting the UK
will depend on the amount of food they can find closer to
home. They feed on seeds, so are often found on farmland
or in woodland where they will seek out beech mast.
Appearance Bramblings differ from chaffinches in their
white rumps and orange-brown shoulders. In winter male
bramblings have a buff-grey coloured head while females
have a brown head. Occasionally a pair stays to breed but
the majority returns north in March.
What you can do Bramblings visit gardens when wild
sources of food run out. Encourage them by scattering
seed on the ground below feeders. For more on garden
wildlife, visit rspb.org.uk/homes
Help for Build a bumblebee nest

Hedgehogs Many bumblebee species nest at ground level over
winter, in sites that are easily replicated in the garden
These mammals will
devour slugs and snails
Materials outside the
n Make your garden accessible A terracotta plant pot, at least 20cm tubing will
by choosing hedges instead diameter, with drainage holes form the
of fencing where possible so A tile or piece of slate entrance to
hedgehogs can come and go. 30-50cm length of hosepipe the nest.
Alternatively cut holes in the Nesting material such as straw 4. Put the
base of fence panels. Square of chicken wire, 30x30cm chicken wire
n Let parts of your garden in the base
go. Hedgehogs feel at home Method of the hole, its bent edges
in fallen leaves and foliage, so 1. Cut the chicken wire so it covers the forming a gap between the soil and the
allocate a corner in the garden top of the pot, bending the edges in and wire, and place a handful of the nesting
for their hibernation under so it fits inside. material on top.
2. Punch drainage holes along the length 5. Cover the wire frame with the pot
n Avoid using slug pellets
of the hosepipe. Bees will access the nest and bury the edges so that it is partially
as these are often snuffled
IMAGES RSPB; SHUTTERSTOCK
through the pipe, so it must drain well. submerged, leaving half the hosepipe
up accidentally by hungry
3. Dig a shallow hole in the ground the covered and the other end exposed.
hedgehogs. Try using egg
same width as the large end of the flower 6. Finally, cover the base of the pot with
shells or copper rings to protect
pot. Position the hosepipe, drainage the tile or slate to keep out rain water.
plants from slugs instead.
holes facing down, with one end of the For more information on helping bees,
hose exiting inside the hole and the other visit bumblebeeconservation.org

SHOPPING Colworth shed storage unit,
55. Tel: 0845 608 4448;
gardentrading.co.uk
Garden tidy gift set,
16.99. Tel: 01992 501040;
oakroomshop.co.uk
Wooden Wellington boot rack,

29.95. Tel: 0844 567 2400;
thefarthing.co.uk
Firenze plant pot, 6.50.

Tel: 020 8799 7166;
indiajane.co.uk
Neat & Tidy

As autumn settles in, improve sheds,
greenhouses and utility rooms with Burgon & Ball greenhouse caddy,
18.99. Tel: 0116 259 2009;
a few new handy storage pieces kenbaileyatwistow.co.uk
Organic carrier bag,

11. Tel: 01684 833146; Wickes galvanised garden
Eckman tool tidy, 14.99.
cottageinthehills.com incinerator, 29.99.
Tel: 0844 441 3010;
Tel: 0330 123 4123;
eckman.co.uk
wickes.co.uk
Aldsworth outdoor storage box,

235. Tel: 01271 370095;
graceandgloryhome.co.uk
WORDS RACHAEL FUNNELL
Victorian styled boot brush and scraper,

39.99. Tel: 0800 688 8386;
blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk
Add the finishing touch
Our colourful range of tableware will help add the finishing touches to your home and garden.
Our fantastic acylic drinkware is available in various colours and will look stunning on your outdoor
dining table.
Complete your perfect garden look by shopping the Rosara range now for beautiful Garden Furniture and
Accessories, crafted by artisans at home and abroad.
To find out more about the full ROSARA range please visit our website:
www.rosara.co.uk
SHOPPING
Autumn Leaves
backdoor shoes, 25.
plantsplus.co.uk
Sophie Conran Hand Rake,

15.95. Tel: 0345 548 0210;
annabeljames.co.uk
Flopro telescopic gutter cleaner,
19.99. Tel: 0800 157 7264;
gardensandhomesdirect.co.uk
Worx Trivac 3000W Blow Vac,

59.99. Tel: 0345 077 8888;
homebase.co.uk
Annual Leaves
This season is not called fall for nothing.
These essential tools will help you gather Gauntlet gloves, 16.50.
autumn leaves with ease Tel: 0845 608 4448;

gardentrading.co.uk
Vintage velvet cushion,

150. Tel: 020 7734 1234;
Oase Swim Skin
liberty.co.uk
pond skimmer, 99.99.
Tel: 01904 698800;
bradshawsdirect.co.uk
Panama vase, 12.50.

Tel: 01743 588820;
wyldhome.com
Heavy duty hand leaf-grabs,

8.95. Tel: 0333 400 1500; Gtech cordless lawnmower,
harrodhorticultural.com 299. Tel: 01905 345891;
gtech.co.uk

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GARDEN PATHS
Blazing a Trail
Once a doctor, garden designer Juliet Sargeant made history this year when
she became the first black woman to exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show
My first gardening memory is of having Like many people, I didnt really know was great to sit in that garden now mature
chicken pox one summer when I was about what garden design involves. When I 20 years later after Chelsea 2016.
six. It was great to be out in the fresh air started my degree course I thought that it
with my mother, watering the tomatoes was all about gardening, but I was delighted I was surprised to be lauded as the first
with recycled bathwater. to study under Jill Billington, Fellow of the black woman to exhibit a garden at Chelsea
Society of Garden Designers, who opened but, having said that, in 15 years of teaching
I used to play in the woods for hours as my eyes to the artistic possibilities of professional garden design, I cannot
a child. When I noticed that a tree had a designing with plants. remember a single black student. What has
disease, I would fetch my first aid kit, been great is the response from young black
don my nurses uniform and smear For me a well-designed garden reflects the garden enthusiasts, who are now thinking
toothpaste on the offending nodules. personality and lifestyle of its owner. It is of making a career in horticulture.
an extension of their home, where they feel
I loved the problem-solving and challenge comfortable and refreshed. It is designed to Making a garden for a client is about
of medicine but I missed being creative. be a delight, not a chore. To achieve this, I developing a relationship and creating
Funnily enough, garden design also involves work on understanding how they want to something that will develop over time,
problem solving and my favourite projects relate to nature and the landscape. I really whereas Chelsea Flower Show is about
always present a challenge. Medicine has get to know them. instant impact. That fleetingness does
IMAGE SAM CHURCHILL
given me a people-centred approach to bother me, which is why I was pleased to

designing an outside space. There is so The first garden I designed was my be involved in the Modern Slavery Garden
much that gardens can offer to peoples mothers garden. But my first professional because the project will hopefully have a
health and well-being. job was for my friends Ruth and Ben. It lasting impact. n

FUTURE FUND
Its a Wrap!
The votes are in and the winner of The English Garden
Future Fund 2016 is textile designer Ruth Bridgeman
I
n spring we launched The English Garden
Future Fund 2016, asking would-be
garden designers to produce a design for
a London rooftop garden. The prize, a
chance to study at the prestigious Inchbald
School of Design with course fees paid, take part
in work experience with award-winning garden
designer Janine Pattison and help create a show
garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2017.
The applications were whittled down to four by
our judges, then it was down to readers and the
public to vote for a winner online.
Voting closed on August 19 and the winner
to emerge was Ruth Bridgeman from Salisbury,
Wiltshire, for her design Country Echoes. The
plan, which features a cantilevered corten steel
pergola that doubles as a water feature, low-level
lighting and an orange and white colour palette,
was praised by judges.
Andrew Duff, managing director at Inchbald
says: Ruth is a very worthy winner. Once in a
while I see a designer who has that extra spark
and creates a garden with distinction. Her design
is a clever balance between form and function.
A strong underlying structure holds the garden
together and unifies the design. The division of
space allows for two seating areas with differing
feelings. I love the way this is all tied together
with a cloud of soft planting and well-placed
trees. We are very much looking forward to
welcoming Ruth to Inchbald where I am quite
sure she will blossom.
Fellow judge, Janine Pattison, was also
impressed with the design saying: I am delighted
that Ruth Bridgeman has won. Her confident
design shows a good understanding of how to use
space to create attractive, usable zones within the two. Ive always liked being outdoors. I feel
garden. She has added height with some lovely that garden design combines this interest with
silver birch trees and an architectural structure, my previous career in textiles, she said.
which doubles as a water feature. The planting Keen to expand her knowledge of plants, Ruth
is colourful and tactile, giving the garden user a is hoping to explore different styles of design
IMAGES DENISE WRIGHT; SHUTTERSTOCK; CLIVE
lovely experience. We look forward to welcoming during her time studying with Inchbald. I am
NICHOLS; GARDEN WORLD IMAGES; ALAMY
Ruth to the JPS Studios in Dorset later this year looking forward to tackling a variety projects
to experience life in a busy garden design practice because it can be easy to just keep doing the
where she will see how we create award-winning same thing with designs. Ruth is also keen to
gardens for our demanding clients. Above Judges develop her plant knowledge to fulfil a dream of
Ruth has a background in textiles and runs Andrew Duff and becoming a professional garden designer. I am
Janine Pattison
a business producing hand-knitted designs for confident about how to design within a space but
were full of praise
interior projects. And with a love of the outdoors for our winner, Im keen to learn more about the planting side of
and a passion for design, she is keen to pair the Ruth Bridgeman. garden design, she adds. n

Country Echoes
Betula Silver birch adds RUTH BRIDGEMAN
height and helps bring a
feeling of enclosure, as
well as providing winter
interest with shiny bark.
Allium sphaerocephalon
This understated Allium
Stipa gigantea A hardy peppers the planting
grass that provides scheme with small, hot pink
golden hues in summer blooms in early summer.
and autumn and softens
the edges of the garden. I like modernist architecture
so I used this as a theme to
define the space. People living
in the city want somewhere
where they can escape. They
dont ever get a sense of the
changing seasons, unless they
visit a park.
I wanted the client to
be able to look out of the
apartment and get differing
views through the year. The
garden is called Country
Echoes and I wanted there to
be a sense of wild countryside
about it. I used to live near
some water meadows and
this design has that feeling:
wild countryside rather than
manicured countryside.
Ive included witch hazel
because it has red leaves in
autumn followed by amazing
burnt orange flowers in winter
perfect for cheering up the
client if they are feeling down
at this time.
I like cantilevered
structures and I thought
these ideal for enclosing a
space without making it too
claustrophobic. I wanted there
to be structure without there
being anything solid closing
off part of the garden.
The sound of dripping
water from the pergola will
add an extra dimension. In
Japan, gutters are like chains
Clematis Alba Luxurians that the water runs down,
Tough enough to Papaver Effendi This which makes something
cope with roof garden subtle orange-tinted
functional very beautiful.
exposure, this climber Oriental poppy takes
flowers in late summer. centre stage in late spring I wanted to recreate these.
and early summer.

Dew-covered,
expanses of lawn
are the perfect
counterpoint to
dark urn-shaped
yew topiary.

H O LE PAR K
A Private
ARRANGEMENT
Visitors are welcome to explore Hole Park in Kent, but it is still very
much a family home for its owners, the Barhams, something that
brings an intimate, happy atmosphere to the estate
WORDS CONSTANCE CRAIG SMITH PHOTOGRAPHS CLIVE NICHOLS

S
et in glorious rolling countryside
in Kent, Hole Park is a garden with its
own particular charm. Visitors are often
welcomed by owner, Edward Barham,
and his two enthusiastic Labradors, while
the tearoom is stocked with freshly baked cakes
and scones made by his wife, Clare. There is no gift
shop, no instruction to keep off the grass, and few
signposts. Its 12,000 annual visitors are encouraged
to wander and explore the garden at their own
pace, taking any route they choose. I think what
makes Hole Park different from many gardens is
the homely, family feel: we really do treat visitors as
guests, not paying public, says Edward.
While this may sound as if Hole Park is
charmingly amateurish, the standard of gardening
is very high. The magnificent yew hedges are
immaculately pruned, the beds and borders are
packed with plants, all
Right A view of
beautifully grown, and the
the formal canal,
framed by Fuchsia design is constantly assessed
Versicolor. with a critical eye, and new
Below Agapanthus projects are undertaken
Hole Park Blue is
every year. We are always
a very late flowering
cultivar discovered adapting and improving
at the garden. something, Edward says.

Covering just under 16 acres, the garden at Hole viburnums near the house and made it into an exotic Above A blaze of
red from Japanese
Park surrounds a charming, private, 18th-century area which measures about 40m x 4m, Quentin
maples, Acer
house and was first laid out by Edwards great- explains. We did it primarily to keep the gardeners palmatum, before
grandfather, Colonel Arthur Barham, between the interested, because we had all grown a bit tired of the their leaves fall.
two World Wars. The series of formal garden spaces, viburnums, but it has proved very popular with Below Hole Parks
yew hedging serves
enclosed by yew hedging, contrasts with the beauty our visitors too.
to enclose areas of
of surrounding parkland. The day-to-day running The Exotic Border is planted with a mixture of the garden and link
of the garden is in the hands of three gardeners, led Plectranthus, cannas, dahlias, salvias and bananas. them together.
by Quentin Stark, who has been at Hole Park for 16
years; before coming here, he worked as a gardener
for the Crown Estate.
Quentin, who provides lively guided tours of the
garden, relishes Hole Parks distinctive atmosphere.
Edward, Clare and their three children see this first
and foremost as their home, and that means
there is no gardening committee I have to keep
happy. The three of us just go with what we all
like and that is one of the things that gives this place
a special feeling.
The busiest time for Hole Park is spring, when
thousands of visitors flock to see the thick carpet of
primroses, wild garlic and bluebells in the woodland
area. The display of English bluebells, in particular,
is considered one of the best in the country. In
summer there are cascades of wisteria and displays
of roses in the borders and, increasingly, the planting
is being extended so that the garden positively fizzes
with colour in late summer and well into autumn.
One of the newest areas in the garden is the Exotic
Border. A few years ago we took out a border of

