Hidcote Manor Garden is one of the most famous gardens in England. It has a beautiful position and is well hidden in the lovely Gloucestershire just a few hour’s drive from London. The garden was created by Major Lawrence Johnston, who was born in France and came from a wealthy American family.
The garden is divided into smaller garden rooms, and one of them has an almost Mediterranean feel with a sundial as a centerpiece. In the summer months great pots of agaves and other tropical plants with sharp-pointed leaves are placed at the edge of the beds, and the whole area is surrounded by tall beech hedges.
In a remote corner of the garden the moisture-loving plants, astilbs, lilies and the dramatic Gunnera with huge leaves thrives. The plant looks like something from prehistoric times and can be several meters in height and width.
In summer it almost looks like the beds leading up to the two small gazebos have caught fire, because they are filled to bursting point with fiery red flowers. If you continue up the stairs in front of the small houses and past the row of trees with trimmed crowns, a fine iron gate opens up an unforgettable view.
Extract from the Emag By Mia Folkmann No 2.
Photo: © Mia Folkmann
