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Probably the Best Walled Garden in North Norfolk

Felbrigg’s Walled Garden

Felbrigg’s Walled Garden in North Norfolk is a must-visit destination for those passionate about horticulture and sustainable practices. Managed by the National Trust, this garden has embraced organic gardening techniques for nearly two decades, abstaining from pesticide use. A key practice here is mulching, which involves covering the soil with organic materials to retain moisture, suppress weeds and enrich the soil as it decomposes. Additionally, companion planting is utilised to enhance plant growth and deter pests naturally.

Mulching Magic for Sandy Soil

Sandy soil can present some challenges, but the gardeners at Felbrigg have mastered the art of managing it. They cleverly use mulches to suppress weeds and enhance the soil’s ability to retain moisture and nutrients. Think of it as wrapping the soil in a snug blanket to keep conditions optimal. This technique results in a vibrant and green landscape, much to the delight of the plants. Felbrigg’s team are well-versed in garden care, focusing not only on plant growth but also on maintaining soil health.

Felbrigg Hall Walled Garden September 2024

Clever Companion Planting & Bantams on Pest Patrol

Felbrigg uses a brilliant technique called companion planting, where friendly plants are paired together for mutual benefit. Think of it as matchmaking for vegetables and flowers. Certain plants naturally repel pests, while others draw in beneficial insects that help maintain the garden’s health. It’s a wonderful way to protect your plants without resorting to harsh chemicals.

And then there are the Bantams. These charming little chickens act as the garden’s pest control team. They roam around, feasting on insects that dare to disturb the plants. It’s delightful to see them in action, adding a lively energy to the garden.

It’s fascinating how everything is interconnected, forming a harmonious environment. The plants support each other, and the bantams handle any pest issues. It’s teamwork at its finest, ensuring everything thrives together.

Paradise Garden

This part of the garden is designed in the style of a Paradise Garden, featuring four formal flowerbeds separated by paths and a central pond. The concept behind this garden style is to create a peaceful and serene environment that encourages contemplation and tranquillity. The earliest versions of these formal gardens originated in Persia, enclosed within high walls to provide an escape from the outside world. Water features, such as channels and rills, are a key component, offering soothing sounds and cooling the air. The scent also plays a crucial role, with citrus and fruit trees, olives, and fragrant herbs and flowers being typical elements.

The symbolism of the Paradise Garden is believed to have been inspired by the Garden of Eden, as described in religious texts such as the Book of Genesis and the Koran. Walking through this space is meant to evoke a sense of entering a peaceful retreat, with every aspect of the design aimed at promoting relaxation and introspection. The straight paths, the central pond, and the overall symmetry all contribute to creating a tranquil atmosphere. The garden also offers a picturesque view and is complemented by a number of bee hives, as well as elegantly crafted grey metalwork featured in benches, sculptures, and signage. Additionally, the presence of a Dovecote, with beautiful pure white doves, adds to the overall experience of the garden.

Further reading: Grow Stronger Together with Companion Planting, Transform your garden with mulching and Review of Felbrigg Walled Garden Norfolk.

Information about about visiting Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk

The Heart and Soul of Our Gardens

As you know I love a garden. Taking time out to visit a garden that has been professionally kept and maintained is one of my life’s great joys. Not just to be inspired and to admire the techniques and methods of the professional craftsman looking after these gardens – the gardeners, but also to learn about the garden’s stories and history of the garden from the collaboration of the owners, the designer and the gardeners. Gardens are multi-complex – they bring joy and wellbeing and can provide food and beauty.

Our gardens serve multiple purposes. They are not only aesthetically pleasing retreats, but also functional spaces that foster sustainability, encourage wildlife, and sometimes even provide sustenance. They have become a canvas for expression, where gardeners apply their creativity to combine form with function, often in the face of spatial or financial constraints. The focus on sustainability and eco-consciousness has led to inventive uses of recycled materials, from repurposed planters to creative water conservation solutions.

But these gardens often are woven with family history and mementos, be it painted pebbles from grandchildren, plants given on Mother’s Day, or Sunflower plants planted by children as a school project, they are places of wellbeing, joy and beauty.