QUENTINS
AUTUMN
ADVICE
l Plan pots
for next years
summer display.
The temptation is
to leave this job
until spring, but
Quentin does it at
the end of summer
so that he can still
remember what
worked and what
was less successful
from the current
containers.
l Autumn is
the time for leaf
clearing and for
making leaf mould.
The leaves that
were collected last
year have rotted
down nicely by
this time and are
spread as a mulch Above The Exotic I reckon the star of the
around the borders. Border with show is Dahlia Bishop of
pampas grass,
l Trimming the box Auckland, which has single
dahlias and striped
hedging is a job Arundo donax. magenta flowers and dark
that is best done Left Leaves of leaves. It dies tidily and I
Prunus Shirotae in prefer it to the more famous
in autumn; the box
autumnal shades.
responds better Bishop of Llandaff,
Below left Sharply
to being cut in clipped yew is one says Quentin. Other good
cooler weather. of the trademarks performing plants are
of Hole Park. Eveline, white tinged
l The long grass in
with lilac, and the deep
the wildflower area plum-coloured Ivanetti.
is cut in September. There are also lots of dahlias in the long borders
It is left until this like most gardeners, we cant get enough of
time to ensure the dahlias, although they were considered so old-
wildflowers that fashioned for many years, Quentin says. We know
grow among the from old photographs that those borders used to
grasses have had a be planted with chrysanthemums for autumn, and
chance to set seed. now we are trying chrysanthemums in other areas of
l Quentin is careful the garden. Maybe theyll become as fashionable as
to takes cuttings of dahlias. Everything comes around again.
salvias to grow as He is a great fan of salvias, many of which are
a back-up to those at their peak from late summer and into autumn.
he plans to leave One of his favourites is the giant S. gesneriiflora,
in the ground, native to Mexico, which has flowers of brilliant
but which arent scarlet and can reach over 60cm tall. It is supposed
guaranteed to to be tender, but it has survived outdoors in the
survive a really Exotic Border for several years; sometimes it is
cold winter. even in flower in spring. Quentin also recommends
S. guaranitica Black and Blue, the exotic reddish-

brown S. confertiflora, bright Below Rose hips,
HOLE PARK
Euphorbia and
blue S. cacaliifolia, and
Heuchera provide
shrubby salvias like magenta textural planting
S. microphylla Cerro Potos, beside iron gates.
bright red Royal Bumble, NOTEBOOK
and the intense Blue Note.
A gentle blend of stately grandeur, homely
Cannas perform well here Durban, with
variegated leaves and brilliant orange flowers, is
touches and masterful mature planting
a particular favourite and contrast well with
hedychiums like the fragrant orange H. coccineum
Tara, which Quentin finds especially hardy. We
also use a lot of bedding plants, which change every
year. I always mean to plan and make notes but
I end up approaching it a bit like a mad professor
lets have some of this and some of that and see if it
works, he admits. I use Tithonia and Cleome and
Coleus, and any left-over antirrhinums get put in as
well if there is a gap.
Beyond the formal areas, there are autumn
crocuses, and a collection of maples in the
woodland. Most of them are types of Acer
palmatum and were grown from seedlings, so
theyre not labelled, says Quentin. The colours are
amazing; we get this tremendous burst of orange as GARDEN STATUE YEW HEDGES
the weather turns colder, which is quite spectacular. One of the gardens focal points Hole Park is renowned for
Edward Barham, who has lived at Hole Park all is a bronze statue, The Eagle its superb yew hedging.
his life apart from his time at school and in the army, Slayer by John Bell. Exhibited Pruning the vast expanse of
is still captivated by the garden with which he has at the 1851 Great Exhibition, yew takes two gardeners four
been entrusted, and continues to develop. Im not it has been at Hole Park since weeks to complete. The task
a qualified gardener, but I am Hole Parks greatest 1924. The dramatic statue produces two tonnes of yew
fan, he says with a smile. I never cease to be amazed stands in a spot where there clippings, which are sold to a
by its beauty when I wake up every morning. are particularly beautiful vistas pharmaceutical company to
across the estate. make cancer-fighting drugs.
Hole Park is open 11am-6pm on Wednesdays and
Thursdays until October 31, and on every Sunday in
October. Group visits on other dates are available
by appointment. Tel: 01580 241344; holepark.com
WISTERIA CASCADE PEEP HOLE

Once the famous display of The views from the garden
IMAGES DARRYL CURCHER PHOTOGRAPHY
bluebells has faded, Wisteria are an important part of the

takes over as the star of the overall effect at Hole Park. In
show at Hole Park. In the area the Sundial Garden, a relatively
known as the Vineyard, there new area which has a mosaic
are six standard Wisteria floor bearing the family crest,
sinensis with attractively a keyhole has been cut in the
gnarled trunks producing hedge to give a view across
cascades of fragrant flowers. fields to the woodland beyond.

VIBRANT AUTUMN BLOOMS & BERRIES
Trees, shrubs and perennials are pressed into service to ensure Hole Park is full of late colour
DAHLIA IVANETTI PHYTOLACCA AMERICANA SALVIA BLACK KNIGHT

Small, ball-shaped purple-pink flowers Pokeweed is an architectural shrub with Purple tubular flowers are held in
are borne from July until the first frosts stalks of pink flowers changing to glossy darker aubergine calyces. It will flower
on this hard-working cultivar. black berries. All parts are toxic. throughout summer until it is frosted.
SALVIA CURVIFLORA AGAPANTHUS HOLE PARK BLUE MAGNOLIA

Vivid magenta felted flowers are Thought to have been a fixture at Hole After the showy spring flowers come
produced on this semi-hardy Salvia that Park for more than 100 years, this deep equally spectacular seed pods, casings
needs winter protection in cold areas. blue cultivar flowers exceptionally late. bursting open to reveal shiny red seeds.
CALLICARPA BODINIERI VAR. GIRALDII ROSA MOYESII CYCLAMEN HEDERIFOLIUM

Clusters of berries in an otherworldy Tomato-red and produced in profusion, Wonderful for naturalising in grass,
shade of amethyst make this shrub these refined hips dangle from this flowers of this hardy Cyclamen appear
stand out from the crowd in autumn. species rose like decorative baubles. in early autumn, before the leaves. n

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full-bodied
autumn colour.

WAT E R P E R R Y
Received
WISDOM
The ethos of Waterperrys horticultural school lives on through the
dedication of the gardens current team, helped by its former staff
WORDS LIZ WARE PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREW LAWSON

A
rchives can be helpful when
maintaining a garden or planning its
future, but the memories of long-serving
staff can be even more enlightening.
The staff at Waterperry Gardens in
Oxfordshire are particularly fortunate. They can
draw on the knowledge of gardeners who knew and
were inspired by its founder, Miss Beatrix Havergal of
Waterperry Horticultural School.
When Miss Havergal and her friend Avice Sanders
moved to the Georgian manor at Waterperry in 1932,
their aim was to expand their already popular womens
horticultural training school. For the following 40
years, they helped many young women develop their
horticultural talents. As Waterperrys garden manager
and tutor, Pat Havers, notes, Miss Havergal paved the
way for women gardeners.
Today, features that played an important role in the
schools curriculum continue to attract both students
and visitors. The 60m-long herbaceous border, once an

important teaching tool, is now one of the most admired
traditional borders in the country. It provides a good
example of the way the Waterperry team continues
to use and pass on the traditional skills that keep the
history of the garden alive and relevant.
According to Mary Spiller, a former student and
member of the Waterperry teaching staff, this glorious
border, packed with colour, was Miss Havergals
particular pride and joy. Archive photographs show
Miss H (as she was known to her students) dressed
in a green smock, breeches and her Panama hat. The
images suggest a somewhat formidable woman but
the memories of the gardeners who knew her tell a
somewhat different story.
Perfection was always Miss Havergals aim,
explains Mary Spiller, but although she expected a
lot from us, she was never anything but kind and fair.
As Chris Lanczak, orchard manager and a member
of Waterperrys staff for almost 50 years, says, Miss
Havergal treated us as family. Rather than putting us
off, her high expectations made us want to please her.
With these high standards to the fore, Pat Havers
and horticultural manager Rob Jacobs are responsible
Left Waterperrys
knot garden features for the planning and maintenance of the herbaceous
Nathan Davids border. It is an enormous job but both Pat and Rob have
statue of a girl been well prepared for the task. Pat has been involved
holding the Lamp
with the garden since her childhood; Rob is a relative
of Wisdom.
Below Helianthus newcomer having been trained by Mary Spiller and
bears bright blooms associated with the gardens for more than 30 years.
over a long period. We have so much knowledge in our heads that
Below left Staking
looking after the border has almost become instinctive.
is a crucial technique
in such densely I wake up in the morning and know exactly what needs
planted borders. to be done, says Pat. I dont need a diary to help me
work, but I do keep detailed records for whoever takes it
on in the future. In Miss Havergals day, the Waterperry
staff and students kept meticulous records and now
we do the same. All this knowledge passed from Miss
Havergal to Mary, and then to me. It is really important
to keep handing the skills on.
Given its spectacular display of colour, it surprises
some visitors to learn that the border doesnt have an
overall design. As Pat points out, that has never been its
point: It is a traditional herbaceous border with three
periods of interest. Lupins are the main act in May and
June. Theyre followed by Verbascum and Delphinium
in July. Phlox are our gentle introduction to the burst of
autumn colour when the asters, sedums, Helenium and
golden rod are at their best.
In the days of Waterperry Horticultural School,
students were taught to master the meticulous planning
needed to produce four to five months of colour using
nothing but herbaceous plants. It was an important part
of the practical examination that led to the Waterperry
diploma. Early film footage shows students being
observed by an external examiner. Marks were given for
their deadheading, staking skills and plant selection.
It isnt just planning for the three seasons that is
important. Placing plants with contrasting flower

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PAT HAVERS
SEASONAL
ADVICE
l Review plans for
and leaf shapes is crucial, too, Rob says. The whole the garden and any
border is like a patchwork quilt. Occasionally there is notes you have taken
a plant combination that doesnt work but by the time through the year.
the plants have grown big enough for us to notice the
problem, it is too late to do anything about it. l Rake up fallen leaves
The border is south facing. If we had to replace ready for composting.

something in midsummer, it would need watering and l When picking
nurturing. We just dont have time to do this. Pat fruits, treat them as
consoles herself with the knowledge that every Persian tenderly as eggs to
carpet contains a mistake. The day we get the border avoid damage. This will
right, we can retire, she laughs. prolong storage life.
For Pat, work on the border begins in February when
l Clear manure and
she ventures down to the river to cut hazel for staking.
Mary Spiller taught her to stake, a skill now passed on leaves from roses
to the students on Waterperrys staking courses. It is to prevent disease.
a wonderful way to keep the old skills alive. Theyre Discard all this material.
always very popular and quickly sell out, she adds. l Plant the bulbs of
Before growth begins in earnest, the border is fed Narcissus before the
and weeded, and irrigation pipes are put in place. Any end of October.
necessary adjustments and additions are made while
l Raise mower height
there is still space for staff to move around. Watering,
to keep lawns healthy
weeding and deadheading continues to May until it is
Top Asters in through winter.
impossible to work without damaging the border.
every shade of
Staking begins in April. Canes are put behind the purple light up the l This is the time to
delphiniums when they are about one foot high. By the border in autumn. plant trees and shrubs,
time they flower, they will have been secured to the Above Breezy and to think about
Leucanthemella
stakes three or four times. We stake the asters when relocating evergreen
serotina adds fresh,
theyre two thirds of their expected height, says Pat. If pure white to the shrubs and conifers.
the weather in early summer isnt as we hoped then the colour scheme.

Below A seedling of plants dont grow high enough
WATERPERRY
Aster novi-belgii that and it doesnt looks so good.
has popped up in
But as Pat admits, although we
one of the borders.
notice, the visitors might not.
We have to be our own worst critics. NOTEBOOK
As plant varieties improve, so the choices that Pat
These diverse gardens are an ideal place to learn
and Rob make when planning the border change. They
keep Miss Havergal and Mary Spiller in mind when
they make alterations. Marys advice to them has always
been to keep the border full of incident. But they have
no qualms about introducing varieties that need less
intervention. As Mary confirms, Miss Havergal was
very forward thinking and was always investigating new
and better plants. This knowledge gives todays garden
team the confidence to do the same and allows the
planting in the border to change and evolve.
There has been one noticeable change since the days
of the horticultural school: when Miss Havergal and
Avice Sanders were at the helm, there were relatively
few external visitors. Today, the herbaceous border is on
view to the public every day of its growing season. The
pressure is constant, says Pat. I dont have a holiday
until the middle of September. I cant just go away and
THE RIVER WALK THE FORMAL
leave it. It would seem that Miss Havergals dedication
In the days of Waterperry GARDEN
Horticultural School, students This peaceful garden was
to high standards lives on. n
would relax in the peaceful created by Bernard Saunders
woodland beside the river and Mary Spiller. The planting
Waterperry is open all year, save for the period between
on their days off. Today, a represents the history of
Christmas and New Year. Waterperry Gardens, near
riverside trail gives visitors Waterperry from Tudor times
Wheatley, Oxfordshire OX33 1JZ. Tel: 01844 339254;
the opportunity for a tranquil to the present day. A knot of
waterperrygardens.co.uk
stroll whatever the season, traditional box and herbs for
but takes in snowdrops and medicinal use sit alongside
aconites in early spring. flowering shrubs.
THE ORCHARD THE WALLED

Fruit growing is an important GARDEN
part of life at Waterperry. Waterperrys Walled
Five acres are given to Garden is being slowly
roughly 50 varieties of apple brought back to life. The
and apple juice is sold locally. renovated garden will
Each year the Gardens open be used to demonstrate
for an apple weekend, this successful vegetable growing
year on 7-9 October, when and soil care to students
visitors may have their own on the schools part-time
mystery varieties identified. horticulture courses.

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TAKING A
Gentler Pace
For cookery writer Jane Lovett, the slowing of the year brings opportunity
to assess her Northumberland garden, and prepare for the year to come
WORDS CAROLINE BECK PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREA JONES
The changing leaves

of autumn provide
a paved courtyard
with a backdrop of
warm colour.

HETTON
HOUSE

G
ardens engage us in many
ways and they are always
so much more than a mere
combination of plants,
but in the abundance of
high summer it is difficult to tune into
any other sense than sight. But when the
years early exuberance begins to ebb,
the mood shifts, and there is a lull in the
amount of activity in the garden, other
senses such as hearing and smell come
into play, if you let them. In the garden
of Hetton House in Northumberland,
Englands most northerly county, owner
Jane Lovett welcomes the changing of the
year because it means the song of garden
birds and the chattering of red squirrels
on the feeders can be easily heard. The
smell of fruit ripening and a ready supply
of interesting vegetables from the kitchen
garden are important factors, too, since
Jane is a cookery writer.
She welcomes the slowing down of
the furious pace of the year: it is a time
to look around, take stock of what has
worked and what hasnt, and, like every
good gardener, plan in earnest for the
year that is to come.
Hetton House lies in the remote
Glendale Valley in the north of the
county, where the number of frost-free
months can be just two, so plants must
earn their keep and be as tough as old
boots. Jane arrived in the late 1980s with
her husband, John, who had grown up
at Hetton House, and wasnt remotely
interested in gardening. Johns elderly
parents had, understandably, lost control
of the four-acre garden and it had fallen
into neglect, so Jane set about trying to
restore it, committing the novices error
that we all make in our initial enthusiasm,
buying large plants for an instant hit. It is
a mistake she reflects upon now as being
costly and not the way forward.
Jane could see the garden needed
structure to counteract the many months when it lay Above Late
flowering roses
sleeping, so she planted up a double hedge of beech combine with the
punctuated with juniper (Juniperus scopulorum silvery foliage of
Skyrocket) which provides shelter from fierce Euphorbia Silver
prevailing winds, and breaks up the garden visually. Swan and Senecio.
Right Fading leaves
She also planted evergreens such as box, which has of Parrotia persica
been clipped into geometric and spherical shapes, offer rich hues.
and yew, which is cut into castellations. Included,
too, were various specimen trees, such as two
magnificent Persian ironwoods (Parrotia persica)
that a friend suggested she grow. They are valued for
the metallic sheen of their bark and scallop-shaped

leaves, all of which seem to have a different colour in to be planted to ensure the garden is always kept
autumn, ranging from crimson to sulphur yellow. full. In the glasshouse, Jane forces scented bulbs
The garden faces south in the main, and with such as white multi-headed Narcissus Cragford
wide Northumbrian skies giving light and heat and different types of indoor hyacinth, this year
reflected off the stone building, the season can go beetroot pink Woodstock and White Pearl, in old
on well into November. In the Paved Garden, a chamber pots and other quirky containers she finds
stone courtyard between the house and fields which in junk shops. For these she covers the soil with moss
has had incarnations as a rose then a herb garden, gathered from the garden and uses a framework of
flowers like Dahlia merckii, pink cosmos, Nicotiana birch twigs for support.
alata Lime Green, the deep blue Salvia patens and In outside pots, she plants layers of tulips such
shocking pink Salvia microphylla Cerro Potos as Anglique, Black Parrot and Abu Hassan,
keep going until the weather starts to turn, filling the including up to 50 in a pot. These tulips are chosen
garden with echoes of summer. to flower at different times so as to extend the season,
Top Red squirrels
Jane also uses strong foliage plants such as and in spring she moves them to wherever a shot are encouraged to
Santolina and Artemisia, which keep their structure of colour is most needed. I never put tulips in the feed in the garden.
and offer a silvery sheen at a time when the rest of border because I dont like the dying foliage among Middle Rose hips
the garden is dying back. Variegated Euphorbia the new green of the emerging perennial plants, but offer abundant
display in autumn.
Silver Swan grows near the back door of the house, I do tend to reuse the tulip bulbs in the artichoke Bottom Jane has
and elsewhere shrubs with coloured stems such beds in the vegetable garden. The silvery growth gardened here
as red and yellow dogwood are centre-stage from on the artichokes is so vigorous that it immediately since the 1980s.
November onwards and then are cut back hard covers up the old tulip leaves, she says. Bottom left The
perfect spot for
after flowering each year to preserve their shape. Jane is a firm believer in seasonal cooking and taking in the view.
Forward planning for the next season is a vital uses her kitchen garden as both a larder and a place
part of any successful garden, and no sooner has to trial new ideas and recipes. I pick it, think
one seasons display ended than the next needs about ringing the changes, and then consider how
When the years early exuberance begins to ebb, the

mood shifts and there is a lull in activity in the garden

LATE BLOOMERS
These flowering plants will bring a vivid shot of colour to the autumn garden
COSMOS ATROSANGUINEUS COSMOS BIPINNATUS DAZZLER COSMOS PURITY

