The gardener's eye

The Gardener's Eye

Monday, May 21, 2012

What ho Hidcote!



 The White Garden at Hidcote


 The Red Border


 The Stilt Garden


 Bertie Bainbridge and Hidcote gardener, Philip Bowell


Philip Bowell in The Central Stream Garden


The Central Stream Garden

We spent a damp day at Hidcote, the famous National Trust Garden of the late Lawrence Johnston in Gloucestershire. I can never get enough of this garden with all the rooms, focal points and interesting plants. The downside is that no one else can either and Hidcote can be very busy making a cold, damp day an asset by being a crowd deterrent and producing excellent light for photographs.

I was very pleased to run into fellow blogger, Bertie Bainbridge, author of his information-packed blog called What ho Hidcote! Bertie is a trainee gardener at Hidcote and gives insight into the daily life there. He had just returned from a work placement at Monet’s Garden in Giverny and I was actually surprised to run into him. Unfortunately, I didn't have a long visit because our group was about to leave for another gem of a garden called Kiftsgate a short distance away.

With just a few moments to spare, Bertie took me to the greenhouse to show me some of the tender plants that were about to be placed in the garden once the temperatures became more cooperative. This had been an especially cold and wet spring in England and the garden was behind schedule. Interestingly, in NH we have had a very early spring and I was taken aback to find lilacs blooming in both places.

The highlight of this year's visit to Hidcote was meeting Philip Bowell, one of the gardeners.  Philip has been gardening at Hidcote for some 30 years now and probably has the most intimate knowledge of the garden of anyone alive today. In those days, the gardeners, including Philip, were often trained in the garden. When he first arrived, there was a very limited budget and many groundcovers and time-saving devices were implemented resulting in a watered down version of Johnston's masterpiece. Gradually, as the budget increased, the garden was brought back to its former glory. They now have a staff of gardeners and a training program for apprentice gardeners like Bertie. It is quite a thrill to see this garden in mint condition.

18 comments:

  1. You were very lucky to meet one of the gardeners. Hopefully you got a more personal tour. On my one trip to England, I would have to say this was my favorite garden.

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    1. I agree, Les. This is quite a garden. I visited this garden twice and would be happy to return a third. It was great fun to see Bertie. I wish we had more time.

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  2. Thanks for the rainy day. The garden is beautiful in that light.

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    1. James,
      Although my toes got cold, I think the rain was worth it.

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  3. Very pleasant to be following in your footsteps, Michael.

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    1. I certainly am enjoying myself Faisal. Sissinghurst and Dixter tomorrow!

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  4. Oh yes, I love to meet the gardener! Thank you for the photographs, we visited Hidcote some years ago. A wonderful garden!

    Sigrun

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    1. Sigrun,
      It was great to meet Philip. I am sure he has many stories to tell. Thanks for commenting.

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  5. What an honor to see that garden, but even more to hear how it is getting increased and deserved attention. Having visited one newer garden in Las Vegas on a weekday, I got to meet and compliment some of the skilled and thoughtful staff - it was a sheer delight. In fact, all too rare!

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    1. It certainly is a thrill to see Hidcote, David. Any time we get to talk to the gardener is always a treat, no matter how modest the garden.

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  6. Hidcote is my absolute favorite garden! (And, I have been following Bertie's blog since January.) What I love most are the series of garden rooms in the Arts and Crafts garden style. I find the garden rooms relatable as I garden within a DC city plot. The contained views allow me to enjoy the plantings and theme of each room without being overwhelmed. I read that you are going to Dixter and Sissinghurst tomorrow....have a lovely time. Both gardens I greatly admire. In planning my own white garden, I studied Sissinghurst tremendously. Cheers, Loi

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    1. Hi Loi,
      Sissinhurst, the next post, is a favorite of mine, too. Each room could be a complete garden in itself on a lot the size of mine. I want to take a closer look, now, at your white garden. The one at Sissinghurst was having a late spring, post tulips, lull.

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    2. My white garden is a brown mess at the moment. All the peony blooms got washed out. Lots of showers and rain....as usual each year just when the peonies and delicate Siberian irises are blooming :(
      Oh well, now waiting for the phloxes and lilies.
      Cheers! Loi

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    3. Sorry to hear that about your white garden, Loi. Your not alone. The White Gardens at Sissinghurst and Hidcote don't have a remarkable peak in late May either.

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  7. Hi Michael,
    It is great to see your tour of Hidcote and I can't wait to see your posts on Great Dixter and Sissinghurst. You must be having such an amazing time.

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    1. Helen,
      As you well know, these are gardens with both design and great plants. More posts soon. Thanks for introducing me to Bertie through your blog!

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  8. Thank you for the current views of Hidcote! My husband and I dream of roaming about England one day soaking up all of those wonderful gardens. I will check back for more!
    Julie in PA

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    1. Thanks Julie. If you get the chance, try to visit. They are even better in person.

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