BBC Gardeners World is a weekly staple and for me, one of many positives that I like to think that came out of COVID-19 was the new segment of visiting “real” people’s gardens. They are not perfectly manicured or designed. But, they are perfect in the way that they give comfort, feed families and provide space, the bringing together of families, and joy, from the beauty of the plants planted, memories honoured and happiness to families and communities. I love the realism, the recycled use of items, the joy and pride at plants and flowers grown and the happiness on the faces of the gardeners of their patch. And so to this end, I am taking time out this year to visit “real” gardens and what they mean to people, how they bring joy, pride and wellbeing. I love the honesty of them and the stories they tell. This is the reason I love gardens.

Gardens are the mirror of our souls, unveiling the essence of our being through the choice of every flower, shrub, and stone. They are deeply personal spaces that articulate our relationship with the environment, our aesthetic preferences, and even our approach to life. A meticulously organised garden, with its geometrically arranged flower beds and neatly clipped hedges, might reveal a person’s love for order and symmetry. Conversely, a wild, nature-friendly garden bursting with indigenous plants and buzzing with wildlife suggests a gardener with a passion for biodiversity and a penchant for ecological sustainability.

The diversity seen in UK gardens reflects the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and individual stories that make up the fabric of our society. Gardens become the platforms where personal heritage and cultural identities are intertwined with the native flora, creating spaces that are as unique as the individuals who nurture them.

Moreover, the evolution of a garden over time chronicles the journey of the gardener. From the enthusiastic planting of a novice’s first seedling to the confident strokes of a seasoned gardener pruning back overgrown foliage, each action in a garden maps the growth, learning, and experiences of its caretaker. It’s a living diary, open to the skies, that captures moments of joy, sorrow, and contemplation.

In crafting our gardens, we engage in dialogue with nature, learning its rhythms and respecting its limits. This ongoing interaction fosters a sense of stewardship for our planet, urging us to think beyond the boundaries of our own garden. Thus, our gardens do more than just showcase our identity; they embody our hopes for a more sustainable and interconnected world, where nature and humanity flourish side by side.

Garden Review: Gooderstone Water Gardens Norfolk

Gooderstone Water Gardens: A Norfolk Treasure

Nestled in the heart of Norfolk lies a hidden gem that is sure to enchant any garden enthusiast – the Gooderstone Water Garden. This beautiful oasis, created on the site of a damp meadow, is a testament to the vision and dedication of a retired farmer, Billy Knights. From its humble beginnings to its transformation into a flourishing haven, the Gooderstone Water Garden is a true Norfolk treasure waiting to be explored.

The Genesis of Gooderstone Water Garden

The inception of Gooderstone Water Garden traces back to a visionary project embarked upon by Billy Knights in 1970. At an age when most would contemplate retirement, Knights, a retired farmer, decided to transform a damp meadow into a garden of tranquillity and beauty. Over two decades, he sculpted the landscape into a series of ponds, walkways, and diverse garden areas. His efforts were not merely an exercise in horticulture but a passionate endeavour to create a space that harmonised with nature.

A Family’s Legacy Continued

April 2002 marked a pivotal moment for the Gooderstone Water Garden, as Coral Knights took up the mantle to breathe new life into the garden that had been untouched for five years. Her mission was not just one of restoration but of homage to her parents, Florance and Billy, weaving the tapestry of their memories into the very fabric of the garden’s revival. This endeavour was not taken lightly; Coral invested her heart and soul into rejuvenating every pond, walkway, and plant bed, ensuring the essence of her family’s legacy flourished once again. The fruits of her labour were joyously unveiled in June 2003 when the garden re-opened its gates.

The Unique Features of the Garden

Delving into Gooderstone Water Garden reveals a landscape rich with unique features that distinguish it from any other Norfolk garden. Among its myriad attractions, the otter pond is a focal point of fascination, providing a glimpse into the aquatic lives of these elusive creatures. Equally compelling is the east pond, a serene body of water that mirrors the sky above, offering moments of quiet reflection. The scented arbour, a bower of aromatic plants and flowers, engages the senses, drawing visitors into a fragrant embrace that lingers in the memory.

The fern walk, with its lush greenery, transports one to an almost prehistoric time, evoking a sense of wonder and exploration. This path leads adventurers to the island pond, a secluded spot that invites peaceful contemplation. The whimsical charm of the Monet pond, with its hopeful wishes cast into its depths, adds a layer of folklore to the garden’s allure.

Lastly, the river walk provides a dynamic contrast to the stillness of the ponds, with the gentle rush of water guiding visitors through the natural beauty of the landscape. Each of these elements, carefully crafted and nurtured, contributes to the garden’s unique character, making it a captivating experience for all who wander its paths.

