Tudor Lodgings is set within the huge and ancient earthworks that form the dry moat and walls of Castle Acre. As you might imagine the views were spectacular and far reaching from what must have been the highest point for many miles. Our visit was on the windiest August day that I can remember, but as the garden is mainly set down below the earthworks, walking around was calm and peaceful. Amongst the characterful buildings set within these walls was an old dovecote holding hundreds possibly thousands of nest spaces.

We enjoyed the herbaceous borders and lovely wild flower meadow, where war is waged on a daily basis against rabbits and deer. A large area behind the wild flowers had been planted with Panicum grass to form another meadow, which was mesmerising in the wind.

In front of the house we were treated to a large and wonderful abstract box topiary and a symmetrical Mondrian knot garden planted with flowers in each of the primary colours.

Julia the owner has an extensive collection of watering cans. The sculptural examples ranged from just a few inches tall on the gate posts to an enormous 3-4 feet example standing proudly in front of the house.

We enjoyed tea, cakes and sandwiches on the terrace while watching the wind wreak havoc on the lawn, felling what remained of an old and sickly Judas tree. Another planting opportunity I imagine.

Words and Photos by Jan Oakley

Photos by Irene Tibbenham

GROUP SUMMER SOCIAL 6th July

Despite rain earlier in the day, we were all able to enjoy Jan and Mark’s exquisite garden which complemented their Arts and Crafts house. We passed under a portico before walking into the garden at the rear of the house. After being welcomed with drinks and received name badges in the orangery, we were able to wander freely amidst the colour themed borders. Jan has the eye of an artist, with the use of an amazing palette. We were particularly taken with the hot border where rich colours blended together and the white border glowed after the rain. There were also surprises – euonymus topiary, subtle sculpture, a cutlery kingfisher and woodpecker. Specimen trees featured too, with a Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’, a variegated Liriodendron, a Metasequoia and Paulownia to name a few. These gave height to the beds which were then layered with a variety of shrubs.

Salvias featured in many borders, from white, through pinks, reds to deep purple with penstemons and phlox. Dark coloured heuchera leaves and large leaved hostas gave texture and shape as well as other perennials, too many to mention. In a corner, a raised, gravelled area with blue Lutyens seat, palms and cordylines created a quiet viewing area over the garden. The pond area featured quirky stone swans and other sculptures. The balance between lawns and beds was perfect. A walkway of metal arches featured near the house where there were also many pots.

The catering was of the highest standard and cushions were brought out for the garden seats so we could sit, eat and have our glasses topped up, enjoying the company of fellow plantspeople. Our thanks go to Irene, Linda and Chris. Everyone seemed to enjoy the evening and it was a pleasure to be there.

Jacqui Hurst and Gill Clarke

Photos by Chris Davies

8th June

Despite the inclement weather forecast, an intrepid group of four Group Members turned out for this visit to Holm House, which unfortunately clashed with a Plant Fair at East Ruston Old Vicarage. Nevertheless, we were in for a treat!

The family moved here four years ago, and the magnificent ‘old’ house was only built eleven years ago. We entered up a long, gravelled drive, and in the middle of the turning circle was a splendid formal pond with fountains, flanked by well-trimmed holm oaks (Quercus ilex).

The owner, Rebecca Shelley, gave us a guided tour of their 10-acre garden. The formal gardens surrounding the house were well planted incorporating several fine pieces of statuary, which were elegantly positioned.

A recent project has been the building of a 2-acre lake made of puddled clay with an island, already home to a family of Canada geese & mallard ducks. The lake is now stocked with trout. Surrounding the lake is a beautiful wildflower meadow, full of colour from poppies, oxeye-daisies and the rare bee orchid, (Ophrys apifera).

Rebecca has a splendid area near the house for growing cut flowers, complete with greenhouse. Husband Phil showed us his wonderful vegetable garden, most of which was under a net cage. The vegetables matched his military background, according to his wife, being positioned in very neat, well-spaced rows!

The family cat pretended to be uninterested but followed us round the entire garden! The peacock was always to be seen, usually looking down on us from up high, his mate being occupied sitting on her eggs. Wild birds seen recently included a marsh harrier, a Schedule 1 listed bird on the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Unlike other parts of Suffolk that day, the weather managed to stay dry as we were entertained afterwards with lovely refreshments.