Affectionately known as chocolate An early-flowering Cosmos that is hot- A fast-growing annual with flowers up
cosmos, these flowers have an intriguing pink when first open, changing to softer to 10cm in diameter and wispy, intricate
chocolatey scent to go with vivid colour. shades over time. foliage a superb border filler.
.
DAHLIA MERCKII DAHLIA RIP CITY ROSA BONICA

A species dahlia that produces lots of This semi-cactus dahlia starts off a Dainty, small blush pink bloom are
small flowers on a short, well-branched smoky, dark crimson before lightening produced by this reliably repeat-
plant reaching up to 1m tall. in colour as the flowers age. flowering, disease-resistant rose.
SALVIA CERRO POTOSI HEBE MARJORIE SALVIA SILKES DREAM

A tough, bushy salvia that tolerates An evergreen shrub with a spreading This borderline hardy, hybrid shrubby
drought and exposed sites and proudly habit that produces mauve bottlebrush salvia will pepper the garden with hot
displays magenta blooms all summer. flowers, fading to white as they age. colour from July until the first frosts.

to make it delicious, she says. It is also the place Right Jane bakes
for her Tina Turner willow wigwams up which her kale sprinkled
with chilli and olive
she grows her beans and sweet peas. The willow oil in the oven to
is all from the farm, and we let it sprout at the top make healthy crisps.
in a sort of wild topknot, hence the name. Many Bottom right Box
vegetable gardens wind down in autumn but Jane and yew hedging
help define various
and her gardener, Alison Inness, have planted crops garden spaces.
that keep producing throughout the colder months. Bottom left Rustic
These crops include winter squash, pumpkins, willow wigwams in
varieties of kale such as the strappy leaved Cavolo the kitchen garden.
Nero, Swiss chard Bright Lights loved for being

edible and ornamental Jerusalem artichokes, and
winter greens like rocket, lambs lettuce, mizuna and
spinach. Things dont crop quite as quickly in the
cold months, but they stand up to the worst of the
weather remarkably well, says Jane.
As the season progresses and cools, trees shed
their leaves and the garden is pared down. It is at this
point that the birds return to its safety, encouraged
by Jane, who makes a nutritious mash for them.
If I run out, the blackbirds noisily wait by the
door for me to hurry up and replenish it, she says.
Strategically, Jane has placed binoculars at some
of the windows in the house so she can see which
species are using the garden. She is also fortunate to
host a colony of rare red squirrels, and keeps their
feeders topped up throughout winter so she
can see their acrobatics at close quarters. She often
finds their stashes of nuts buried in the borders
when she is out digging, and the garden is frequently
littered with pinecones the squirrels have gnawed.
All this life in the garden as the year winds down
to its end gives Jane and her family enormous
pleasure, and with more time to look and fewer
gardening jobs crying out to be done, they are
content to give way to its more reflective mood. n
The garden is open to groups by appointment in

June and July 2017. For information about Janes
cooking classes, visit janelovett.com

Highland FLING
Autumn is triumphant at Glenkyllachy Lodge near Inverness,
where shades of shimmering gold, bronze and copper gild
the work of owners Emma and Phillip Mackenzie
WORDS JO WHITTINGHAM PHOTOGRAPHS RAY COX

GLENK YLL ACHY
LODGE
A large pond forms

this gardens focal
point, with its bankside
planting of colourful
trees and shrubs.

A
Above A work by lthough the mountainous landscape When they first moved to Glenkyllachy Lodge in
Caroline Mackenzie, of the Scottish Highlands is impressive 1980, the house had been used by Philips family
Philips sister, is one
at any time of year, it is perhaps at as a holiday retreat since the 1960s, and the garden
of a few sculptures
in the garden. its best when clothed in the golden had not been a priority. Their first project was to
Below Emma and and russet tones of autumn, and excavate a large pond in front of the house and plant
Philip Mackenzie, bathed in soft, low sunlight. Set in this beautiful its opposite bank with ornamental trees, including
custodians of
scenery in the remote Strathdearn valley, between the glossy-barked Tibetan cherry (Prunus serrula)
Glenkyllachy for the
past 40 years. Aviemore and Inverness, is Glenkyllachy Lodge, a and the mountain ash Sorbus Joseph Rock with
neat white cottage with a garden ablaze with bold its bright yellow berries, carefully chosen to provide
autumnal colours. Here, at an altitude of around interest in as many seasons as possible.
350m, its owners, Emma and Philip Mackenzie, Emma recalls that the newly turned peat beneath
enjoy enchanting views of the river Findhorn and the trees was planted with anything anybody was
surrounding hills. Their garden makes clever use chucking out, because it was exactly these bullish,
of plants tough enough to survive in this harsh invasive plants that would thrive and provide ground
Highland environment, as well as fascinating cover in such tough conditions. Bergenia cordifolia,
features and sculpture, to create year-round interest. Geranium macrorrhizum, yellow loosestrife
For anyone used to gardening further south it (Lysimachia vulgaris) and Euphorbia griffithii all
can be hard to grasp how cold conditions in the made themselves at home, while the Mackenzies
Highlands can be. In the 40 years that we have had attention shifted to their young family over the next
this house and been up here, Ive recorded frost in 10 years. As the children grew, the family moved
every month except July, explains Emma. There to a less remote location and returned for summer
is not frost every year in every month, but it is a holidays. Once Emma and Philip retired, they began
really short season. You just have to go with what extensive renovation work on the house, which
is going to survive. Fortunately, the Mackenzies allowed them to move back permanently in 2008.
have a wealth of plant knowledge to draw upon. These renovations led to changes to the garden
Emma grew up at Kiftsgate Court, Gloucestershire, as well as the house. Woodland that covered much
alongside her grandmother, mother and sister, who of the area between the house and pond had to be
developed the gardens there, while Philip studied removed during the works, opening up the view
forestry at Oxford and remains fascinated with trees. across the pond, which is key to the success of

todays garden. Large existing shrubs growing close branches of Berberis thunbergii. Combined with
to the house, including viburnums and a Daphne, confident drifts of bold perennials, such as vibrant
were lifted with a digger and used to extend the orange Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora, and Darmera
garden by planting them in what was then a field. peltata, with its umbrella-like leaves tinged autumnal
It has evolved, says Emma. But the plan was yellow, this makes a dramatic display.
always to enlarge the planted area with broad strokes On the right hand side of the pond, an elegant
of bold foliage form and colour, as well as flowers. metal bridge arches over the water, where its pale
It is such a big landscape, you cant just stick a blue colour perfectly complements the butter-yellow
little circle in a lawn with a rose in it it would look leaves of two Norway maples (Acer platanoides)
ridiculous with the scale of things. The garden needs standing beside it. Beyond this bridge lies a second
to be on a big scale to fit the landscape. pond which is accessed by a path lined with different
The garden revolves around the large pond, which types of Sorbus, their leaves suffused with autumnal
reflects the colours of surrounding foliage, along red and their berries ranging from white, through
Above Crocosmia
with the dark lines of a metal gazebo and graceful yellow, to pink and red. This enthusiasm for x crocosmiiflora
crane sculpture carefully positioned on a central collecting a diversity of trees is continued in Philips shows a flash of
island. Directly opposite the house, an imposing arboretum, which he began planting about five orange in early
mass of the giant leaves of Gunnera manicata rises years ago. The core of his collection comprises native autumn.
Below right Colorful
from the bank. An ambitious part of the original highland trees, such as birches and rowans, but acers foliage and autumn
planting in 1980, this borderline hardy specimen with fine autumn colour, such as A. cissifolium and berries contrast
is often bitten by frosts, despite having its crowns A. palmatum Senkaki are also included, as well as with their backdrop
covered with its own sturdy foliage, but so far has the unusual Asian curiosities Picrasma quassioides of dark conifers.
Below left Sedums
bounced back every time. and Kalopanax pictus. perform reliably in
In autumn, the pond margin is a beguiling mixture Past the second pond, where the garden merges harsh Highland
of the colours, textures and forms of herbaceous into the hillside, Emma and a local stonemason weather conditions.
perennials, shrubs and the Mackenzies original have created an extraordinary folly wall which was
Sorbus and Prunus trees, planted in the early 1980s. inspired by a visit to the gardens of Highgrove.
Common shrubs are combined here to great effect. Constructed from stone found around the site, the
Sizeable specimens of Cornus alba Elegantissima meandering line of the wall contains fascinating
hold onto their pale variegated foliage, creating a openings, protruding stones and old slates from
contrasting backdrop that highlights the rich red the house roof, as well as incorporating beautiful
foliage and stems of C. alba Sibirica, and burgundy curiosities, such as Orcadian sandstone gateposts,

GLENKYLLACHY
NOTEBOOK
Unusual features ensure this garden has interest
all year round, even during harsh Scottish winters
a quern and a Cambodian Above A pale blue

carving. A folly it may be, iron bridge over the
main pond is
but its practical purpose is to shaded by buttery
screen a section of the high Acer platanoides. WHEELS OF CHANGE FAMILIAL WORK
protective deer fence that Now filled with vibrant, Carved in solid, grey granite,
encloses the garden. co-ordinating summer bedding the tall figure of a man carrying
Emma explains that they came up with the idea plants, this cart belonged to a child on his shoulders seems
for a wall after hedges they had planted were eaten Philips great aunt. She lived in to stride out from its dark
by the animals. We thought, actually, why not just the cottage year-round until her backdrop of tall conifers in this
build a wall, because we wont have to cut it, and death in the early 1960s, and garden. The work is by Philips
it wont get blown down or eaten or broken by the the cart was her only means of sister, Caroline Mackenzie,
snow. The severity of the winter weather is one of transport to the village shop, six a widely exhibited sculptor
the main reasons why so many wonderful sculptures miles up the glen. working in bronze and stone.
can be found here, to provide structure and interest,
along with evergreen conifers and rhododendrons,
when there is snow on the ground. Philips sister,
Caroline Mackenzie, is a sculptor, and several
examples of her work can be found at Glenkyllachy,
along with a large American distilling copper and
a metal woodcock by Jason Sweeney. A gently
twisting column of carved white stones by William
Piers is carefully placed to echo the white trunks of
an avenue of Betula utilis var. jacquemontii with
a dark yew hedge behind. This leads uphill to a
wildflower meadow and kitchen garden, containing
a productive fruit cage and polytunnel with
spectacular mountain views.
Successfully developing and maintaining a
garden in such an environment has presented the SORBUS HUPEHENSIS DECORATIVE SHOW
Mackenzies with challenges over the years, but their One of the first trees to be A flotilla of decorative ducks
energy and their pragmatic approach has repaid planted on the bank of the makes a lively addition to the
them with a glorious garden that is in harmony with newly excavated pond in 1980, second large pond, but life in
its magnificent setting. n the candy-pink berries of this this Highland environment is
handsome tree remain one of as demanding for them as for
Glenkyllachy is open by arrangement from the stars of the autumn garden. garden plants. The pond is
1 September to 31 October 2016 for Scotlands Mountain ash is a Scottish ringed by an electric fence to
Gardens. Glenkyllachy, Tomatin, Inverness native and many cultivars thrive protect them from local otters
IV13 7YA. See scotlandsgardens.org at Glenkyllachy Lodge. and pine martens.

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FIELDS OF GOLD
Grasses and late-performing perennials take centre stage in autumn at Rye Hall
Farm, Yorkshire, in a colourful, naturalistic garden belonging to Julie Shuldham
WORDS GREG LOADES PHOTOGRAPHS CLIVE NICHOLS

RYE HALL
FAR M
The glowing colours

of Rye Hall Farms
ornamental grasses
are all the richer in
warm autumn sun.

T
he phrase autumn colour tends
to conjure up more images of trees
than it does of perennials. But as low
sun floods the autumn garden, the
russets and browns of ageing grasses
and border perennials take on a new lease of life.
This late, subdued yet triumphant colour change
is perfectly displayed at Rye Hall Farm, near
Doncaster. Ageing Hydrangea flowerheads become
softly lit lanterns glowing in the sun amid the golden
oats of Stipa gigantea and the warm, burnt red
strands of Anemanthele lessoniana.
Brighter shades have their final moment in the sun,
too, as the blood-red swords of Panicum Squaw
glow boldly amid hottest-pink Sedum Matrona
and deep orange Helenium Moerheim Beauty.
Although the farmhouse is bordered by woodland
on its west side, the rest of the garden is relatively
free from significant marks on the landscape and
there is little to loom over the garden and cast shade.
This provides an open door for low, early autumn
sun to play tricks with the planting and cast a golden
sheen on so many parts of the garden, with reds,
oranges and bronzes sparkling in the sun.
Above Upright The garden was created from scratch in 2011,

Calamagrostis Karl when owner Julie Shuldham enlisted the help of
Foerster stands
friend and garden designer Sarah Murch. After
sentinel over
crimson Sedum extensive work to create the home Julie desired, it
Matrona. became clear the garden lagged in the style stakes.
Left The pond, with It got to the stage where the garden was letting the
overlooking gazebo,
house down, explains Julie, who with her husband,
is a vital part of this
gardens informality. Tim, have owned the farm for 25 years.
In winter 2010, some months before Sarahs plans
were to be executed, Julie chose a novel method of
preparing the garden for its new scheme. The garden
at Rye Hall Farm forms part of a smallholding that
includes livestock, and Julie let loose four pigs in the
garden to root around, clear and fertilise the area,
which was previously given simply to lawn and a few
tired borders. Heavy snow at the end of 2010 and in
early 2011 limited the pigs stay outside, but planting
began in spring 2011 and was finished by May.
Sarahs brief was that the garden should be filled
with colour throughout the seasons. There is a

winter garden full of Cornus that cleverly becomes the inevitable problem of being near woods: rabbits.
visible once the plants in the main borders are cut This issue was solved by a rabbit-proof fence, with
back at the end of winter, and this is followed by wire dug below ground level and then curled back
rhododendrons and a spring bulb display. Sarah on itself to scupper any burrowing. The fence has
also persuaded Julie that a pond would be a good proved to be a successful barrier and has allowed a
component of the design and Julie is glad that rich, abundant blend of exciting plants to establish
she said yes. A water feature attached to the pond and rapidly reach maturity. By planting juvenile
provides soothing sounds to go with the gentle rustle grasses and perennials in large numbers, the plants
and lithe movement of the grasses. have knitted together quickly and seamlessly to
Without going as far as saying she wanted an create a scene that looks far older than its five years.
untidy garden, Julie insisted that it should not be a Even in the first year it looked like a much older
formal garden. I wanted it to look natural because garden, says Julie.
it is a farmhouse garden, she says. Sarah fulfilled Aside from the rabbits, Sarah saw a problem
this not just through a considered selection of plant in the garden before it was planted. The biggest
Above A rusted
material but also in the layout of the beds and challenge in planting the garden was the soil it
metal chicken adds
borders. I wanted the borders to create a sinuous was nutrient poor and very free-draining, explains a sense of fun.
flow through the garden, she explains. The main Sarah. That said, Sarah admits that these conditions Below The pergola
border curves its way around the perimeter of the have been perfect to get the grasses Julie wanted is clothed with Rosa
Kent, Clematis and
house and a central bed is a teardrop shape. well established. They have thrived in the soils
jasmine, and uplit so
With woodland on one side, Julies planting efforts good drainage, which also helps them overwinter it can be used on
before Sarah was called in were often thwarted by successfully. The soil in this area is very variable, autumn evenings.