The Garden as a Haven for Wildlife and Plants

Amidst its captivating landscapes, Gooderstone Water Garden plays a vital role as a refuge for a wide array of wildlife and plant life, enriching its surroundings with biodiversity. The garden’s meticulous design and nurturing environment foster a habitat that welcomes a variety of birds, which fill the air with their melodious calls, alongside insects that buzz and flutter, contributing to the pollination of the garden’s flora. Aquatic life thrives in the ponds, bringing a sense of wilderness and natural balance. Flora within the garden is a carefully considered selection, featuring both rare and indigenous species that not only beautify the space but also support the local ecosystem. This diversity in plant life ensures a year-round spectacle of colour and texture, providing sustenance and shelter to the garden’s inhabitants. As a result, Gooderstone Water Garden stands as a living laboratory, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between plants and animals, making it a source of fascination and learning for anyone with a keen interest in the natural environment.

Visiting Gooderstone Water Garden: What to Expect

Embarking on a journey to Gooderstone Water Garden offers an enriching experience, immersing visitors in a realm of serene beauty and natural wonder. The curated paths and elegant bridges, each step unveils a new aspect of the garden’s diverse landscape. The air is filled with the gentle sounds of water and the soft chorus of wildlife, crafting an atmosphere of peaceful contemplation. This haven, nestled in the heart of Norfolk, provides an idyllic backdrop for those seeking a moment of tranquillity or a deeper connection with nature. With every visit, there lies the opportunity to uncover hidden nooks cradled by lush flora and to witness the harmonious interplay between the garden’s botanical wonders and its wildlife. Prepare for a sensory journey that promises to rejuvenate the spirit and inspire a lasting appreciation for the delicate beauty that nature harbours.

Garden Review : Oxburgh Hall Norfolk

National Trust Gardens: The Beauty of Oxburgh Hall Norfolk

When it comes to exploring the beauty of Norfolk gardens, Oxburgh Hall is a must-visit destination for any avid gardener. This stunning moated house, located near Swaffham, is a true gem that showcases the rich history and beauty of the National Trust. From the walled garden with its greenhouse marvels to the French Style parterre and the charming Yew Hedge, Oxburgh Hall offers a delightful array of sights to impress any nature lover.

The Walled Garden and its Greenhouse

Nestled within Oxburgh Hall lies a hidden treasure for those with a passion for horticulture: the walled garden, home to an exquisite greenhouse. This secluded enclave is a testament to the estate’s commitment to preserving and showcasing botanical beauty. The greenhouse, a structural masterpiece, is a haven for so many plant species, from the exotic to the traditional. It has an important conservation role and assists in the cultivation of diverse flora.

The air within the greenhouse carries the delicate fragrances of numerous plants, creating an immersive sensory experience that captivates and delights. It’s here that the meticulous care and expertise of the gardeners are most evident, with every plant thriving under their attentive watch.

The Elegance of the French Style Parterre

The French Style parterre, an exquisite element within the Oxburgh Hall Estate, stands as a testament to the refined aesthetic and landscaping mastery that characterises this historic property. Influenced by the classical designs found in “La Theorie et la pratique du Jardinage” by AJ Dezallier d’Argenville, this meticulously crafted garden feature transports visitors to a past era of opulence and precision in garden design.

Laid out to the east of the house after 1845, the parterre complements the architectural beauty of Oxburgh Hall with its geometric precision and verdant symmetry. The layout, a careful interplay of borders and pathways, encloses plant beds in a variety of shapes, each contributing to a grand, cohesive spectacle from a vantage point above. The design showcases a keen attention to detail and a deep understanding of the principles of perspective and scale that define the French formal garden style.

As a focal point of the estate’s garden, the French Style parterre serves not merely as a visual delight but as a cultural bridge, connecting the historical narratives of Oxburgh Hall with the broader traditions of European garden design. It is a place where the elegance of form meets the natural beauty of flora, creating a tranquil yet awe-inspiring space that resonates with sophistication and inspiration. This area invites contemplation and admiration, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene yet structured beauty that it embodies.

The Orchard – A Testament to Traditional Gardening

Within the grounds of Oxburgh Hall Estate, the orchard stands as a celebration of traditional gardening techniques, embodying the timeless charm of English horticulture. Rows upon rows of fruit trees arch gracefully, their branches heavy with the promise of seasonal harvests. This section of the estate, encircled by the enigmatic Yew Hedge, feels like a step back in time, when the rhythm of the natural world dictated the pace of life.

