English Garden Tour: Garden Picture of the Day, A Cottage in Warninglid
A Cottage in Warninglid, Haywards Heath, Sussex
Posts tagged ‘National Garden Scheme’
English Garden Tour: Garden Picture of the Day, I’ll Grow Anywhere!
I’ll Grow Anywhere, North Hall, Sheffield Green, UK
The English Garden Tour; Garden 4, North Hall, Sheffield Green, Uckfield
North Hall, Sheffield Green, Uckfield
Why just have a driveway, when you can have a garden in it?
North Hall, Sheffield Green, Uckfield
North Hall, Sheffield Green, Uckfield
Here it is, the house and garden of a woman’s dreams! From the moment we entered the drive and was directed to the meadow to park in, I couldn’t wait to see the gardens surrounding this beautiful home! For background musica there was a couple seated at a table playing old time favorites on old, old, crank record players.
The Music at North Hall, Sheffield Green, Uckfield
What sound! So crisp and clear! Who knew! No Beats headphones here! Next was the antique Rolls Royce to inspect. Setting the mood we entered the garden!
The Rolls Royce at North Hall, Sheffield Green, Uckfield
North Hall is overflowing with a palette of soft colors and heady scent. The garden is planted abundantly with a variety of plants. Pathways along the house show off antique planters and old garden equipment creating interest in the multiple tiers of the garden. There are themed island beds, moated terraces, and roses tumbling over the walls. On the back lawn is an area with tables covered in vintage lace cloths and antique table covers, set up for tea and cake. Let’s wonder through this garden shall we? I’m sure this will be one of your favorites on the National Garden Schemes too. This garden is very much loved!
Entering the Path to the Garden at North Hall
THE Lawn Roller at North Hall, Sheffield Green, Uckfield
Stepping down, the multi-tiered brick paths along the brick walls allowed you to see plants up close at eye level.
More Chimney Pots Used for Planters at North Hall
The Terraced Gardens at North Hall
The Garden at North Hall, Sheffield Green, Uckfield
The roses covered the house. Notice the contrast of the pinks and violets.
A Side Garden of North Hall, Sheffield Green, Uckfield
Four sides to the house gives one four different gardens!
A Look from the Back of the Garden, North Hall
A delightful seating area, was surrounded by a garden moat! What an inspirational way to add a water garden!
The Moated Terrace at North Hall
Water Lillies in the Moat at North Hall
There were garden rooms created for relaxing and meeting up with fellow gardeners!
Real English Gardeners!
A Look at the Tea Sets, North Hall
I loved the contrast of the black and lime colors in the garden!
Tea Time in the Garden at North Hall
Entering another “Garden Room.”
An Arbor at North Hall
Rainfall water storage and composting in the garden! Nothing was overlooked!
Garden Interest at North Hall
Garden Tools Adds Interest to the Clematis Garden at North Hall
The Flowers of North Hall
Trees and flora were tagged! How thoughtful!
Tree Tag at North Hall
The Flowers of North Hall
The Flowers of North Hall
The Flowers of North Hall
Add a spot or two!
The Flowers of North Hall, A Mixture in the Garden
Or maybe a bright PINK!
The Flowers of North Hall
The Flowers of North Hall
Can you believe the combination of lavender and blue? They were iridescent!
The Flowers of North Hall
The Flowers of North Hall
The Greenhouse at North Hall
The Other Side of North Hall
The Topiaries at North Hall
The Garden at North Hall, Sheffield Green, Uckfield
This is one garden I could visit over and over! I just loved it! Thank you, North Hall, for sharing your beauty with us!
The Varied Terrace Gardens of North Hall
English Garden Tour, Garden Picture of the Day, the Terrace at Luctons
I have so many beautiful pictures from the gardens on the National Garden Scheme in the UK. I called my visit to the gardens, “The English Garden Tour.” Local gardeners open their gardens once a year for charity. Luctons, in Sussex, is a must see! Can’t you just imagine sitting at the end of the day in this garden? I can!
Luctons Garden on the National Garden Scheme, UK
The English Garden Tour: Garden 3, 1 Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
The Church of St Andrew and St Mary the Virgin, Fletching, Uckfield
1 Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
1 Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
Across the street from the Church of St Andrew and St Mary the Virgin, in the village of Fletching, is a row of tiny, clustered, connected cottages that look just like dollhouses. The garden at 1 Whites Cottage is compact, and exactly what you would think a cottage garden should look like. Following winding paths there are lovely groupings of flowers, delights for the child of any age, and riots of color, color, color in that messy, disheveled look imagined in fairy tales. What child could not spend the day in a gypsy caravan surrounded by a family of ducks? Snuggled in your perfect spot, this cottage is where stories are told. Let’s take a peek at Whites Cottage, one of the cottages on the National Garden Scheme.
