Here at Rimpton in South Somerset, we are fortunate to be in the
centre of an area with an abundance of gardens which were designed and laid out by world famous gardeners such
as Capability Brown, Gertrude Jekyll, Margery Fish, Harold Peto, Penelope Hobhouse, Phyllis Reiss and others.
In the surrounding counties of Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire there are many others, all within easy
travelling distance.
Here you can capture something of the essence of the classic English
garden. Large or small, formal or informal, each illustrates the deep-rooted passion the English have for
their gardens.
Below is a small sample to whet your appetite.
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Barrington Court is an enchanting formal garden influenced by Gertrude Jekyll laid out in a series of walled rooms including the Rose and Iris Garden, the Lily Garden, and the White Garden. In addition, there is a very productive walled kitchen garden. |
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Chiffchaffs comprises a 400 year old cottage providing the backdrop to a typical country garden, well stocked with a wide range of interesting and colourful plants. The woodland walk with its azaleas, rhododendrons, and unusual trees has extensive views over the Blackmore Vale. |
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East Lambrook Manor was once the home of the late Margery Fish. A grade I listed garden, with rare plants, and herbs. |
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Forde Abbey with 30 acres of gardens providing a graceful setting for this medieval abbey. Herbaceous borders, a bog garden, a rock garden, the walled kitchen garden, woodland plantings, and an Ionic Temple provide varied interest for the visitor. |
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Hatch Court is a magnificent Palladian mansion surrounded by 35 acres of garden and parkland. The gardens have recently been rescued from dereliction, and have been extensively restored and replanted. |
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Hestercombe with its formal gardens featuring terraces, rills, and orangery are a supreme example of the Lutyens Jekyll partnership. The newly restored Landscape Garden designed by Bamfylde in the 1750's covers 40 acres with lakes, waterfalls, temples and woodland walks. |
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Lytes Cary, once home of the medieval herbalist Henry Lyte, the manor house is surrounded by a garden planted with mixed shrubs, roses, and perennials. Hiddens paths, and high hedges lead to surprise views with the house forming a backdrop. |
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Montacute is a fine Elizabethan house complemented by the strong colours of formal mixed borders, and finely manicured lawns. The historic rose borders retain the original Vita Sackville West plan. This outstanding garden is completed by a fig walk, orangery, cedar lawn, and spectacular yew hedges. |
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The Peto Garden at Iford Manor near Bath is a Grade 1 Italian style garden, famous for its tranquil beauty close by the River Avon. This unique and romantic hillside garden is characterised by steps, terraces, sculptures and magnificent rural views. |
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Stourhead is a world famous landscape garden extending to over 100 acres within an estate of 2650 acres. Created more than 250 years ago the garden exudes beauty, splendour and tranquility. Throughout the seasons, there is always something of interest. Bluebells and magnolias in Spring, azaleas and stunning rhododenrons in Summer, the leaf colours of Japanese and Norwegian maples, and other exotic species in Autumn, and the cool beauty of the landscape in Winter. |
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Tintinhull is a small manor house garden, designed by Mrs. Phyllis Reiss. The garden is divided into seven rooms, each with its own character, separated by clipped yew hedges and walls. |
