The Back Lawn of Luctons, West Hoathly, Sussex

The Back Lawn of Luctons, West Hoathly, Sussex

The Back Lawn of Luctons, West Hoathly, Sussex

It was so entertaining sitting on the terrace at the Cat Inn in West Hoathly watching the wedding guests stroll in for a wedding lunch. Such beautiful summer finery and oh the hats! Why don’t we wear hats anymore? I am always so envious of women in hats! So elegant looking in the smallest of fluff and feather!

Time to move on to the next garden, Luctons, just a short walk to the end of the street where the “newer homes” are. Talking with the owners, who have lived in their home for thirty years, we find there have been many adjustments and improvements to their 19th century home, green houses and two acre garden.

Herbaceous Borders at Luctons, Sussex

The Flower Garden at Luctons, Sussex

The Flowers of Luctons, Sussex

The Flowers of Luctons, Sussex

The Flower Garden of Luctons, Sussex

The Flowers of Luctons, Sussex

That is what I find so interesting about the gardens I have seen so far. You get a chance to talk with the gardeners/owners of the gardens and learn more about their garden plans, choice of flowers and involvement with other gardens and gardeners.   This garden was designed in the Gertrude Jekyll style, which focused on a relationship between the house and its surroundings. Gertrude Jekyll’s style included foliage, color and texture to achieve a practical and beautiful view. To give a picturesque and natural appearance in the garden the use of  stone walls, walkways, and natural partitioning of the garden, ensures a gentle flow. To quote the famous landscape gardener,” A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness: it teaches industry and thrift; it teaches entire trust.” At Luctons, we see the small box partere, yew topiary, shrubs and flowers that frame the front of the home giving it an inviting entrance. Won’t you join me for careful watchfulness?

The Front Entrance to Luctons, Sussex

The Front Entrance to Luctons, Sussex

The Front Garden at Luctons, Sussex

The Front Garden at Luctons, Sussex

The Front Garden at Luctons, Sussex

The Peacock Topiary, Luctons, Sussex

In the back is a large lawn with herbaceous borders centered in a large fruit and vegetable garden.

Leading to the Cricket Court at Luctons, Sussex

The Vegetable Garden, Luctons, Sussex

The wild flower orchard is not mowed revealing beautiful meadow flowers and spotted orchids.  A tent has been set up where cream teas are served.  Could there be anything more English? All I need is my hat!

Tea in the Garden, Luctons, Sussex

Looking at the Orchard at Luctons, Sussex

Spotted Orchids in the Meadow at Luctons, Sussex

The Lovely Unknown

PS This was hands down my favorite flower! I saw it in many of the gardens we toured, but could never find out the name of it. Can anyone identify it for me?