I began by splitting this post into two as there are so many photos but then I thought it needed to be one in order to appreciate this unusual and diverse garden.
Below we arrive at the home of the owners having parked in an adjoining field
It is privately owned by Paul and Pauline who began planting (with the help of family and friends in May 2008)
Surrounded by mature oak trees the six acre garden consists of a series of interlocking arcs of large planted borders in a naturalistic style.
The borders encourage exploration and adventure and visitors are encouraged to roam in amongst the plants to further enjoy the experience. The plantings consist of large groupings of each variety, planted in a free flowing style, which contrasts leaf forms, stems, stalks, flower shapes and textures.
Colours are soft and muted, and complement the natural landscape.
We enter the garden by walking first through their property
They do bed and breakfast for garden enthusiasts who come here to learn more about planting
passing one of the best and diverse insect hotels I have come across
Very soon I feel like I am visiting
The Little House on the Prairie
Our first glimpse at the garden
See the sculptured animals wandering through the vegetable garden
This area is part of the 'cutting garden' where flowers can be bought and one can be taught flower arranging
We come to the tea room where we will be finishing off the afternoon when we have wandered the garden
Walking right inside the plantings one is able to savour it all close up
My Grandchildren would have loved running around the paths and hiding from us
Statues and quirky art work abound
Using old vinyl records!
Time for afternoon tea before homeward bound
and we decide to take it indoors having walked around two lovely gardens today in the sun (this visit was back in the Summer of course!)
Hope you enjoyed your ramble around this very unusual garden.
Hard to imagine it has only been 6 years in the making.
17 comments:
The vinyl record flowers were a surprise. And who would have expected to see so many buffalo in an English garden!
Question: Does "prairie" in UK mean it's a dryer part of the country? I noticed some plants that looked like they could live here in our prairie-like location. Love all the photos. I would love to amble around that garden!
1994, you say. You would find Fort Worth has changed a lot!
Barbara, I just love your photologs!
That is a garden I'd very much enjoy seeing in person. It is in the top five favorites I've seen here. The snake sculpture is the only one I'd have to send to the back forty. To do all that in just six years is almost unbelievable.
Wow. I'm blown away.
I've never heard of insect hotels
Love the sculptured animals.
Love the small buildings created here.
Buffalo! Now that is unexpected.
A return trip with the grands, perhaps?
It's lovely to see a more natural English garden. I didn't know if there were any. I admire the beautiful and more formal gardens, but find them rather daunting. This garden looks like something I would plant - although I'm not nearly as knowledgeable as the gardeners are.
Dear Barbara, I had heard about this garden, but we didn't get to visit it when we have been in Sussex. A Prairie Style garden in the middle of England?! Hmm, I don't know. I have to admit that I personally can't warm up to it. I think they are probably the best gardens for the wildlife and the insects, but design-wise it is simply not my cup of tea. I saw that you wrote two posts about Nymans Gardens previously. That is a garden that we have seen and I loved it. Will come to back to read those, when I have time. Wishing you nice day!
Christina
I cannot imagine how they've planted all this in such a short time! It looks lovely.
It is difficult to believe the garden is only six years old because it appears to be well established and diverse. I love the statues and art work interspersed, especially the ducks :) Your photos of sunshine and flowers are welcome after the weeks of snowy,icy, rainy weather we are having here!
Only six years! They must have spent hours and hours working at the garden. It is most unusual.
Thank you for that glimpse of summer. I could almost feel the warmth of sun and smell the flowers as I looked at the pictures. A nice break on a cold winter day.
That is an amazing garden! I'm so used to seeing such formal English gardens and this one is so interesting and beautiful. Hmmmm....I have a few older vinyl records. I wonder how they wrinkle them like that.
I could feel the sunshine on me and hear the bees buzzing. Thanks for sharing this beautiful garden.
Hugs
Most unusual and lovely!
Yes, the kiddies would have lots of fun running and playing there!
Looks lovely, and very creative. And the blue skies and sunshine are a real tonic during these grey winter days. Roll on spring! :)
So pretty Barbara, thank you for taking us along. Blessings, Trisha
Absolutely delightful! I'm so glad you included so many photos from right in the middle of the gardens. I love the billows and mounds of blooms in every direction.
Very interesting! Loved those vinyl record flowers! Such a big garden and must take lots of work to maintain! Thank you for sharing!
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