Here, the focus on heritage varieties and the cultivation of fruits using age-old methods speak to a commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. The orchard becomes not just a source of produce but a living library of plant genetics, offering a unique insight into the cultivation practices of yesteryear. The careful selection of species ensures a succession of blooms and fruits throughout the year, providing both visual splendour and a habitat for a variety of wildlife.

Within the quietude, the gentle buzz of pollinators at work underscores the vital role these gardens play in supporting local ecosystems. It’s a place where the simple acts of planting, pruning, and harvesting connect us to the cycles of nature, offering lessons in patience and care.

The dappled sunlight filters through the foliage, casting patterns on the ground and illuminating the vibrant greenery. This orchard, a harmonious blend of utility and beauty, invites visitors to wander amongst the trees, perhaps to ponder the journey from blossom to fruit, or simply to savour the tranquillity it offers.

Enclosed by the protective embrace of the Yew Hedge, the orchard at Oxburgh Hall Estate remains a cherished link to the past, a serene space where the heritage of fruit-growing continues to thrive and enchant.

The Secretive Charm of the Yew Hedge

Encircling the perimeters of Oxburgh Hall Estate is the enigmatic Yew Hedge, a living sculpture that casts a spell of mystery over the landscape. This natural barrier, dense and dark, not only delineates the boundaries of the estate but also weaves a narrative of seclusion and tranquillity. The Yew Hedge, with its ancient boughs, has stood the test of time, bearing witness to the changing seasons and the history unfolding within the estate’s embrace.

The Yew Hedge invites onlookers to venture closer, to discover the secrets that lie beyond its walls. It serves as a guardian to the estate, its thick foliage muffling the sounds of the outside world, creating an oasis of calm.

This feature of the estate is not only a boundary but a corridor leading to hidden delights. The hedge’s architecture, shaped by years of careful pruning, showcases the artistry involved in traditional garden design, blending form with function in a way that captivates the imagination.

The allure of the Yew Hedge encapsulates the essence of Oxburgh Hall’s gardens, inviting a deeper appreciation of nature’s beauty and the nuanced layers of history and horticulture that interlace the estate. Walking alongside or within the embrace of the Yew Hedge, one is reminded of the enduring charm and mystery that gardens can harbour.

The Mixed Border – A Riot of Colour Against the Wall

The Mixed Border within Oxburgh Hall Estate presents a tapestry of hues and textures that enliven the landscape with a spectacular burst of colour. Concealed behind the stately Yew Hedge, this horticultural masterpiece unfolds along a length of weathered wall, offering a stunning contrast between the cultivated beauty of the garden and the enduring strength of its architectural companion.

Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden

Fairhaven is a beautiful garden founded by Major Henry Broughton. The estate, which covers an area of 130 acres, includes a hall, woodland, water garden, and inner broad. However, during World War II, the house and formal gardens were used as a convalescent home and training ground for the Home Guard. To prevent flying boat landings, pleasure boats were sunk in the inner broad, and it was also covered with barbed wire. Tanks were hidden in the garden, and some of the tank bays can still be seen today.

Major Broughton’s passion for gardening led him to design the garden himself. He had a team of seven gardeners and two woodmen to help him clear the dense jungle that had grown in what is now the main garden. He introduced a variety of shade and water-loving plants, including the breath taking Candelabra Primula, which blooms in May and early June. Other exotic plants were imported from around the world, such as the Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton Americanus) from North America and Camellias and Rhododendrons from the Himalayas.

With dedication and hard work, it took only 15 years to create this beautiful garden. A dedicated tree nursery was established to grow many of the trees with huge greenhouses to grow more than 90% of the plants from seed. Today, the garden is an award-winning woodland garden open to the public all year round. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and features cultivated wild and natural plantings. The garden is a stunning testament to hard work.

Exploring the Magnificent Gardens of East Ruston Old Vicarage in Norfolk

Spread across 32 acres, this garden is a perfect blend of art and nature, with its stunning mix of exotic and traditional plant varieties. The East Ruston Old Vicarage offers a unique glimpse of what can be achieved through careful planning and cultivation.

The Dutch Garden is stunning with its symmetrical design and colourful bedding plants. This garden is adorned with antique garden ornaments such as statues, urns, and garden furniture. The well-maintained lawns and hedges add to the overall beauty of this garden.

