Today we will meet at Grantham – only just over an hour by train from London’s Kings Cross – to make a spring visit to three gardens in two counties that deserve to be better known and appreciated.
Our first stop is Easton Walled Gardens, an intriguing 12-acre landscape nursed back from ruin since 2001 by our host Ursula Cholmeley. Remaining gems after the mansion was demolished in 1951 include an elaborate gatehouse and stable block and characterful old walls enclosing a cottage garden, decorative vegetable garden and a “pickery”. Blossom and bulbs abound in May. After coffee, Ursula will tell us about the garden, including the magical sloping meadows of grasses and wild flowers, carved from the limestone terraces and will also give us invaluable tips on growing sweet peas, which are a summer speciality here.
Next stop is The Old Vicarage in the village of Whissendine, a beautifully designed garden of approximately 2/3 acre, with our host Sarah Furness. Lunch will be served in the Lady Chapel of adjoining St Andrews Church where camassias should be in flower in the churchyard. There will be plenty of time to wander in Sarah’s garden, admiring the plethora of fine detail she has poured into it, from the formal fountain courtyard and dovecote to the pebble mosaic paths, deep colour-themed borders, ornate greenhouse, henhouse and beehives.
After lunch we will drive the short distance to Old Hall, a mellow, 17th century Grade II listed stone house at Market Overton, home of interior decorator Stefa Hart and her husband Tim. The gardens here have fine views over the Catmose Vale and are arranged on terraces with wide expansive lawns, interesting shrubs and detailed borders full of spring bulbs. Neil Hewertson, head gardener at Stowell Park in the Cotswolds, has been a consultant here since the early 1990s. Stefa will be our host and we will finish our visit with afternoon tea with Hambleton Bakery cakes.
Tickets
£135, Friends £105 (Find out more about becoming a Friend of the Garden Museum)
Itinerary
We will start from Grantham station and transport between gardens is provided. 9.50am start. (See www.parkopedia.com if you wish to park in Grantham.)
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.
