Garden Visit: Tudor Lodgings, Castle Acre, 10th August
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- Written by: Jan Oakley
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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
Garden Visit: Elm House, Saxlingham Nethergate, 13th July
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- Written by: Irene Tibbenham
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Photos by Irene Tibbenham
HPS Summer Social, Jan & Mark Oakley's Garden, Beccles, 6th July
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- Written by: Jacqui Hurst and Gill Clarke
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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
Garden Visit: Sundown, Roydon, Diss
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- Written by: Ian Fearn
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11th May 2019
Liz Bloom and her partner Graham Boutell warmly welcomed Group members to their garden. The garden has been evolving since 1968 and has increased in size from ½ acre to the present 1.4 acres.
The first area I explored was the woodland walk which I found out is Liz’s favourite part of the garden. The unusual varieties of herbaceous perennials certainly caught the attention of visitors. There were a number of plants that particularly fascinated me. Two varieties of Epimedium, firstly ‘Amber Queen’, which has delicate amber-yellow flowers held on very wiry stems and secondly ‘Spine Tingler’ which has curious long spurs, pale lemon flowers, held about saw-toothed margined leaves.
I was also intrigued by Disporum uniflorum, Yellow Fairy Bells, with its nodding and narrow shell-shaped pale-yellow flowers held on arching stems. Other plants which members spoke warmly about were Cornus canadensis and Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’ (aka Lamprocapnos).
From here I walked out into the relatively newly planted woodland area which is surrounded by rough grass intersected by mown pathways. This turned out to be Graham’s favourite area and is planted with a variety of trees in order to give year-round interest. Two trees particularly caught my attention, firstly Cercis siliquastrum, Judas tree, which was in full bloom. Its’ clusters of bright pink pea-flowers looked stunning when the sun shone. Secondly, I also enjoyed listening to the leaves of the variegated Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Aureo-marginatum,’ variegated tulip tree, rustling in the breeze.
Other highlights included a beautiful display of rhododendrons in full bloom, and a beautifully laid out kitchen garden complete with greenhouse.
The visit was made completely memorable by the laying on of tea and biscuits together with a plant sale.
Photos by Irene Tibbenham
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