The Rows of Small Cottages at Fletching, Uckfield
Beauty at the Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
And what is beyond the garden gate?
Beauty and Color at the Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
Masses of Soft White Blooms at Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
What’s behind here? Let’s look and see!
The Tiny Gypsy Caravan, Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
One of the Duck Family at Whites Cottage, Uckfield
The Duck Cottage at Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
Here was an area for the succulents! Some were planted in chimney pots! Waste not, want not! Where can I get one of those and how can I get it home? Hmmmm…..
Garden Interest at Whites Cottage
Bright colors in the garden!
More Succulents at Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
The blooming clematis was so delicate and I loved the lime and lavender centers with the crisp, clean, green leaves!
The Beautiful Blooming Clematis at Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
What’s down this grassy knoll?
Another Look at the Garden, Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
I love the way you see the seeds in this plant!
The Vines at Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
The Greenhouse at Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
Art in the garden, look up, look down. We don’t want to miss anything!
Art in the Garden Adds Interest, Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
Visiting the different gardens on the National Garden Scheme has taken us to very interesting small villages! Lets take a walk and see the village! Is this the Clergy House? Love it!
A Beauty Next Door to St Andrew and St Mary the Virgin, Fletching, Uckfield
Here is an old door to the Churchgate Cottage!
Another Old Cottage Door in Fletching, Uckfield
In medieval times Fletching was the major producer of bows and arrows; many were used in the battle of Agincourt in 1415. In 1912, The Piltdown Man was discovered near Fletching and thought to be the “missing link” between humans and apes. The significance of the specimen remained controversial, until amidst great publicity and much embarrassment in scientific circles, it was exposed as a forgery in 1953. I think their treasure lies in the beauty of their tiny dollhouse cottages! And maybe this delight, the Tudor Cottage.
The Tudor Cottage in Fletching, Uckfield
We still have several gardens to see on my “English Garden Tour.” Won’t you join me! Another village tomorrow!
The Succulents at Whites Cottage, Fletching, Uckfield
The English Garden Tour; Garden 2, Luctons in West Hoathly
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?
Where Do We Stay and How Do We Get There?
Bulleign Barn
The Bulleign Barn
The Road to Bulleign Barn
As I stated in my previous post I like to research my vacation before I hit the road. I know, I know, a lot of you like to just “wing it,” but I would rather know all about places of interest, restaurants, and villages that I am am really interested in and then add to that, if something exciting turns up. For this trip, I was glad I started early and took the time to look-up the gardens I was keenly interested in, on the National Garden Scheme, (NGS) so I could co-ordinate going from one garden to the next, (since our plan was to see several a day) I also needed to know how much time it would take to get from one to another, and where we would want to eat between gardens. Although the gardens on the NGS are open on the weekends, for the most part, some had specific times they were open. We would have been quite dismayed to have arrived at a garden only to have to wait to get in. So when I had the gardens lined up I looked for a local pub close to the gardens we would be touring. This was when I realized most pubs are open from 12pm-2pm for lunch and then re-open for dinner, usually 6pm-9pm. So I had to make sure we were at a certain place on schedule.
The first thing I learned was that there were GPS co-ordinates listed, for all the gardens in the NGS and all the historic National Trust estates, in their books. This would make the driving so much easier, in theory. But to be on safe side, I printed out maps and directions from garden to garden, to also have with me. As you can see from my work sheets, I made lots of notes. I also printed out the pub or special interest I wanted to see near every garden. I put all my notes, maps, and directions in plastic sleeves and then when I was ready for a particular day I just pulled out the necessary pages to carry along in the car. SB took a look at all my notes and quickly put together a spread sheet for me, so we knew where we WANTED to be everyday at least!