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she says. Luckily this garden lies on a belt of sand
but a few miles further north the soil is heavy clay.
The steel-edged borders are irrigated with a
pressurised dripline running through them, to
reduce the demands for water, and the whole garden
is mulched with bark chippings each year in early
spring. We added lots of green manure to condition
the soil initially, says Sarah.
The garden covers a third of an acre, wrapping
round the house, with the area at the front of the
house the crowning glory in autumn and winter.
Because so much of the garden can be viewed from
inside there we made sure there were lots of plants
with attractive seedheads that make good silhouettes
in winter, explains Sarah.
Most of the borders edge the patio so their plants
can be enjoyed at close quarters from seating areas.
The pergola is clothed by a trained shrub rose Kent
which supplies clouds of white blossom through
summer, as well as Clematis and star jasmine
(Trachelospermum jasminoides). This area of the
garden is uplit too, to combat disappearing daylight
and let it be enjoyed for longer.
After devoting so many years to working on the
house, being out in the garden as much as possible
to soak up the atmosphere is key for Julie now.
The garden is like an extension of the house, she
explains. If there is any opportunity to go outside,
I go into the garden. And the gardens legacy is
spreading, too. Julies sister was so taken with its
design, Sarah has recreated it for her on a smaller
scale. Theres clearly something infectious about a
garden that changes so gloriously through the year,
celebrating rather than mourning the arrival of
autumn as summer departs.
Above Sunlit Stipa

gigantea with airy
Gaura Whirling
Butterflies and
Pennisetum
Hameln.
Right Loungers are
almost dwarfed by
a towering clump
of Miscanthus.
Left A box spiral for
a touch of formality.

LATE AUTUMN FINERY
Perennials and grasses combine to create vivid seasonal displays of flowers and foliage
HELENIUM MOERHEIM BEAUTY VERBENA BONARIENSIS PANICUM SQUAW

A sun-loving perennial that becomes The flowers of this much-lauded plant Unremarkable green leaves turn a rich
more refined as it ages, its orange petals are still in the ascendency in autumn. It shade of burgundy. Squaw is especially
deepen as autumn extends. always looks good among grasses. effective if repeat planted.
ASTER LITTLE CARLOW ANEMANTHELE LESSONIANA SEDUM MATRONA

These tiny treasures thrive on Rye Hall This clump-forming grass produces These flowers bring vibrant crimson-
Farms free-draining soil, blending arching sprays of flower and foliage in pink to an autumn scene and still look
particularly well with reddening grasses. a gorgeous mix of pink, red and rust. good in monochrome over winter.
CORNUS ALBA SIBIRICA ANEMONE HONORINE JOBERT CYPERUS LONGUS

The star attraction of this deciduous Simple white flowers add freshness A reed-like plant, perfect for growing in
shrub is its strawberry red-hued leaves, to the garden in early autumn and are the filtration grit along pond margins of
their last hurrah before falling. useful for interest in a shaded area. naturally filtered ponds. n

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PAI N S H I LL
Paradise
REGAINED
With follies, grottoes and Arcadian vistas, Painshills 18th-century landscape
holds surprises at every turn, painstakingly restored from crumbling
neglect and overgrown wilderness by a dedicated team
WORDS SANDRA LAWRENCE PHOTOGRAPHS MATTHEW BRUCE
The magnificent
grounds at Painshill,
Surrey, are heraldic
of landscape design
in the 18th century.

P
ainshill park landscape garden in experience; a garden of moods, using different styles of
Cobham, Surrey, is an 18th-century folly both architectural and horticultural to evoke
fantasy of gothic follies, Arcadian intense and varying emotional reactions at different
vistas, woodland dells and mysterious points on the walk.
grottoes, yet by the mid-20th century it Not a wealthy man, Hamiltons lifes work took 35
had crumbled to invisibility. Estate manager, Mark years of pulling favours, saving pennies and doing jobs
Ebdon, who began work 33 years ago as a trainee, piecemeal. It has taken the Painshill Park Trust exactly
still remembers his first day. It was just woodland, the same amount of time to bring the park back to his
he recalls. It took a whole day to drive up to the vision, often using not dissimilar tactics.
Gothic Tower as we had to cut our way through. I was Plantsman rather than housebuilder, Hamilton
faced with 160 acres of wilderness and equipped with preferred to spend the little money he had or
just a bow saw and a mattock. Workers didnt even
realise that, somewhere inside the forest, an enormous
serpentine lake provided the centrepiece of lost
pleasure grounds to rival horticultural superstars such
as Stourhead, Hestercombe and Stowe.
In a year of Capability Brown celebration, the
extraordinary restored masterpiece at Painshill
actually predates Browns work. When its creator, the
Above The Gothic Hon. Charles Hamilton began work on his brainchild
Temple is perfectly
in 1738, 22-year-old Brown was still working as a
set off by trees
developing subtle gardener on the Kirkharle estate in Northumberland.
autumn colours in The styles are similar theyre both landscapes
evening sun. but they enjoy subtle differences. Brown remains King
Right The view from
of the Vista, placing temples, obelisks and other eye-
inside the Gothic
Temple takes in the catchers at strategic places in the garden. Hamiltons
serpentine lake. softer, more cerebral vision envelopes the visitor in an

had borrowed on new
specimens arriving from the
east coast of America. His
relationship with American
naturalist John Bartrum led
to rich plantings of exotics
if, possibly, it also led to the
parks eventual sale when
Hamiltons friends started
calling in their loans. The
garden was sold in 1773,
and passed through 13
different owners before it fell
into decay after the Second
World War.
Then a newspaper article
about the lost garden by
local historian David Taylor
gained traction, inspiring a
group of people determined
to rediscover Painshill.
A pressure group persuaded
Elmbridge Council to buy as Hamiltons lifes or descending into the depths
of the ruined Mausoleum,
Top One of
Hamiltons follies,
much of the land as possible and,
in 1981, the Painshill Park Trust
work took 35 years Hamilton wanted his visitor
to be profoundly affected by
the Ruined Abbey.
Middle Individual
was granted a 99-year lease on the of pulling favours, their surroundings. Take the
crystals have been
placed by hand.
understanding the Trust would
restore it as close as possible to its
saving pennies vineyard, says Michael. It
looks as though it is on a major
Bottom The
cave-like interior of
18th-century splendour. and doing jobs river. The Rhineland paradise

the Crystal Grotto.
Oddly, the split in ownership

and the gardens eventual decline piecemeal turns out to be an extension of
the lake. Each new focal point
would prove to be its salvation. It marks a different emotion: the
came very close to being developed, says Painshill Park Chinese Bridge, the Ruined Abbey and, perhaps most
Trusts chief executive, Michael Gove (no relation to beautiful of all, the Crystal Grotto.
the politician). But even in its derelict form it still had Hamilton took many years to create his grotto,
a Grade I listing. Having so many owners meant people doing it in stages, says Michael. He was giving his
didnt live there long enough to change it dramatically. grotto builder pieces of money to do a bit more when
Gove has worked at Painshill for over 20 years, he could. Grotto Island is formed of a small hill
though his relationship started merely as tenant of already there when the lake was flooded. Connected
the gardens most substantial folly, the Gothic Tower. by a bridge, everything about it is intended to instil
Surrounded by workers awaking the sleeping garden on the two emotions Leonardo da Vinci said grottoes
a daily basis, the former architect and project manager
fell prey to its charms. It is like a spiders web, he says.
You cant get out; you become emotionally involved.
Charles Hamiltons masterpiece was inspired by
his travels on the Grand Tour most young English
gentlemen took to complete their education. Grand
travellers experienced the great palaces of the
Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland before
discovering the classical ruins, Palladian architecture
and pastoral scenery of Italy.
When you walk around Painshill you are on
Hamiltons grand tour, explains Michael. He
controlled your emotions as you went, always with
surprises. Whether the serenity of the views up by
the Hermitage (which came complete with a real
hermit until he was caught boozing in the local
inn), experiencing the frivolity of the Gothic Temple

should inspire fear and
desire. Imported sponge stone
Some of the Perhaps the most arresting image of
all at Painswick Park is the vineyard,
from the West Country brings gardens most now reborn. In its day, Hamiltons
an almost primeval, gothic
feeling; oppressive, narrow affecting follies are sparkling wine sold at the princely sum
of 10 shillings and sixpence a bottle
entrances of black clinker open
out into a sparkling fairyland
not brick and and deceived a French ambassador
into believing he was drinking
of crystal, with cascades of mortar, but Champagne. Restored between 1992
water and lake views.
Of course when the Trust
plantings and 1993, todays vineyard is planted
with Hamiltons Pinot Noir, plus
arrived, Fairyland was Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc. Every
roofless, after its lead had been removed after the autumn an army of volunteers, stewards, gardeners,
Second World War. We carefully excavated the receptionists and staff holds a grape-harvesting party. Above, from left
remains, and all the crystals we could retain were Everyone dives in with their baskets, says Michael. Arrivals from the
catalogued. Years of research followed, looking From the first crop in 1998, the high-quality sparkling Americas in the 18th
at 18th-century watercolours, descriptions and wine is sold only in the estate shop. It is not a big century kept Painshill
colourful: Hypericum
photographs, says Gove. money maker, Michael admits, but it is a lovely way prolificum; Rhus
Like Hamilton, the Trust did small amounts to keep the history of Painshill alive. n typhinia; Commelina
until the Heritage Lottery Fund granted funds for tuberosa;
restoration. Computer modelling and canvas mock- Open March to October 10-6pm, November to Calycanthus floridus.
Below The restored
ups led to a years intense hand-bedding of hundreds February 10-4pm. Portsmouth Road, Cobham, vineyard slopes
of thousands of crystals: gypsum, quartz and fluorite. Surrey KT11 1JE. Tel: 01932 868113; painshill.co.uk down to the lake.
Originally, an Archimedes Screw operated by
unfortunate under-gardeners would have created the
water fountains but today it is electrical.
Some of the gardens most affecting follies are not
bricks and mortar or even crystals but plantings.
The Amphitheatre, a six-tiered arena of plants, trees
and shrubs, contains many of Hamiltons original
exotics. The Alpine Valley is a direct reference to
the Grand Tour, while the Elysian Plains showcase
the kind of annuals and perennials Hamilton loved.
Perhaps the most majestic vista of all is from the
recreated Turkish Tent, which would have been the
end of Hamiltons tour a fitting finale to this most
theatrical of experiences.
While he maintains Painshill is the epitome of
the garden for all seasons there is something
spectacular at any time Michael believes autumn
is particularly special. The 18th century was one of
the first times people would have seen vibrant autumn
colours, he says. Imported American trees and shrubs
brought a rainbow of reds and purples, oranges and
yellows to the native British browns and golds, dotted
with bright berries and dark evergreens.

KIRKER MUSIC & GARDEN HOLIDAYS
F O R D I S C E R N I N G T R AV E L L E R S
Kirker Holidays offers a range of carefully-planned escorted holidays designed to appeal to those with an interest in gardens, music, art and architecture. Now is the
perfect time to plan an escape for early next year, and we have selected two of our favourite holidays which combine first class concerts with visits to elegant gardens.
THE KIRKER SPRING MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL, TENERIFE
THE HOTEL TRESANTON, ST. MAWES A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 21 JANUARY 2017
A THREE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 13 MARCH 2017 Enjoy winter sunshine and a series of six concerts featuring the Leonore Piano
Join the Sacconi Quartet for a superb holiday in Cornwall with three Trio, flamenco guitarist Juan Martin, and violist Simon Rowland-Jones.
days of glorious music-making at Olga Polizzis fabled Hotel Tresanton. Staying at the 5* Hotel Botanico, surrounded by lush tropical gardens in
Three top-level concerts will be held in the delightful Old Methodist an unspoilt part of this volcanic island, we shall also enjoy a programme
Hall with its excellent acoustics. In addition to the wonderful music of fascinating excursions. Highlights include the Sitio Litro Orchid
on offer we will also enjoy a visit to the private garden at Lamorran, Garden, a cable car journey to the peak of Mount Teide and a visit to
located just behind the hotel in St. Mawes and overlooking the sea. the primeval cloud forest of the Anaga Mountains.
Lamorran was created by the owner after a visit to Lady Waltons
garden on the island of Ischia. Price from 2,395 per person for
Price from 1,159 per person for seven nights including return flights,
three nights including return transfers transfers, accommodation with
from St. Austell station to St. Mawes, breakfast, six dinners, six private
accommodation with breakfast, three concerts, all sightseeing, entrance fees
dinners, three concerts each preceded by and gratuities and the services of
a musically illustrated talk, a visit to the Kirker Tour Leader.
Lamorran Gardens and the services of the
Kirker Tour Lecturer and a Tour Escort.
Speak to an expert or request a brochure:

020 7593 2284 quote code GEG
www.kirkerholidays.com
EverEdge is also available in green,

black and galvanised (unpainted)
DESIGN GUIDE | SURREY GARDEN

An Holistic
Approach
A steeply sloping lawn and tired
borders were reinvigorated by a
master of contemporary design
WORDS ANNETTE WARREN

PHOTOGRAPHS CLIVE NICHOLS
A
nthony Paul has been designing
gardens worldwide for over 30
years. A Fellow of the Society of
Garden Designers, his contemporary
and innovative gardens feature
architectural plantings incorporating water
and sculpture. The tranquillity and simplicity
of Japanese gardens are a major inspiration for
his work as well as the stunning landscapes and
rainforests of his birthplace New Zealand. New
Zealand plants are quietly beautiful, understated
and earn respect from being singularly adaptable to
the environment they have created, says Anthony,
who, with his wife, Hannah, also owns the Hannah
Peschar Sculpture Garden at Black and White
Cottage in Ockley, Surrey.
A fine example of Anthonys work can be found in
a garden created for a client in the Surrey Hills, near
the picturesque village of Coldharbour.
Set on the southern slopes of Leith Hill, roughly
200m above sea level, the main garden to the rear
of this former farmhouse was very different in 1990
when Anthony was commissioned to transform the
steep lawn and tired borders. Gardens on a slope
become much more interesting when you terrace
them and divide the spaces into more intimate
areas, he says.

