Visits to West Green House gardens, Hartley Wintney, and The Manor House, Upton Grey.

Our first double garden visits of the year, only 15 minutes apart in Hampshire, were a great success.  They are very different in style but have one thing in common: they were both rescued from oblivion by the current owners and restored to their former glories.

18th century West Green House and its gardens, neglected by its previous NT tenant, and the house almost destroyed by an IRA bomb (the intended victim was not at home), have been brought back to life by Australian garden lover/designer and opera buff Marylyn Abbott who bought the estate from the NT 30 years ago with the undertaking that the gardens would remain open to NT members. Following such evidence as was available (not much) she has sought to recreate the style and spirit of its 18th Century original (potager, walled garden) if not an exact copy. Flooded land was drained, lakes recreated, vistas reopened.  A liberal sprinkling of follies, a grotto and architectural features, most created by neo-classical architect Quinlan Terry, dot the gardens.  Modern additions (e.g. The Paradise Garden) are sympathetic with the whole, while other features (e.g. the Chinese Chicken Pavilion with its Chinese ornamental chickens) fall into the “quirky” category.   The whole is beautifully planned and planted.

Our hostess showed us round personally with great enthusiasm.  Delicious pastries and cakes with coffee, and tasty light lunches (all home made), were available at the cafe.  A great visit , recommended to members going that way.

Marylyn puts on professional quality operas and musical events during the summer

when the house and garden double up as sets and locations.

The garden of the Manor House, Upton Grey, was designed and laid out by Gertrude Jekyll in 1908 for one of the leading lights of the Arts and Crafts movement.  Over the years both house and garden fell into disrepair until present owners, Rosamund and John Wallinger, started their restoration in1984.  Using an original plan, they recreated what is believed to be the most complete and original Jekyll garden in existence today.  Borders and lawns are quite rectangular, in this case also slightly terraced, stuffed full of tumbling perennials (peonies abound) largely of pastel creams, pinks and blues.  Roped pergolas with roses and clematis shade some of the paths.  Some hotter colours, of traditional plants, appear in side beds, however, another Jekyll trademark.  The whole style is of an informal, not too manicured, “floriferous” English garden.

Owner Rosamund Wallinger showed us round personally too, even serving up tea and homemade cakes on the terrace.