The Detailed Itinerary, Research, Research, Research
Now for reality. As Americans driving in the UK, it takes us at least three days to get used to, what is for us, a steering wheel on the wrong side of the car and driving on the wrong side of the road. We knew what to expect in that area. What we didn’t expect was that once off the M25 we would be on a village road that got smaller and smaller as we got closer to our destination. These were roads meant for horse and buggy and then pony and trap, but were now meant for a two-car highway. We were rear view mirror to rear view mirror! When we came to a village, the road narrowed even further in front of the stores, where the cars would be parked higgly-piggly in front of them. (I wouldn’t exactly call it parking) Cars were just pulled up at any angle, as long as the car would fit in (or not), and the car abandoned. Now this makes the road even smaller and one must wait your turn to go around and sometimes the car coming towards you is in a very big hurry so you have to creep past all the cars, zigging in and out at a crawl. SB’s habit as we came to a village, was to roll down the window and pull in the rear view mirror saying, “Do you know how close you are to that car?” My reply every time, “I didn’t hit it did I?” This is not the best of ways to start a vacation meant for relaxation, but after three days I could move along with the best of them. I am a terrible navigator, even with a map, so it is best that I drive and SB keep me on the correct side of the road and upon entering a traffic circle tell me which turn-off is the one I want, because I would be just carousing that circle in total chaos.
Also, using the GPS in the car, as it was originally set up, to get from Point A to B in the fastest time, did not prove to be helpful. The GPS, in order to save a mile or two, would take us off the main road and into a tiny lane (and I mean tiny lane) to get to our destination. Now I can truly say I saw some lovely cottages and gardens, that were not on any of my maps, in extremely small clusters of village life, that I am sure the average American tourist does not get to see. I am ABSOLUTELY sure I am the only American who knows that the Swim Club in Sevenoaks is reached by going off the main road onto a 180 degree turn, after you have gone through a section of newly landscaped cottages found on the opposite side of the road to the one I was looking for, then up a steep hill into what had to be the Sherwood Forest, on a road that got narrower and narrower as we came to our supposed destination, Knole. Arriving at the back entrance, I think, where no one could get in, yes the GPS got us there, kind of. It was Knole, but not the proper entrance. But hey, like I said, I know now where the Swim Club is, the drive was nice and shady, it only added a half hour to our trip time, and I AM ON VACATION RIGHT? We did that on a lot of days to various destinations. You just have to go with the flow! We reverted to looking at my printed maps for extra guidance.
After much grumbling, and some hysteria about my driving, we arrived at our first destination near Tenterden. I have to say, also, that we had planned to stop at a local vineyard on the way, but under the circumstances that didn’t seem prudent, as I don’t think SB’s heart could have taken it, so we saved that for another day.
Main Home Section of Bulleign Barn
The Back Side of Bulleign Barn
Bulleign Barn, a find on Air B&B, was perfect after our harried day. Turning off onto a narrow one-lane graveled road we poked along for a mile or so following the canal to one side and the rabbit warrens on the other. The lodging, near the hub of Tenterden, (a large village compared to others we had been through that day) was clustered in old hop fields, at one time belonging to the Boleyn family. The long black barns were used for storing the hops. Our Air B&B accommodation was one of the long barns converted into a home with several bedrooms off the main section of the home. Our room was very spacious and modern with WI-FI, located on the main floor, with a private entrance, and set in a small walled courtyard near the old stone horse pool. There was a fridge for our trips to the vineyards too.
Our Room at Bulleign Barn
Our Room at Bulleign Barn
Our Room at Bulleign Barn
Every morning we were served a delicious breakfast of fresh yogurts, fruits, home made jams, along with croissants and specialty breads, warm from the oven. The outdoor table was set to our time-table and it was nice to talk to the other guests, and watch the playful dogs, chickens and a duck named Jemima.
Jemima
Breakfast Every Morning!
AirB&B, Bulleign Barn, near Tenterden
There was also a family of white barn owls, who nested in the eaves, and one morning we got to meet a baby owl, which had fallen from the nest overnight. Our hostess skillfully set about to replace the fallen chick.
Baby White Owl
It was so nice to have found this country accommodation and start our day in such a relaxing way before we set off on our daily adventures to the gardens. We looked over the listings for quite some time, since there were so many varied spots to choose from. If you haven’t thought of using Air B&B you should give it a try. We had choices of garden sheds, gypsy wagons, tents, rooms in big estates homes, or entire homes in both rural and city settings. It’s just fun to see all the offers available out there and we have never been disappointed with a listing we have stayed in. To top that off it is much less expensive and if you like true interaction with your host and other guests, Air B&B will be for you. See you in the garden tomorrow!