The main approach to the house is via a gravel

drive and at once you are struck by the simplicity
and boldness of the planting beside it a river of
hundreds of bright green box balls and squares
of clipped yew (Taxus baccata) rolling up to the
front of the house. The effect is at once striking and
understated. A painted gate leads to the main garden
where a stone terrace is laid out in front of the large
conservatory. Here, clipped umbrellas of Ebbinges
silverberry (Elaeagnus x ebbingei) emerge from box
Above left A trio of
squares and tall metal containers with topiary box planters brings height to
balls providing formality. A stainless steel rill set into Aster x frikartii Mnch
stone steps runs quietly into a narrow canal beneath, and Sedum Red Cauli.
while at the top of the steps fluid blocks of perennials Above Umbrellas of
Elaeagnus x ebbingei
and grasses surround a circular pool. shelter squares of box.
Anthony uses simple, bold groups of perennials Right Sedum Red Cauli
and grasses to add brushstrokes of colour provides a river of colour
throughout the seasons, and in September the alongside a garden
path, in keeping with
deep maroon of Sedum Red Cauli combines Anthonys less is more
beautifully with the bright blue flowers of the late philosophy.
summer flowering Aster x frikartii Mnch. I
have a planting rule, explains Anthony. Keep it
simple. Use fewer species and plant in large blocks or
architectural groups.
Sculptures have been positioned at strategic
points around the garden. I like working with
artists and craftsmen, and to enrich projects with
an artisans skill. Modern art and sculpture play a
big part in my life and sharing my wifes passion for
it has broadened my horizons, says Anthony. One
such sculpture, a marble bust by Paul Vanstone,
stands towards the back of the garden beside
weathered wooden sleepers that lead up and away,
beside a gnarled apple tree that shades drifts of

textured planting beneath it. Further steps lead
through block plantings of Eupatorium maculatum
Atropurpureum Group, Helenium Moerheim
FACT FILE
Beauty, Rudbeckia laciniata Herbstsonne, Telekia
n Garden design by Anthony Paul
speciosa and several grasses such as Miscanthus
landscape design. Tel: 01306 627677;
sinensis Silberfeder, arriving at a decked area
anthonypaullandscapedesign.com
beside the swimming pool. From here, the views
across the garden below blend effortlessly with the
n Sculpture from
Surrey landscape beyond, providing a framed view
hannahpescharsculpture.com;
all the way to the South Downs.
paulvanstone.co.uk; rickkirby.com
Anthony is keen to acknowledge the importance
of the borrowed landscape. The way a garden sits
n Garden planters from Oxford Planters.
in the landscape is my main concern. I sometimes
Tel: 01608 683022; oxfordplanters.co.uk
feel like the foreground is a stage and that the
background is done by a far bigger hand than mine;
Top Tiers of clipped n Pool hut from Breeze. Tel: 01538
borrowed scenery gives presence and credibility box create a neat but 398488; breezehouse.co.uk
to my designs. distinctive setting in
Less so often really is more. It is especially true of the garden.
Above Shimmering Stipa n Outdoor furniture from Gloster.
this reflective and harmonious garden which is proof
gigantea is an ideal foil Tel: 01454 631950; gloster.com
that high-maintenance flower borders or annuals are for metallic sculpture, by
not needed to achieve a gentle and balanced garden. Rick Kirby.

figures feature in the garden, each

chosen for their individual colour.
They are positioned in such a way that
the area in which they stand would
appear incomplete were they not there.
In addition, a pixilated steel mask by
Rick Kirby dominates the central part
of the garden, the hundreds of mirrored
segments reflecting light and providing a
surreal focal point. With its backdrop of
feathered Stipa gigantea, this impressive
piece of sculpture contrasts starkly with
a gently curving weathered oak bench
that has been positioned beside it.
Hard Landscaping
Each plant arrangement needs to suit
the mood and feel of a space and be conversant with
the house architecture, advises Anthony. All too
often I see the house interior and garden designed
in contrast instead of having a seamless join where
possible. In this garden, a stone terrace provides
continuity from the conservatory into the garden but
by doing so it becomes another room in itself.
Lighting
Design Details
With soft lighting one can create mood, up-light
features or trees and allow the garden to be enjoyed
fully at all times. Use LED lighting to reduce energy
Water costs and ensure your light source is hidden. The
I am passionate about using water and most of my light needs to wash the surface of where it is meant
gardens have some type of water feature. The water to be. Drama is the key, says Anthony.
reflects light into the garden and mirrors the sky.
Planting Above left
Swimming pool One element of Anthonys design philosophy is to Contemporary metallic
I believe swimming pools should be an integral keep planting as simple as possible. Design the planters filled with Carex
part of the garden design, not hidden away but garden and see how much you can take away is my flagellifera contribute
to Anthonys deft
reflecting the sky during the day and at night. At motto, he says. Large groups of planting create
planting scheme.
Coldharbour, the swimming pool is at the highest drama and the minimal palette keeps the look Above right One of
point of the garden and by late summer it is enclosed restrained and architectural. My gardens are low the sculptures that
by tall grasses. maintenance, there are no pretty flowers and colour have been positioned
at strategic points in
for the sake of it. I use plants that will look natural
the garden.
Circular Pool in the environment. I use strong architectural plants Below Sloping gardens
Without flowing water, a garden can seem lifeless. which give a sense of scale. n are well suited to rills.
In this garden, a large circular pool is the major
feature, with water gently cascading down a stainless
steel rill set into central steps leading to a terrace
below. Anthony has also included water bowls
planted with water lilies to add further interest to the
formal terrace beside the conservatory.
Sculpture
Contemporary art enhances and enlivens a space.
The mere presence of a quality piece of art can
totally change the mood and atmosphere of a
garden. The planting in the Coldharbour garden
is punctuated by the organic smoothness of marble
sculptures by Paul Vanstone. Three of these torso

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FENCING
A smart slatted fence

and living wall combine
to create a boundary
thats as well designed
as the garden.
Screen Stars
IMAGE GAP PHOTOS/HEATHER EDWARDS
Inchbalds director of garden design,

Andrew Duff, explores options for
successful garden boundary treatments

FENCING
W
hether your garden is large
or small, at some point its
boundaries will influence
what you see. In a tiny urban
garden, a high boundary
can be an advantage as it focusses the eye into the
space. On the other hand, a city view can sometimes
be so powerful it would be a shame to block it
translucent screens can be used to great effect on a
roof garden, for example. The same applies to rural
gardens sometimes it is best to open out the view,
at other times privacy is needed.
Before deciding on the desired boundary
treatment, there are two questions to answer: do
you want the garden to feel larger than it is, and do
you want to see the boundary? If the answer to both
is yes, think carefully about how your boundaries
should be treated.
Fencing is the easiest and cheapest option for
boundaries. To make a fence disappear I always
paint it black. It may seem bold, but be brave
a matt black fence will recede into the distance,
especially when plants grow in front of it.
Another good trick is to play with perspective.
Trick the eye by covering a fence or wall with
a small-leaved climber like Trachelospermum
Above Add trellis to the
jasminoides. In front of that, position larger top of a wall or fence
leaved plants such as Acanthus mollis. The use of a to gain added height
small-leaved plant contrasted with a larger leaf will and privacy without
make the distance seem greater. These are all tricks sacrificing light.
Right Growing climbers
used by great artists to bring depth to a painting. on a fence helps the
You can also create a similar illusion by using a boundary blend in and
darker leaved climber and a fresh green leaf in front. the garden feel less
What is on the other side of the fence? Can the hemmed in.
Opposite clockwise
boundary be seen through to take advantage of a from top left Trellis is
view? This is something most people do not think a quick way to divide
about. While the permanence of what lies beyond parts of the garden;
a property boundary cannot be relied upon, you can posts without a rail add
a contemporary feel; a
extend the feeling of the garden by borrowing the matt, black fence melts
view in a number of ways. If you are based in the into the background,
country and are surrounded by a wonderful vista, helping the garden
try and use a style of fence that relates to the local seem larger.
vernacular. Simple timber post-and-rail fencing

allows views out and keeps livestock in. For a
smarter look, use estate fencing. It tends to be more
expensive but its narrow metal rail is normally black
and therefore virtually invisible Norfolk Estate
Fencing has a helpful offering and can provide
a bespoke service.
Using the surrounding landscape to extend the
view from your garden creates the illusion of a larger
space. If there is a feature shrub in a neighbours
garden, try planting the same in yours the idea
also works with trees. This technique removes the
visual pressure from your boundaries, although do
remember that this solution may not be permanent
as your neighbour could quite easily remove their
shrub or cut down the tree.

When it comes to fencing materials,
think creatively. There are plenty of
options other than standard fencing
panels available and specialist companies
such as Jacksons Fencing can offer
inspiration. I like the Venetian Hit &
Miss and Louvre ranges; both are an
updated version of a classic fence panel FENCING RULES
and just as easy to fit. A traditional close Louise Tomlin of
board forms a good backdrop in most Jacksons Fencing
garden situations but do remember fence advises on installation
etiquette the side you own should show l Prepare a firm foundation
the post and rails so that your neighbours for the fence. For it to be
get to see the good side. This also makes stable, a fence post should be
any repairs easy to carry out. Jacksons set at least 60cm deep. Take
also has a helpful online fence builder care to use plenty of concrete
which will calculate the quantity and to secure the posts.
costs of your chosen fencing.
l Buy treated wood that
The height of your boundary will
affect the amount of light that shines comes with a guarantee of
on the garden. While the temptation longevity. Untreated wood
is to build to the maximum height will rot when in contact with
permitted, beware of the consequences. the ground.
Always check your boundary plans with the with climbers. Sometimes the only way to l Select posts and panels with
local planning authority to make sure height maintain the fence is to remove the plants. I a good heft. Flimsy materials
regulations are not exceeded. It is also always prefer to attach eyelets and wire as a support wont surive the elements.
worth consulting with neighbours before for climbing plants doing so makes both plant
l In windy areas, especially
starting work to avoid any disputes later and fence or wall maintenance much easier.
at the coast, a semi-solid
on. Remember that you could have a solid Treat timber with a clear wood preservative
panel may be appropriate as
boundary topped with trellis; this would still yearly to protect from the elements. Unless
it offers less wind resistance
give the illusion and feeling of privacy without the fence is black, I prefer clear preservative
than a solid panel.
blocking out too much light. Stick to a classic because coloured stains or paints tend to go
style of trellis and one that has already been out of fashion very quickly and also require l Always use non-rusting,
treated trellis is the fiddliest thing to paint. constant reapplication to look good. heavily galvanized fence
IMAGES CLIVE NICHOLS
The Garden Trellis Company offers a good Walls always look more permanent and fixings. Doing so will ensure
selection of trellis pieces. are a brilliant way of anchoring the house to a careful choice of materials
Consider the materials you choose for the the garden visually. Consider using the same is not compromised.
boundary, particularly if it will be covered material as the house, such as brick or stone.

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FENCING
It is important to think carefully about building Above left On-edge

boundary walls, especially because the foundations brick capping neatly
finishes a boundary wall.
can affect neighbouring properties. Look at Above right Metal estate
materials and finishes; are you going to cap the wall fencing is both simple
in the same material as the wall itself? Personally I and unobtrusive, so the
love a brick on edge capping. Think also about brick landscape beyond feels
part of the garden.
bonds, the pattern the bricks or stones are laid in. Right Horizontal slats
An internet search will yield plenty of inspiration. screen areas without
Again, always try and link to the house, even if it is blocking light.
simply with brick patterns.
Walls and fences are not only for garden
boundaries. In larger plots they can divide a space
or hide an unsightly area. If the dividing structure
links to an existing boundary, use the same material SUPPLIERS
so that one will not contrast with the other. If you do
Cotswold Decorative
not need to match to an existing wall, simple trellis Ironworkers
panels can be ideal. Remember that trellis doesnt Tel: 01608 685134;
have to be wooden: use something innovative such as cd-ironworkers.co.uk
sheets of steel reinforcing mesh which, when rusty, Forest
goes beautifully with green foliage. Or try single Tel: 0333 003 0026;
forestgarden.co.uk
posts each set into the ground without a joining rail
IMAGES GARDEN WORLD IMAGES; CLIVE NICHOLS
Jacksons Fencing
the shadows are amazing. Tel: 0800 408 2234;
Front garden boundaries set the scene for the rest jacksons-fencing.co.uk
of the garden. Make sure the boundary you choose Norfolk Estate Fencing
works with your property and the surrounding area. Tel: 01263 735656;
If yours is the only house with a white picket fence norfolkestate
fencing.co.uk
in a road of predominantly brick walls it can look
The Garden Trellis
awkward. An attractive and well-chosen front gate
Company
is particularly important pick one that ties in with Tel: 01255 688361;
the house and garden overall. n gardentrellis.co.uk

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TOP 10 PLANTS
Seeing Red
1
SEDUM TELEPHIUM XENOX
Most cultivars of Sedum
telephium have purplish leaves,
M
The leaves of these deeply hued plants are brilliant in autumn but Xenox is possibly one of the
best, offering a strong beetroot-purple
aroon and purple-leaved plants are a boon in summer, their that is particularly striking in autumn,
dramatically dark foliage working hard to provide colourful when other perennials are fading fast.
contrast with bright flowers. Many also have beautifully Foliage colour seems to deepen when its
WORDS CLARE FOGGETT IMAGE ALAMY
toned young spring growth, too. But in autumn, many go on clusters of flowers are produced, carried
to provide an even more spectacular show before shedding above the fleshy leaves like stalks of
their leaves for winter. Their deeply pigmented foliage, caused by a higher reddish-pink broccoli. They last as seed
concentration of anthocyanin than chlorophyll, produces some of the most vivid heads well into winter, too. Rabbit-
autumn shows around, as what little chlorophyll there is breaks down to reveal proof, attractive to pollinators and
additional colours, and the red-hued anthocyanin becomes even brighter. For requiring next to no maintenance, this is
fiery, flaming effects to see the season out with a flourish, look no further. a fine border plant, at 30cm tall.

2
CORNUS KESSELRINGII
The oval leaves of this dogwood
have a purplish tinge during
summer, complementing its
purple stems perfectly. In autumn, their
colour darkens and intensifies into
red and purple shades in contrast to
clusters of white berries, if theyve been
produced before falling and revealing
the shrubs dramatic stems, which
become a darker purple-black in winter.
3
CERCIS CANADENSIS
FOREST PANSY
It is hard to think of a more versatile
plant than this. Grow it as a shrub
or a multi-stemmed small tree at the back of
a border or as a prominent specimen it will
not disappoint. In spring the bare branches
produce clusters of bright pink flowers, then
its leaves emerge, a bright reddish-purple
at first, before deepening to their summer
livery, a rich burgundy maroon. In autumn,
the large heart-shaped leaves mature,
producing a mix of gold, orange, scarlet and
crimson. Grow in sun or partial shade on
any well-drained soil. Ultimately it can reach
8m tall after around 20 years.
IMAGES ALAMY; GARDEN WORLD IMAGES; GAP PHOTOS/FHF GREENMEDIA; DIANNA JAZWINSKI
4
BERBERIS THUNBERGII
F. ATROPURPUREA
Berberis species are known for their spines
and tolerant, robust nature, but they arent
given much credit for their ornamental qualities, more
often maligned as a car park shrub. This deciduous
species has reddish-purple leaves the leaves on young
shoots are pinker, giving a lovely effect when shrubs are
outlined with fuzzy new growth that turn deep red
in autumn, when they also bear glossy red berries. It
grows well in any soil, colouring best in full sun. They are
also a good candidate for clipping into topiary shapes as
far removed from the car park as you can get.

TOP 10 PLANTS
5
PRUNUS CERASIFERA NIGRA
An ornamental cherry always adds value,
with so many seasons of interest to enjoy,
from the moment it bursts its buds, through
blossom time and then autumn colour. Dark-leaved
P. cerasifera is equal to the best, with pale pink
blossom contrasting with the newly emerging
bronzeleaves, then purple foliage throughout summer.
The leaves develop subtle autumn shades of red,
crimson, orange and gold before they fall. It is easy to
grow, tolerant of most soil conditions and great for
screening, reaching 6-10m tall when mature.
6
ACER PALMATUM BLOODGOOD
This popular and well-known
Japanese maple has deep purple leaves
cut into the typical maple shape. They
turn beautifully bronze and translucent in
spring. Grow it in a sheltered spot, out of strong
winds, which can damage and burn its delicate
leaves as can strong sun. The best position
is one of light, dappled shade. In autumn, the
leaves turn a brilliant shade of crimson before
falling, carpeting the ground with wonderful
colour. It is slow-growing, making it suitable
for smaller gardens, eventually reaching 5m.
7
VITIS VINIFERA PURPUREA
Grown for its foliage rather than its
grapes which are more decorative than
edible this grapevine has purple-tinted
leaves in summer, once they have matured from
their emerging downy grey. In autumn, their
colour deepens, turning a richer purple and
bright crimson, in a fine contrast to its bunches
of bloom-covered inky black grapes. Grow it
up a pergola or along a wall in a sunny spot,
perhaps with a golden hop for pure contrast,
and create an autumn display that sings.

