I found another glorious walled garden yesterday ... in between the rain showers ... Loseley Park in Surrey. I've visited before, but in springtime a couple of years ago, so was really delighted to see that it has something for all seasons and I think that with its summer colours, it's just as spectacular at this time of year as it was in the spring.
The first time I visited was in May a couple of years ago - the walled garden looked glorious then (see left) and what struck me about this garden was the absolutely abundant planting. It's like a wonderful fantasy land! So it was a pleasant surprise to find even more colour in August, after many months of heat and little rain.
The walled garden here dates back to the 16th century, but was revamped nearly a century ago and based on a Gertrude Jekyll design and divided into "rooms", to include a herb garden, rose garden, white garden and flower and vegetable gardens. The rose garden, which is still in bloom and giving off glorious scents, was renovated in some 15 years ago and although I've yet to see it in full splendour in June or July, it's still a wonderful sensory delight at this time of year.
The Elizabethan house was built for Sir William More in 1562 and sits in glorious parkland near Guildford, so is easily accessible from London. It is home to the More-Molyneux family today and they have spent the last 15 years improving the walled garden and making it what is is today. The central avenue of trees (below) makes a wonderful backdrop for crocosmias, dahlias, daylilies and ornamental grasses in high summer.
But it's the white garden (below) that won my heart on this visit - with its central pond overlooked by glorious, ebullient borders, with white flowers swaying in the breeze. I could have sat here for hours if it hadn't rained! The hydrangeas are glorious ...
Patrick Taylor, the UK garden visit guru says that this garden is "not of startling originality, but it is skilfully planted and excellently maintained". I have to say I disagree - I think the garden is both "startling" and "original" and I for one will be visiting again! Loseley remains open until mid-September, so do get there if you can - opening times are 11.00-17.00 daily, except Mondays, but open this weekend for the Bank Holiday.
Another excellent walled garden can be found at
Titsey Place, also in Surrey, but if you're looking for gardens close by, don't miss RHS Wisley.