PS
Before leaving on our Tour of the Gardens, in the spirit of things, I decided to name my little house, The End Cottage. Every proper cottage in England has a name, most likely used prior to streets and house numbers, so why shouldn’t our place have a name I say? The Star was placed in my yard because I was selected for the Garden of the Month by my neighbors! Thanks !!!!!!
The End Cottage
An Adventure in Gardens, the Weald of Kent
A Garden in Kent UK
Of all the delectable islands, the Neverland is the snuggest & most compact…… not large and sprawling, you know, with tedious distance between one adventure & another, but nicely crammed.
J. M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan.
The Yellow Flowers
When it comes to gardens I like nothing better than to stroll, admire the collections of beautiful flowers, and imagine the inhabitants of the house and how they like to garden. I especially like the messy, scattered garden with vines dripping over the garden gate, and paths that invite you to explore. It’s even better if there is a flower box of riotous color haphazardly framing the window ledges of the small cottage, nestled in the garden, as if just plunked in, as an after thought. Pieces of art and sculpture placed in a specific spot draw your eye and add to the charm of the garden. I have just returned from several weeks in the United Kingdom, specifically in Kent and Sussex, traipsing through local gardens and visiting magnificent estate homes with acres and acres of gardens. Whew! We lodged in a barn in the middle of the weald, down a mile-long gravel road, wide enough for one car at a time, passing by the field of rabbit warrens and watching for the hop of a bunny on our daily treks into the countryside.
Planning our adventure was one of the fun “bits.” I love the “planning” part! Where to go, what to see? One thing leads to another. First, I looked for places I knew would be of interest. What about the Chelsea Flower Show? No, too crowded and I wanted more rural. Hever Castle during Rose Week? Closer, but not quite right. Then I read a wonderful book, called A Fine Romance, by Susan Branch. It’s about falling in love with the English countryside and her adventures when visiting England.
A Fine Romance
I loved it and the more I read the more I was drawn to Kent and the village of Tenterden. So, I set out to learn all about Kent and especially Tenterden. I also learned more about the National Trust. The National Trust, since 1895, has been preserving the countryside and hundreds of historic properties in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. I first heard of it when reading all about Beatrix Potter and her home in the Lake District, which was left to the National Trust. The properties restored include huge estates to the small and quirky. Just right up my alley. So our first priority was to join the National Trust, (it’s called the “Royal Oak Society “ in the U.S ) which allowed us to receive a handbook with maps of all the places to visit with the National Trust and a pass to get in all of them for a year and a pass for parking at the different locations.
National Trust Book 2015
What a must this is! You don’t realize all the places available to visit until to see them on the maps! So that was a reference point to start with. Where could we set up our “base camp” closest to the sites we wanted to see? Well it still remained Tenterden for us. Then I heard about the National Garden Scheme. What in the world was that? Had to research it before final decisions were made!
The National Garden Scheme was founded in 1927 to open “gardens of quality, character and interest to the public for charity.” Originally the admission fees raised money for district nurses. This was changed in 1948 with the formation of the National Health Service. The National Gardens Scheme has given more than 43 million pounds to nursing and care facilities since the time it opened. Since I am a retired RN this was near and dear to my heart. These are “local” gardeners and their gardens. No big estates, (but some seemed to me like they were!) One woman I was chatting with on our walk through a local garden invited me to her garden, as well, which was not on the list, but exclaimed, “it’s only 12 acres, of course.” So as you can imagine, we visited the “potager,” snuggled behind the small cottage, to large landscaped gardens with “rooms” of flowering blooms. All gardeners were proud of their gardens, more than willing to tell you about them and happy that they were able to do their “bit.”
In 2013 there were over 3700 gardens open, which were all vetted to make sure they are all of sufficient interest. Each gardener opens his garden (usually on a weekend), one or two days during the year. I was so excited! But, it takes some planning! “The National Garden Schemes, “Yellow Book”,” can be purchased each year, which lists all the gardens and when they will be open.
The Yellow Book 2015
Maps, directions, type of garden, and particular interest are included. We were really in the thick of the countryside when directions would reveal, “just go down the gravel road for a mile and then when you get to the yellow mailbox turn right on that gravel road and proceed on to the canal road and windmill place. Light refreshments offered.”
The Countryside Garden
Tea In the Garden
This as going to be one of our best adventures! So after months of looking up gardens and coordinating them with places on the National Trust we were ready to make our way to the “Garden of England,” Kent. We were about to set off on a gardener’s dream! See you tomorrow on our way to the garden!
The Travel Lady In Her Shoes 