TOP 10 PLANTS
8
COTINUS GRACE
Green leaves suffused with red-purple
make Grace an easy smoke bush to
incorporate into borders as it goes
with almost everything. This vigorous shrub
produces oval leaves larger if the shrub is
pruned back hard each year that come into
their own in autumn. As the temperature
drops, they develop flaming shades of coral and
scarlet, which are best seen backlit by the sun.
Tolerant Cotinus will grow in sun or dappled
shade and most soils, but its colour is brighter
in a sunny spot. It can reach 8m tall, but takes
any amount of pruning to keep it in bounds.
9
HYDRANGEA QUERCIFOLIA
The oak-leaved Hydrangea is a
superb shrub for moist but well-
drained soil in sun or dappled shade.
In truth, its large, distinctively shaped leaves
are predominantly green during summer, but
as autumn approaches, they develop purple
tinges, which gradually give way to claret and
crimson autumn colours. If it is still producing
its large creamy-white flower panicles, they
make a wonderful contrast. Reaches 1.5m tall.
10
ACER PALMATUM GARNET
Finely divided foliage gives this
Japanese maples softly arching
branches an ethereal feathery
and ferny effect. At this time of year they are
transformed from deep purple-maroon to a
vivid cranberry-red. Perfect for small gardens,
IMAGES CLIVE NICHOLS; ALAMY
Garnet is slow growing, reaching a maximum

of 2m in 20 years, forming a graceful mounded
shape. It is also suitable for containers use a
loam-based potting mix but wherever it grows,
keep it out of strong sun or strong winds.

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Summerhouses, Gazebos and Bespoke Structures
christmascatalogue
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A lovely selection of cards
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ALITAGS
PLANT LABELS
www.alitags.com www.giftsandgardens.com
Annual labelling is a thing of the past
with Alitags. Simply write on Alitag
aluminium labels with Alitag or Bamboo Cloches
HB pencil. The pencil will react with
our specially made aluminium
tags and become permanent.
Alitag labels can also be punched

with Alitag character punches & jig.
Wooden Keyrings : 95 Locations
Copper, Teak, Bamboo and Oak
labels are also available.
Made of bamboo woven into an
open dome and available in 5
sizes plus a tunnel cloche. These
attractive cloches protect plants
and seeding from damageby
animals, footballs, light frost and
wind-chill. Fleece & newspaper
can be used to cover the plants
inside the cloches during periods Wooden Doorstops
of heavy frost. The micro climate
inside the cloches promotes
32 Bourne Lane, Much Hadham, Herts SG10 6ER, UK. growth and allows rain through
Tel 01279 842685 www.alitags.com to the plants.
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Hanging Wooden Signs
GARDEN FRIENDS. Made from aluminium that will not rust, and painted
beautifully by hands. Cats, Ducks, Fox, Hare, Hens, Cockerels, Kingfisher, etc.
Girl Reading Book 65 cms long Mermaid Table 155 cms long
Bacchus 127 cms high Greek Boxer Heads 48 cms high
Stone Labels Granite Balls - several sizes
Boys with a Canoe 187 cms long

Boulder Stone Cruncher Wooden Hanging Baskets
32 Bourne Lane, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire SG10 6ER, UK.
Tel 01279 842685 www.thebronzecollection.com 32 Bourne Lane, Much Hadham, Herts SG10 6ER, UK. Tel 01279 842685
PLANT STORY
The Nations Favourite

The Conference pear is the most widely planted pear in English
gardens it also once saved the British pear industry from collapse
T
he advent of railways and
refrigerated steamships
encouraged vast imports of
apples and pears from the
USA and Canada. Such was
the volume, that in 1887 a Foreign Fruit
Exchange was established at Covent Garden
Market. British fruit growers struggled
desperately to compete with the imports no
one had yet decided which was the best pear
variety for large scale production.
Finally, a group of head gardeners drew up a
shortlist of favoured pears and efforts were made
to promote British fruit. The Royal Horticultural
Society held a National Apple Congress in London
in 1883, followed by a Pear Conference in 1885
and a further Apple and Pear Conference in 1888
at their gardens in Chiswick. It was here that the
chairman of the Conference, Thomas Frances Rivers
of the famed Rivers Nursery in Sawbridgeworth,
Hertfordshire, exhibited a new variety of mid-
season dessert pear, bred at his nursery. It won first
prize and became known as the Conference pear.
Sadly, due to heavy rain that fell for the duration
of the event, and the fact that pears generally lack
the widespread allure of apples, the Pear Conference
was a failure but the pear that was named after
it became famous. Self-fertile, scab resistant and
tolerant of poor seasons, it was tasty, cropped
heavily and the ideal pear for successful growing
in climates that are cool and damp. Unsurprisingly, use from January until June. In his Handbook Scab-resistant,
self-fertile,
news of its virtues soon spread. The first commercial of Hardy Fruits (1920), respected fruit grower and tolerant of
orchard, planted in 1895 by Talbot Edmonds at Edward Bunyard noted: The pear is now grown in cooler summers,
Allington near Maidstone in Kent, survived until enormous quantities for market purposes, and is Conference pears
1970 and it is now widely grown as a commercial one of the most regular cropping varieties we have, are well suited to the
British climate.
crop in northern Spain and France, the Netherlands and though not quite first class, is indispensable.
and Belgium. It also provides more than 90% of However, in The Book of Pears, Dr Joan Morgan,
British pear production. the contemporary fruit historian, is more effusive,
It is appropriate that it should find favour in describing the Conference pear as having buttery,
WORDS MATTHEW BIGGS ILLUSTRATION JANIE PYRIE
Belgium. Conference was an open-pollinated finely textured, juicy, melting, pale cream flesh, often
seedling and the known parent was a Belgian salmon-pink tinged in the centre when perfectly ripe;
culinary pear called Leon Leclerc de Laval. Leo intense pear sweetness, rich with tints of perfume.
Leclerc, an agronomist and politician, studied Widely regarded as the definitive English pear, it
Persian, Sanskrit and Chinese and introduced the was awarded a First Class Certificate by the Royal
Williams pear to France, in 1828. Thomas Hogg Horticultural Society in 1885 and received their
describes Leclercs pear in his Fruit Manual of coveted Award of Merit in 1993.
1860 as, flesh white, half-melting or crisp, juicy, The Pear Conference may have been a failure but
sweet, and perfumed. An excellent stewing pear, the Conference pear revitalised an industry and has
which in some seasons is half-melting, and is in been an outstanding, long term success. n

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PLANT FOCUS
Acer palmatum
'Omuryama' puts on
an arresting display in
autumn, changing from
green through amber to
bright red.
The Late Show

IMAGE DIANNA JAZWINSKI
Enjoy autumn's brightest foliage with the vivid displays

produced by acers, says Andy McIndoe, who picks the best
species and cultivars for large and small gardens

PLANT FOCUS
A
cross the continents maples are
known for their autumn colour.
The British native field maple, Acer
campestre lights up our hedgerows
with its butter yellow foliage. The
large distinctive leaves of the Norway maple (Acer
platanoides) turn bright gold as the days shorten and
nights grow colder. Red maple (Acer rubrum) and
sugar maple (Acer saccharum) are among the species
that colour the American fall in shades of flame and
scarlet. The Japanese maples glow in hues that range
from palest gold to deepest crimson. Among the most
spectacular trees and shrubs for this time, maples
have earned their space in gardens great and small.
Of course autumn colour is not their only
attribute. Some have attractive frothy spring flowers
and delicate, exquisitely coloured new leaves. Many
have conspicuous winged fruits that hang along
the branches from midsummer. The paperbark
maple (Acer griseum) is treasured for its peeling
cinnamon bark which develops as the tree matures.
This is a superb, slow growing tree, perfect for the
small garden, but one that requires a little patience.
Raised from seed it can be variable, but at its best
the autumn colour is glowing and long lasting as
shades of crimson, gold and amber spread through
its characteristic three-lobed leaves.
The sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is best known Above The glowing The same can be said of Acer rubrum, another
as the source of maple syrup, made from the sap autumn leaves of star of autumn. The red maple or Canadian maple is
Acer griseum fall to
of the tree. A quality apparently discovered by the fairly lime tolerant but, like Acer saccharum, never
reveal flaky bark.
children of American settlers who sucked icicles that Below Acer colours well on alkaline soil. Named clones give the
hung on the branches to enjoy the sweet taste. The capillipes is known most consistent colour, for example Acer rubrum
autumn tints are spectacular and vary according to for its snake-skin Schlesingeri, which has superb ruby-red autumn
patterned bark, but
the tree: gold, orange, scarlet or crimson. They are at colour that develops well before tints have coloured
also has orange-red
their best in the trees native North America where autumn colour. the canopy of most trees. Acer rubrum October
winters are colder and autumn skies are clearer. Glory is the most popular clone, noted for its
brilliant red, long-lasting autumn colour. Ultimately
a large tree, taller than broad, it is a subject for
a large garden or paddock. Perhaps the loveliest
aspect of the tree is the carpet of colour that unrolls
IMAGES RAY COX; DIANNA JAZWINSKI; GAP PHOTOS/ROB WHITWORTH; GAP PHOTOS/JAN SMITH
beneath its branches as the leaves fall.
Acer x freemanii Autumn Blaze [Jeffersred] is a
clone of a naturally occurring hybrid between Acer
rubrum and Acer saccharinum, the silver maple.
The latter has pretty, silver-backed, deeply cut leaves
that colour orange and apricot. Autumn Blaze is a
vigorous tree of dense growth with deep green leaves
that colour orange-red. In a large garden it is an
alternative to sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua),
but, although spectacular, the autumn colour is not
as long-lasting.
Of the snake-bark maples, Acer capillipes is one
of the best for autumn colour. The bright green
three-lobed leaves turn to orange and red on the
coral twigs of its spreading branches. This is a lovely
small tree that deserves wider planting. It often
has an awkward, unruly growth habit when young
which probably accounts for its lack of popularity

Above Finely
cut leaves of
Acer japonicum
'Aconitifolium'.
Right Ruby
autumn leaves
of Acer rubrum
'Schlesingeri'.
Left Leaves of
Acer palmatum
'Osakazuki', on the
turn to vivid scarlet. as a small garden tree. However its smooth striated
Below A lovely bark, attractive foliage and glowing autumn tints
choice for a larger make it worth some perserverence.
garden: Acer x Acer palmatum is not the only Japanese maple
freemanii Autumn
Blaze ['Jeffersred']. noted for its autumn colour. Acer japonicum excels
when it comes to a spectacular display of autumn
foliage. Generally the leaves are more rounded in
shape and perhaps more delicate. They have a soft,
velvety texture and are mid- to dark green, colouring
richly. Acer japonicum Vitifolium (in other words
with leaves like a vine) has broad, fan-like leaves
with up to a dozen short lobes. Autumn colour is
usually red to orange and vibrant. Acer japonicum
Aconitifolium has more deeply lobed leaves which
turn deep ruby red. These are trees to grow for their
autumn colour but also for foliage that appeals in
spring and summer, and Acer palmatum perhaps
still holds the upper hand.
Acer palmatum Korean Gem is not one of the
best known cultivars, resembling Acer japonicum
more than Acer palmatum. The broad-lobed green
leaves turn rich crimson in autumn and last much
longer than most other cultivars.
Of all the Japanese maples noted for their
autumn colour, Acer palmatum Osakazuki is the
best known and most spectacular. Its deep green
substantial leaves turn to brilliant orange-scarlet in
a long lasting display that can rival any other tree or
shrub in the garden. The growth habit is stiff and
often umbrella-like with a branch formation that
shows off conspicuous winged fruit that develop in
summer and change colour with the autumn leaves.

PLANT FOCUS
This is a tough maple that can cope with some Right Ever popular
Acer palmatum
exposure. Leaves colour best when the tree is grown
'Bloodgood'.
in an open, sunny position. Below Coral stems
Acer palmatum Fireglow is at its best in similar contrast with golden
conditions. A sport of the ever popular purple-leaved autumn leaves on
Acer palmatum
Acer palmatum Bloodgood, Fireglow has wine-
'Sango-kaku'.
red leaves that turn scarlet in autumn. It is a little Bottom The soft
lighter and brighter than the darkest of the purple- maroon foliage of
leaved varieties and has a pleasing, spreading habit; Acer palmatum
'Shaina'.
perfect for a large pot or container.
As Japanese maples make such appealing subjects
for pots, it is worth considering some of the most
compact varieties that
will give a good autumn
display. Acer palmatum
Shaina has maroon-red
leaves with narrow, refined
leaflets. The branches are
stiff, strong and upright; the
foliage has a soft, silky sheen
resembling the plumage of
an exotic bird. The autumn
colour is rich crimson. Acer
palmatum Jerre Schwartz
is very compact and upright
with small, deeply cut leaves
of copper-purple. It is a become a feature in winter. This is, ultimately, a
good compromise between large tree with soft green leaves that glow apricot-
the green and purple forms, gold in autumn. At its best in the mellow light of the
but has the benefit of rich season, a tree in colour is a truly uplifting sight.
crimson autumn colour. Japanese maples are often portrayed as rather
The coral bark maple delicate creatures with specific needs when it comes
(Acer palmatum Sango- to soil and shelter. In reality, most are easy to grow
kaku) is best known for its and reasonably tolerant. They thrive on most
coral-coloured stems which moist, fertile soils, but may struggle on shallow
chalk due to drought. Sudden dry conditions cause
browning from the tips of the leaf lobes. They are
not suited to soil that has poor drainage or is prone
to waterlogging in winter.
The red-leaved varieties need full sun for good
foliage colour; those with variegated or delicate
green leaves are often at their best in semi-shade.
They dislike windy, exposed situations and are
intolerant of salt laden air. However the plain leaved
varieties with broad leaf lobes, rather than finely cut
foliage, are always the most tolerant.
Varieties of Acer palmatum make excellent
subjects for pots and a specimen in a large container
IMAGES ALAMY; RAY COX; GARDEN WORLD IMAGES
will be happy for many years if grown in loam-based

compost. In spring, scrape away the surface, apply a
balanced slow-release fertiliser and top up with fresh
compost. Regular watering is essential as drought
can cause wilting and severe damage to the foliage.
Japanese maples do not need regular pruning, but
selective pruning to control size and shape can be
advantageous. Always prune in summer when the
plants are in full leaf. Never prune in winter because
this can cause dieback. n

W
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PLANT SWATCH
Sunshine Shades
Laura Oakes of Woolmans, growers of Chrysanthemum since 1881,
notes three hardy varieties for spectacular late colour in the garden
EARLY YELLOW MRS JESSIE COOPER PEGGY

This prolific form has small, pale, A short variety, growing only to Bright, coral-coloured blooms make
creamy yellow flowers borne in 45cm, Mrs Jessie Cooper bears this variety a favourite with gardeners
abundance from July until the end bright cerise blooms, each with a but it is also very easy to grow.
of October. A particularly strong strongly contrasting yellow centre. Stems are strong and sturdy and
and hardy variety reaching a height This variety is perfect for the front of the plants have over-wintered well
of 60cm, the flowers stand up well beds and borders where the flowers in our trials. This is a well-branched,
in wet and windy weather. Foliage can be easily seen and enjoyed. The neat and relatively compact variety
retains its lush green leaf colour and blooms are robust and tolerant of bad that reaches around 60cm in height.
is not easily marked. Early Yellow weather, and will continue to flower It doesnt need staking. This is an
always over-winters well and is one well after heavy rain. Flowers are excellent variety for cutting because
of the first varieties to produce new produced from August to November each stem carries many flowers and
shoots, which is normally around the and if weather is mild this variety can the blooms have a long vase life.
beginning of March. even bloom into December to provide Flowers from August to November.
a particuarly unusual colour contrast
IMAGES GARDEN WORLD IMAGES; WOOLAMNS
for the time of year. Try pairing it with

mauve Aster frikartii Mnch which
will bloom into October.
Find out about more chrysanthemums at woolmans.com

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LAWN CARE
Looking
After Lawn
WORDS GREG LOADES IMAGE SHUTTERSTOCK
For the best lawns, experts know to spend autumn

edging, scarifying, mowing, aerating and feeding,
in preparation for a winter rest and spring to come

LAWN CARE
W
hen the dew of misty autumn dandelion and plantain tend to get mown over and
mornings arrives, the time often escape the cut of a grass blade. Sink a long-
is ripe for essential lawn bladed handweeder into the soil to lever out these near-
improvement work. If only evergreen weeds while the ground is soft. Top-dress
a stately green carpet of resulting bare areas and sprinkle them with lawn seed.
lawn could be created by mowing alone. In reality,
one cant boast of a lush green lawn without it being EDGING
the result of diligent groundwork. Sound autumn By autumn, herbaceous perennials that grace
IMAGES GARDEN WORLD IMAGES; ALAMY; GAP PHOTOS/HOWARD RICE; GAP PHOTOS/PAUL DEBOIS
maintenance will set the lawn up to survive harsh border edges are at their largest and may well
winter weather and go on to produce a lush and encroach onto lawn space. It is phenomenal how
luxuriant green sward in the next growing season. much growth favourites such as Alchemilla mollis,
The reason autumn is the perfect time to service hardy geraniums and catmint can put on in one
the lawn and address any deficiencies is because growing season. Now is a good time to chop back
the weather is warm enough for the grass to keep encroaching plants, allowing the lawn to be tackled.
growing but it is no longer so hot that the attention If grass is bare where it has been covered, this can
will put the lawn under stress. These conditions be instantly remedied by replacing with fresh turf.
enable turf to recover from the cruel to be kind Cut out an area greater than the damaged patch,
treatment it needs during this season. It is also much loosen the soil with a digging fork and replace with
easier to insert tools such as scarifying rakes and fresh turf cut to size. Water well and flatten the joins
aerators into moist autumnal soil than trying to work where the turf and original lawn meet.
the same on parched ground in summer. If edging plants have encroached onto the lawn, it
Above With little risk may also indicate that the lawn edges need reshaping
of drought, lawns WEEDING to give borders more room. Peg out a stringline to act
can safely be mown Temperatures will be too low for lawn weedkillers as a guide for cutting straight lawn edges. Lay out a
shorter in autumn
to work reliably now, but with soil being reasonably rope or hosepipe along the lawn edge and cut along it
it is the ideal time
to create bowling moist, removing perennial weeds by the root is fairly with a half-moon edger to create the desired shape if
green stripes. straightforward. Some perennial weeds such as a curved edge is needed.

