Our day begins at Asthall Manor in the garden of Rosie Pearson, a six-acre landscape designed by Isabel and Julian Bannerman in the valley of the River Windrush, Oxfordshire. Redolent of the Bannermans’ signature style, the gardens have both open views and secret spaces with lush romantic planting, wildflower meadows, box parterres, a natural swimming pool and hidden lake, a maze, sculptural earth forms and a woodland walk. The bountiful display of old roses, thriving on the clay loam, should be at its height in June. We will have coffee in the 18th century stone Potting Shed Café. Our visit coincides with On form 18: sculpture in stone, a unique exhibition that leads visitors all over the garden and its meadows, as well as in the Manor’s spectacular Arts and Crafts ballroom.
After lunch in a delightful 400-year old inn, The Howard Arms at Ilmington, we will visit the Dan Pearson-designed garden of Armscote Manor, Warwickshire. Deborah Williams and her family have lived here for 25 years, cultivating two passions: gardening and the countryside. Conservation and stewardship are key. The dramatic and wittily designed garden is composed of multiple elements, including an immaculate walled kitchen garden, sunken Italianate pool, heritage orchard and nutteries, a wind garden and extensive wildlife corridors in the form of shelterbelts. Deborah will introduce us to the history of the Manor and garden, and the family’s dedicated work with apprenticeships and the Women’s Farm and Garden Association. Head gardener Gwyn Perry will lead a tour of the garden, designed by Dan Pearson over several years, followed by tea.
Tickets
£135, Garden Museum Friends £105 (Find out how to become a Friend of the Garden Museum)
Itinerary
We will start from Charlbury Station and transport between gardens is provided. 9.45am start. (See www.parkopedia.com if you wish to park in Charlbury.) The day includes morning coffee, a seasonal two-course lunch with wine and afternoon tea.
This event has been organised by the Garden Museum’s Garden Visits committee. We recommend you read our Garden Visits Attendee Charter and Refund/exchange policy before booking your place on any of our Garden Visits.