SCARIFYING Right Neaten lawn
edges or reshape to
This vigorous raking of
allow for summer
grass, using either a spring- growth in borders.
tined rake or a mechanical Below, from left
scarifier, rips through the Aeration alleviates
compaction; rake
layer of moss and dead
out moss, thatch
material (known as thatch), and debris to keep
that will have built up at the lawn healthy;
the base of the blades of hand weeding is
easier in autumn.
grass during a season of
mowing. It improves air
circulation, lets rainwater penetrate to the roots and
encourages grass to tiller outwards, for a thicker,
greener sward. Scarifying will also bring stones and
debris to the surface, which can be removed to help
tidy up the lawn and prevent mower blades from
being blunted. The process will also expose weeds
that may have been obscured among the grass and
leaves blades of grass standing proud and ready for
mowing. Immediately after scarifying, lawns can
look a little patchy and worse for wear especially
if a mechanical scarifier is used but grass soon
recovers and the benefits of scarifying far outweigh
this temporary blip in overall appearance.
MOWING
The lawn can be mown shorter in early autumn than
in summer, because moisture is more readily available
and hot, dry spells more unlikely. After scarifying,
mow the lawn short to ready it for aerating.

LAWN CARE
Above left If growth Ensure that the lawn isnt mown in the same be beneficial. Normally a mix of loam, sand and
has been slow this direction with every mow, otherwise some areas compost, it will help level out any small undulations
summer, give grass
will be repeatedly missed by the mower blades. If and, once it is brushed into the holes left by aerating,
a boost with an
autumn lawn feed. the lawn hasnt been mown horizontally across its will improve surface drainage and soil fertility, both
Above right Spread width for a while, now is the time to do it rather of which will encourage strong rooting. A job for a
piles of top dressing than pushing the mower up and down. If stripes in dry day, leave piles of the top dressing on the lawn
evenly over the lawn
a desired direction are needed, the lawn can always surface and spread them evenly over the lawn using
with a besom.
be mown in this direction with a slightly raised blade the back of a garden rake or a besom broom.
after the initial cut, to produce the striped finish.
FEEDING
AERATING & TOP-DRESSING If the lawn has grown poorly in the previous spring
For lawns laid on heavy soils, aerating the area every and summer, or is in its first full year, an autumn
two or three years is a must to prevent waterlogging lawn fertiliser will help encourage strong root
during winter and help reduce the severity of growth and give growth a boost. Autumn fertilisers
SUPPLIERS compaction in the summer months. Every four years are high in phosphates and lower in nitrogen than
Cobra is adequate on light soils, unless they are subjected spring fertilisers. This is beneficial for roots and also
IMAGES GAP PHOTOS/HOWARD RICE; GAP PHOTOS/MARK WINWOOD
Tel: 0115 986 2161; to heavy footfall. Manual and motorised hollow-tine toughens leafy growth, reducing the risk of damage
cobragarden.co.uk
aerators partially remove long plugs of earth from during cold, frosty conditions in winter. Resist the
Greenacres
the lawn, improving air circulation and movement of temptation to put a spring fertiliser on the lawn,
Tel: 01858 410725;
greenacresdirect.co.uk water around the roots of the grass. even if you have it to hand from the previous spring
Harrod Horticultural If the lawn is very small, it can be aerated by its high nitrogen content will encourage lush, soft
Tel: 0333 400 1500; inserting a digging fork into the ground at 10-15cm growth which will be vulnerable to fungal disease
harrodhorticultural.com intervals. Aerating is a task to carry out after and result in long grass when conditions arent as
Maxicrop mowing, so the plugs of earth arent squashed back favourable for mowing. Apply an autumn fertiliser
Tel: 08700 115117; into the lawn by the mower, and by the time you with a wheeled spreader or by hand (wear gloves
maxicrop.co.uk
need to mow again, the plugs should have broken if spreading feed by hand). Measure out squares
Rootgrow
Tel: 01795 411527;
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rootgrow.co.uk Once the lawn has been edged, scarified, mown the fertiliser over each area at the manufacturers
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International Garden
Photographer of the Year
The winners of IGPOTY Competition 10 Monochrome
Project have just been announced. We showcase the
winning images from this elegant and stylish category
T
he winner of the Monochrome category, Don Rice, the detail of plant structures, shapes and patterns; when done
impressed judges with his starkly beautiful image of a correctly the results can elevate the picture into a 3D compositional
water lily. Garden photography is a challenge at the experience. Similarly, the stark contrast of black and white can
best of times but shooting in monochrome, although really emphasise the story the photographer is trying to tell us.
adding another layer of difficulty, can in fact expand the scope This is what Don Rice managed to achieve in his winning picture.
and meaning of the subject matter, says IGPOTY judge Tyrone Monochrome served as the perfect aesthetic medium through
McGlinchey. An example is using monochrome to draw out which he was able to transform the botanical into the spiritual.
1st
Monochrome
Photographer
of the Year
Don Rice
Water Lily
Lake Petn Itz,
Department of Petn,
Guatemala
The white water lily,

Nymphaea ampla, grows
along the shores of tropical
lakes in Guatemala, Belize
and southern Mexico, he
says. Its white flowers
rise above floating leaves,
which occasionally curl or
roll up, and it is a common
subject of pre-Hispanic
Mesoamerican art the rain
god was often depicted
with waterlily leaves, buds
and flowers.

2nd
James Woodend
Raining over Fields
of Rapeseed
Heightington,
Worcestershire, England, UK
It was one of those moody

days you often get in
England during early May.
First the landscape was
flooded with bright sunlight,
then it quickly changed
into a dark and threatening
scene, with sudden, intense
downpours. The fields
around Heightington are put
to a wide variety of uses by
the local farmers: grass for
grazing, wheat, vegetables
and of course rapeseed.
3rd Minghui Yuan

An Umbrella for You
Wuhan City, China
A lotus leaf stands tall, petals extended in the

shape of an umbrella. It helps protect the growth
below and keeps it sheltered from the wind and
rain. I imagine the lotus to be a small girl seeking
shelter. Through nature, meaning is only limited
by our imaginations.
Finalist
Sarah-fiona
Helme
Imperial Fritillary
Royal Botanic Garden
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
I took this image at the

Royal Botanic Garden
Edinburgh. Most of
the flowers I had been
photographing were
small, but my eye was
caught by the clump of
fritillary plants making
a bold statement in
the border. Striking
in appearance, they
brought a sense of the
exotic to a cold, spring
day in Scotland.

Finalist
Rachel Chappell
Waiting
Hampshire, England, UK
The image shows the hinged leaf of the Venus

flytrap with almost heart-shaped symmetry. Yet
there is nothing loving about this plant as it sits
quietly, waiting until it feels vibration on two of its
teeth. A narrow depth of field gave extra emphasis
to its spines and adds to the sense of foreboding.
Highly Commended
Charapin Pongtornpipat
Medinilla I
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
I've been fascinated by the shape and form of this

plant ever since I first saw it hanging gracefully on the
wall of the Cloud Forest Dome at the Gardens by the
Bay in Singapore two years ago. I felt right away that
the image would lend itself to a black and white format,
due to the plants flowing lines and shapes, which
suggested a sense of poetry and timelessness.
Highly Commended
Lotte Grnkjr-Funch
Tragopogon
Copenhagen, Denmark
This photograph shows the seed head

of Tragopogon pratensis. I had never
photographed this plant before and
afterwards I had a great time making
different compositions with it.

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NEW BOOKS
The Reviewer
A selection of the best garden writing to appear this month
An Orchard Odyssey The Botanical Wall Chart Landscape of Dreams

By Naomi Slade By Anna Laurent By Isabel and Julian Bannerman
Green Books, 24.99 Ilex, 25 Pimpernel Press, 50
This is an ambitious book, encompassing This history of botanical wall charts We dream waking and sleeping about
the history of orchards and orchard fruit captures a moment in time when the architecture and landscape, derelict houses
throughout the world. But it doesnt scientific understanding of plants was and shattered gardens, explains Isabel
end there. Slade also dissects orchard blossoming. At the end of the 19th century, Bannerman in the first chapter entitled
biodiversity and looks at modern-day wall charts were the media of the day for Wonderland. Isabel and Julian Bannerman
conservation and the growth of community sharing and explaining new discoveries, have turned dreams to ethereal reality time
orchards in urban areas. As Slade says: In and Laurent does a neat job of collating and again, masterminding the creation and
21st-century cities, something new and and explaining these fascinating botanical restoration of many landmark gardens.
exciting is happening; orchards are being timepieces, grouping them into plant This is a glorious scrapbook-style story
brought back to town. families alphabetically. of some of their most notable works, from
The first half of the book is mainly The euphoria of scientific breakthrough the creation of a stately walled garden at
theoretical and historical; the second is jumps from the page in many of the charts, Houghton Hall, Norfolk, to the initial
practical, including ideas on designing an through the intricacy and quality of so landscaping of the gardens at Highgrove.
orchard, advice on planting and choosing many of the illustrations of flowers, seeds, The story of each garden is a richly spun
varieties, and guidance on community fruits and leaves. From the sticky trapping tale of both the nitty-gritty of working on a
projects centred around growing fruit mechanisms of a carnivorous sundew to an garden and of the relationships the authors
trees. Slade challenges the reader to see astonishing cross-section of a cornflower, have had with their clients. For instance,
an orchard not as a field of apple trees in this was art for educations sake. HRH The Prince of Wales apparently
rows but as anywhere where fruit trees This collection trawled from many despaired of Julians habit of drinking
are grown together, whether on balconies, countries in mainland Europe is both Coca-Cola while working on the gardens
roadsides or adjoining back gardens. reference book and visual treat. True to the at Highgrove, and would send for tea and
Slade passionately states why growing educational ethos behind the wall charts, sandwiches to be brought out instead.
fruit trees is important, with a particular Laurent comments on each, including Equally detailed and fascinating are the
emphasis on how doing so can impact ones botanical notes that will help the reader images; though not always of the highest
local community for good. Despite the garner a more intimate knowledge of the quality at first glance, they are a wonderful
broad scope of the book, Slades positivity workings of their plants. Laurent blend of present day scenes of the finished
and enthusiasm for orchards keeps the also explains the context behind the gardens, design sketches, archive snaps of
WORDS GREG LOADES
volume entertaining throughout. Her production of each chart and includes the gardens in progress, and some priceless
zeal comes across on every page and the a useful glossary outlining some of the polaroid shots of the build-up to their 1994
inclusion of numerous case-studies make less familiar botanical terminology used Chelsea Flower Show garden created for
this a fun and engaging read throughout. in the book. The Daily Telegraph.

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NEW BOOKS
Q&A
Chris Baines released How to Make a Wildlife Garden in 1985; this new edition has
arrived with the topic very much more of a talking point than it was 30 years ago
something practical for nature. Those reactions

among gardeners have strengthened over time, but I
believe they were always there.
What do you think is the reason for the change?

I think it is very simple. Gardeners derive enormous
pleasure from the wildlife in their gardens. Many
of them also gain satisfaction from their practical
ability to make a difference and there has been
a gradual realisation that a garden filled with
wildlife can look beautiful and respectable. Plant
the right plants, put in a pond and a nest box and
neighbourhood wildlife will respond.
What is the most effective thing gardeners can

do to attract more wildlife?
The greatest impact usually comes with water.
If there is room for a pond, however small, then
the impact will be enormous. Birds will bathe,
hedgehogs and foxes will drink, frogs and newts,
What made you want to write this book? dragonflies and water beetles will breed, and
I became involved in TV presenting with a strand beautiful wildflowers such as ragged robin, water
on Pebblemill at One. Then BBC Gardeners World forget-me-not and marsh marigold will flourish.
invited me to create a new garden in a two-week
makeover on a Peterborough housing estate. I chose Where do gardeners have the most room
to create a Rich Habitat Garden. The public loved for improvement?
it, and wrote in their thousands for the leaflet I had We need to manage untidiness and decay creatively.
prepared. That convinced me there would be interest Sweep up the autumn leaves from the lawn, but pile
in a book giving encouragement and guidance. them under the hedge as winter shelter. Leave
some of the seedheads standing through winter.
How would you describe the book? Manage a patch of lawn for its small flowers, but
It is a practical guide to gardening with nature, and always mow neat edges and cut the mini-meadow
contains detailed information about plant choice, once flowers fade.
types of nest box and food, the construction of
wildlife ponds, the management of mini-meadows Is there an aspect of gardening for wildlife that
and companion planting. It is also an account of we are missing?
my experiences. I hope it conveys the pleasure that Give preference to the varieties of ordinary garden
comes from helping and enjoying wildlife at home. flowers that will provide a wildlife bonus. Single
flowers are generally far richer in nectar and pollen
How have attitudes to wildlife gardening than double flowered varieties. Some shrubs produce
changed since the book was first released? heavier crops than others. Some spring bulbs will
IMAGE ANDREW CROWLEY
I launched the book with a wildlife garden at the provide early nectar for bees and butterflies before
Chelsea Flower Show. The public seemed to like the native wildflowers appear, and there are late- RHS Companion to
the beauty of the wildflowers and familiarity of flowering herbaceous plants that will extend the Wildlife Gardening
the cottage garden plants. There was also a sense nectar supply to the end of autumn. A leafy suburban By Chris Baines
that people welcomed the encouragement to do street will give good clues to the plants that will grow. Frances Lincoln, 25

BESPOKE PROMOTION
GARDENS TO VISIT
Get ideas and inspiration from beautiful Gardens to visit
gardens across the country in partnership with
LEEDS CASTLE
Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL
Tel: 01622 765400 | [email protected] | www.leeds-castle.com
Celebrate the Year of the English Garden at Leeds Castle and explore 500 acres of beautiful parkland
and formal gardens in the heart of Kent. The popular Leeds Castle Festival of Flowers takes place from
24 to 28 September where visitors will be able to see the state rooms adorned with beautiful floral
creations from internationally renowned designers on the theme of A Queens Castle. Specialist talks,
demonstrations and garden tours run throughout the event.
OPEN: All year round.
ARLEY HALL & GARDENS

Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6NA
Tel: 01565 777353 | www.arleyhallandgardens.com
Arley Hall & Gardens is a place of enormous character, charm and interest. The hall has a warm and
intimate atmosphere while the gardens are amongst the finest in Britain, boasting a magnificent
double herbaceous border believed to be the first of its kind in the country. At Arley you will see a
huge range of plants of all kinds, making it a treasure trove both for the keen plantsman and for the
less specialised visitor.
OPEN: Garden - Monday Sunday inclusive, 11am 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) until October 2016.
WATERPERRY GARDENS
Waterperry, Near Wheatley, Oxfordshire OX33 1LA
Tel: 01844 339226 | www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Celebrate Apple Weekend at Waterperry 7, 8 & 9 October. Apple and juice tastings, identification,
expert advice and information about growing fruit trees, orchard tours and more.
Waterperry Gardens - a place to explore, relax and shop in beautiful surroundings all year round.
OPEN: 10am-5.30pm.
ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS

Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset DT3 4LA
Tel: 01305 871 387 | www.abbotsburygardens.co.uk
This award winning garden is dramatically illuminated and pathways are magically lit with candle light
every evening from 13-30 October. Enjoy the autumn colours in daylight, retire to the restaurant then
take the same route illuminated and candle lit after refreshments. The gardens open at 10am and close
at 8.30pm during the event, lights go on at dusk.
OPEN: 7 days, 10am-5pm summer, 10am-4pm winter. Last admission one hour before close.
CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE GARDENS

Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8ET
Tel: 01829 720383 | [email protected] | www.cholmondeleycastle.com
This rural honeypot attracts thousands of visitors each year eager to enjoy perfect plants in these
spectacular surroundings, one of Cheshires Gardens of Distinction. Dominated by a romantic Castle
built in 1801 of local sandstone it has been owned by the Cholmondeley family since the 12th century.
The picturesque temple water gardens are the pice de rsistance of Cholmondeley Gardens.
A rose garden, glade, herbaceous borders, and ornamental woodland can also be enjoyed.
OPEN: Wed, Thurs, Sundays & Bank Holidays 25 March-30 Sept 2016. 11am-5pm. Open for Autumn Tints
Sunday 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 October. See website for any amendments to opening times.
BESPOKE PROMOTION
1 2 3
4 5
Accessories call or email for a brochure or visit our website.

Tel: 01538 753128
Email: [email protected]
4 Leander Plant Supports
Leanders stunning Climbing Towers (6ft.) in
rusted iron make a very stylish framework for
for
www.artisanplantsupports.co.uk climbers. Shown here with a combination of
Clematis tangutica and a fragrant honeysuckle,
2 Border Sundials they are also suitable for sweet peas and
Capel Tenison of Border Sundials makes climbing roses, and are great for creating a
autumn
beautiful armillary spheres, horizontal and focal point at the end of a path.
vertical sundials from antiqued brass, bronze For these and many other useful and beautiful
or stainless steel. All sundials are made to order designs visit our website or phone for a
and carefully engraved with your choice of brochure.
mottoes or dedications and calibrated to your Tel: 01773 550495
precise location, wherever you are in the world.
Stylish products for the Tel: 01873 840 297
perfect finishing touch www.bordersundials.co.uk
5 Garden Trading
3 Oxford Planters Ltd This Northcote Storage Box, crafted from Fir
1 Artisan Plant Supports Oxford Planters Ltd are designers and and painted in a stylish charcoal colour, is
A range of hand-crafted plant supports and manufacturers of hardwood planters, tables, perfect for storing garden pots, accessories
obelisks, designed to provide architectural benches, obelisks and garden gates. The and tools. With a slanted zinc lid, this
structure within the garden, while also hardwood products are all individually weatherproof product would look equally at
complimenting and enhancing the plants handmade to order in the companys home in a bootroom, providing durable storage
features. All ranges have a choice of finishes; Oxfordshire workshop and are available in for parcels, shoes or any bits and bobs that
including rusted, galvanised or powder-coated Oak, Iroko and Accoya. need a home. Also available in a natural wood
in a choice of colours. Featured is our ever Tel: 01608 683022 - 07765 188725 design from Garden Trading.
popular Lobster Pot support ideal for Peony, www.oxfordplanters.co.uk Tel: 0845 608 4448
Roses & many more. Available in 3 sizes. Please [email protected] www.gardentrading.co.uk
OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST OF BRITISH NURSERIES
BLUEBELL ARBORETUM & NURSERY ASHWOOD NURSERIES
Specialists in hardy trees, shrubs A traditional working nursery
and climbers including a huge situated in the West Midlands. We
selection of unusual and rare specialise in Hellebores, Hardy
species and varieties. Expert Cyclamen, Salvias, Hepaticas,
advice is available from our Hydrangeas, Lewisias, Dwarf
helpful staff. Conifers, Snowdrops, Primula
The nursery is open to the public auriculas and offer many more
and surrounded by a lovely nine- choice plants. We feel Ashwood
acre woodland garden (RHS Nurseries is a plantsmans
Partner Garden). Visitors are paradise. Our mail order service
welcome all year round. sends plants, garden essentials
and gifts to UK and EU
Informative website and a reliable
destinations. Special events
mail order service is available if
throughout the year. Please visit
you would like plants delivered.
our website for more details.
Open Daily. Free colour brochure
quote ENGGAR16
Tel: 01530 413700 Tel: 01384 401996

[email protected] | www.bluebellnursery.com [email protected] | www.ashwoodnurseries.com
Annwell Lane, Smisby, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 2TA Ashwood Lower Lane, Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 0AE
WOOTTENS PLANTS SPRING REACH NURSERY

Established for 25 years, Woottens is
a traditional nursery growing & selling
over 600 different varieties of hardy
perennials.
We also stock some of the largest
collections of Irises and Primula
auriculas in England and specialise in
Pelargoniums and Hemerocallis.
We are committed to collecting and
preserving some of the rarest species
of Irises and Pelargoniums and make
them available to our customers.
Our efficient mail order service runs
throughout the year dispatching Spring Reach Nursery grows a fantastic range of clematis, trees,
predominantly two litre well hedging, ferns, shrubs, fruit, perennials, roses, climbers and grasses.
established plants. Border design STARRING NOW Hydrangea paniculata Hybrids, Tree ferns, Ornamental
services are available and horticultural courses run weekly. Garden Grasses and late summer perennials. Visit one of Surreys finest nurseries
Designer Discount scheme available. a gardeners paradise! Just five minutes from RHS Garden Wisley
Tel: 01502 478258 Tel: 01483 284769
[email protected] | www.woottensplants.com [email protected] | www.springreachnursery.co.uk
Woottens of Wenhaston Ltd, Wenhaston, Suffolk, IP19 9HF Spring Reach Nursery, Long Reach, Ockham, Surrey GU23 6PG
DAISY CLOUGH NURSERIES LTD THE BEE GARDEN PLANT CENTRE

A family-run nursery in rural Nestled in the beautiful
Lancashire, Daisy Clough surroundings of Stydd Gardens,
specialises in a carefully The Bee Garden Plant Centre
selected range of over 600 offers a unique combination of
perennials and grasses. Open carefully selected bee-friendly
seven days a week for visitors, the plants and old fashioned roses.
nursery also grows a good We may be small in size, but we
selection of garden worthy have an abundance of top-quality,
shrubs, along with container home-grown plants many of
plants, vegetable plants and fruit. them unusual together with
The 2016 plant list is available to expert horticultural advice.
download from the website. Bee- and garden- related gifts are
Seeds, pots and sundries are also available from our Shop,
available in our new shop. which like the caf and other
shops on site is open from
Tuesday to Sunday.
Tel: 01524 793104 Tel: 07960 769940

[email protected] | www.daisyclough.com [email protected] | www.thebeegarden.co.uk | www.stydd.com
Daisy Clough Nurseries Ltd, Station Lane, Scorton, Preston, Lancs PR3 1AN Stydd Gardens, Stoneygate Lane, Ribchester, Preston, Lancs, PR3 3YN
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Coming next issue in
ON
SALE
12 OCTOB
ER
Autumns vibrant finale

Michael Heseltine shares his garden at Thenford in an exclusive interview
Stobo Water Garden is a blaze of bright colour
IMAGES RAY COX; ANDREA JONES; ANDREW LAWSON; CLIVE NICHOLS
Masterful all-season planting at Adrian Blooms Bressingham Gardens

An autumnal Capability Brown landscape at Bowood, Wiltshire
The first frost adds magic to Ellicar garden in Yorkshire
PLUS Ornamental crab apples, the best plants for autumn berries and blooms,
and expert advice on getting the garden ready for winter
Dont miss out. Buy single copies or subscribe now at

theenglishgarden.co.uk or telephone 01858 438854

LAST WORD
The Fairest Fruit

Firm, juicy and shapely, a good apple is irresistible. Fortunately, says
Katherine Swift
Swift, there are hundreds of varieties from which to choose
H
ave you ever wondered about that charity and champion of local distinctiveness
apple? The one that greets you Common Ground (commonground.org.uk), and
when you switch on a computer regional groups like the Marcher Apple Network
or your smart phone? Steve Jobs
was famously reticent about
Once upon (marcherapple.net).
This is the time of year to seek out your own local
where the idea came from, but shortly before he a time every apple varieties, and to decide which of them to plant
died he revealed he had called his company Apple
because he had been staying on an apple farm,
county in in the garden. And if you are fortunate enough to
have an old apple tree already in your garden, dont
and thought the name would be fun, spirited and England cut it down. Instead, have it identified by sending a
not intimidating.
Oh wily Mr Jobs! This is not any old innocent
and Wales, specimen of the fruit and foliage to the RHS Fruit
Identification Service, or by attending one of the
apple. What about the bite (or should that be and many local apple fairs that will be held across the country
byte?) out of its side? In Western art that set of
toothmarks has been notorious for more than a in Scotland, in the next few weeks, where resident experts will
identify it for you. Old trees can be invigorated with
thousand years as shorthand for the seduction of had its careful remedial pruning, and even if blown down
Adam by Eve. Redolent of the temptations of sex
and power, the promise of access to forbidden own apple can continue to grow and to bear fruit for as long as
part of the roots are still in the ground: in my own
knowledge how could we resist?
Of course the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge
varieties, garden an old tree was knocked down by a lorry
more than a decade ago but is still going strong
in the Garden of Eden was almost certainly each adapted today. A potent symbol indeed.
not an apple. That idea may have arisen from
the similarity in the Latin version of the Bible
to local
between malus (meaning apple) and malum conditions
(meaning evil) but that was how European
artists saw it. And it is true that there is
something uniquely seductive about an apple: the
way it glows as it hangs on the tree; the way it fits
so perfectly into your hand; its pillowy shape and
smooth, cool skin; that mouthwatering smell.
Once upon a time every county in England
and Wales, and many in Scotland, had its
local apple varieties, each uniquely adapted
to local conditions a pattern repeated in
every country in the temperate climate zone.
Tragically, however, two thirds of the old apple
ILLUSTRATION JULIA RIGBY PORTRAIT RICHARD BLOOM
trees in this country were grubbed up in the 30

years following the Second World War. It was
a devastating loss to wildlife, an assault on the
beauty of the landscape, and a fracturing of our
own sense of ourselves, entwined in the stories of
the communities that had nurtured those apples
and orchards in some cases since medieval times.
Fortunately these old varieties are being
rediscovered and planted again, thanks to
organisations like the pioneering environmental

THERE IS ALWAYS
A PLACE FOR A
GABRIEL ASH
Finance
Available
See our website
for details

Gabriel Ash Limited is a credit broker
and not a lender. Credit is subject to
application and status.
From our Upright Coldframes to Grand Portico there is a Gabriel Ash greenhouse to fit your needs.
And if there isnt we can always make you a bespoke structure.
gabriel ash
The only
greenhouses
endorsed by
the RHS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 01829 271 890 OR VISIT www.gabrielash.com
Gabriel Ash Limited, Monument Farm, Farndon, Cheshire, CH3 6QP (COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 3728768) act as a credit broker and not the lender. Gabriel Ash Limited only offer products from Barclays
Partner Finance. Barclays Partner Finance is a trading name of Clydesdale Financial Services Limited a wholly owned subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC. Clydesdale Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated
by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register number: 311753). Registered in England. Registered No. 2901725. Registered office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.
AUTUMN HARVEST
For our SEASONAL OFFERS call or click 0800 783 8083
www.hartley-botanic.co.uk
THE FINEST GLASSHOUSES MONEY CAN BUY

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GARDEN

OCTOBER 2016 For everyone who loves beautiful gardens www.theenglishgarden.co.uk

Autumn inspiration 4.30

BORDER advice from Waterperry

Clare Foggett, Editor

Andy McIndoe design for a garden in

OCTOBER 2016 THE ENGLISH GARDEN 3

The English Garden (UK issue) ISSN no 1361-2840. Printed in England.

40 TAKING A GENTLER PACE When Plants

16 SHOPPING Take care of garden

21 GARDEN PATHS This year Juliet

85 THE NATIONS FAVOURITE The

92 PLANT SWATCH Laura Oakes

6 THE ENGLISH GARDEN SEPTEMBER 2016

If you would like a catalogue,

Five gardens with great autumn colour

OCTOBER 2016 THE ENGLISH GARDEN 9

LOOKING AHEAD: PLANT FAIRS AND SHOWS

10 THE ENGLISH GARDEN SEPTEMBER 2016

Plan ahead and plant this autumn for

Plant a spring bulb display MONTHLY

an annual as the quality of their in well-drained soil at a

12 THE ENGLISH GARDEN OCTOBER 2016

Habitat As chilly weather spreads across their native

Help for Build a bumblebee nest

OCTOBER 2016 THE ENGLISH GARDEN 15

Wooden Wellington boot rack,

Firenze plant pot, 6.50.

Neat & Tidy

Organic carrier bag,

Aldsworth outdoor storage box,

WORDS RACHAEL FUNNELL

Victorian styled boot brush and scraper,

Sophie Conran Hand Rake,

Worx Trivac 3000W Blow Vac,

autumn leaves with ease Tel: 0845 608 4448;

Vintage velvet cushion,

Panama vase, 12.50.

Heavy duty hand leaf-grabs,

18 THE ENGLISH GARDEN OCTOBER 2016

#!#!% "%# $%"!#"!%#"#$%$#!%!%#% #"$%%#!%"!#"!%$$%$

PRACTICALITY BROWN LTD

given me a people-centred approach to bother me, which is why I was pleased to

OCTOBER 2016 THE ENGLISH GARDEN 21

22 THE ENGLISH GARDEN OCTOBER 2016

OCTOBER 2016 THE ENGLISH GARDEN 23

24 THE ENGLISH GARDEN OCTOBER 2016

WORDS CONSTANCE CRAIG SMITH PHOTOGRAPHS CLIVE NICHOLS

OCTOBER 2016 THE ENGLISH GARDEN 25

26 THE ENGLISH GARDEN OCTOBER 2016

OCTOBER 2016 THE ENGLISH GARDEN 27

28 THE ENGLISH GARDEN OCTOBER 2016

WISTERIA CASCADE PEEP HOLE

bluebells has faded, Wisteria are an important part of the

OCTOBER 2016 THE ENGLISH GARDEN 29

DAHLIA IVANETTI PHYTOLACCA AMERICANA SALVIA BLACK KNIGHT

SALVIA CURVIFLORA AGAPANTHUS HOLE PARK BLUE MAGNOLIA

CALLICARPA BODINIERI VAR. GIRALDII ROSA MOYESII CYCLAMEN HEDERIFOLIUM

30 THE ENGLISH GARDEN OCTOBER 2016

Edwardian Armchair Medium Edo seat painted White Leighton 2 Seater

#!#!% "%# $%"!#"!%#"#$%$#!%!%#% #"$%%#!%"!#"!%$$%$