The Kings Walk is an avenue of majestic lime trees that provide a beautiful canopy. Rhododendrons, azaleas, and other flowering shrubs line the path, making it a favourite spot for a leisurely walk. Its serene and idyllic surroundings make it an ideal place for nature lovers to spend some time in the company of majestic trees and colourful blooms.

The Sunk Garden, located near the house, is a sunken garden with steps on both sides. This garden is divided into four sections, each with different planting schemes featuring a wide range of colourful flowers.

The Exotic Garden has a unique collection of plants, including hardy palms, bamboos and bananas, and is home to a variety of tropical and subtropical plants. This garden also has a pond area with a variety of aquatic plants.

The Woodland Garden is the oldest part of East Ruston Old Vicarage. It is characterized by a variety of trees such as oak, beech, and maple, along with a mix of flowering shrubs. The garden has a natural feel, with the paths winding through the woods, leading visitors to discover the hidden treasures within.

The Desert Wash features a variety of drought-tolerant plants, including cacti, desert succulents, and exotic shrubs. The garden is built on a slope that resembles the landscape of the Mojave Desert in the US, complete with a dry stream bed and rocks.

The Mediterranean Garden is a south-facing garden with a warm, sheltered microclimate that creates a perfect environment for Mediterranean plants such as olive trees and lavender. This garden also has an extensive collection of citrus trees that provide a refreshing aroma throughout the garden.

The Catalpa Garden features the rare and exotic “Katsura” tree, which is native to Japan. This seasonal tree emits a sweet caramel scent reminiscent of cotton candy or brown sugar. The garden is surrounded by a fence of cypress trees, creating a peaceful environment that radiates tranquillity.

The East Ruston Old Vicarage is a paradise on earth and a must-visit destination for any garden enthusiast. The well-manicured gardens are a testament to the owners’ love of horticulture and their passion for creating stunning landscapes.

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National Garden Scheme

Gardening enthusiasts in the UK are in for an extraordinary treat as they can witness an impressive array of home gardens across the country, thanks to the National Garden Scheme. The scheme was launched in 1927 & is now boasting over 3,500 gardeners who participate in the event.

The gardens are open to everybody, from beginner gardeners who seek to learn & establish ideas, to well-seasoned cultivators who wish to exchange tips & share knowledge. The gardens in the scheme are often the product of many years of nurturing, detailed care & attention that have created a diverse range of landscapes for visitors to enjoy.

You can be assured of a unique experience at every garden as each garden provides a unique setting & experience. At one garden, you may behold an exotic collection of trees, while another may offer a beautifully tended herbaceous border or a sculptured landscape garden. The participants are always ready to provide insight into the history, layout & design of the garden, making for an interactive & educational experience.

Enjoy the beauty of gardens, but also a chance contribute to charity. Every year, the proceeds from the garden visits are donated to support vital nursing & health sectors like Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, The Queen’s Nursing Institute, & more.

The scheme also invites avid gardeners to open their gardens to the public & showcase their hard work & passion while sharing their expertise & ideas with like-minded enthusiasts. This way, the scheme has been successful in creating a community of people who share a love of gardening, exchange ideas & provide support to one another.

The NGS is an exciting & creative way to appreciate the art of gardening, while also contributing to charitable causes. It promotes a love for nature & shows the potential of gardening in enriching our lives in various ways. The scheme allows for interaction, sharing of knowledge, ideas & tips & provides an opportunity to learn at every step, from gardeners of all levels of experience. So, to those who haven’t yet, do visit one of these magnificent gardens this summer & experience the joy of nature while helping to make the world a better place.

Felbrigg Hall Norfolk – Walled Garden

If you love visiting gardens, then you will surely appreciate Felbrigg Hall’s walled garden, in the manner of a paradise garden, designed to evoke calm, reflection and contemplation. The National Trust has done an outstanding job maintaining it over the years, and it’s a must-visit garden for anyone looking for a little peace and tranquillity, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The walled garden at Felbrigg Hall has thoughtful and clever planting that feature a wide variety of plants, flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. It is quite expansive, and one section is separated by paths at right angles, which is a hallmark of a paradise garden. The four parterres in this area are meticulously maintained and are a testament to the skill and dedication of those who work at Felbrigg Hall. The fragrant herbs and flowers in the garden add another layer of sensory experience that’s both delightful and invigorating.

A paradise garden is believed to have originated from the biblical story of the Garden of Eden. In the book of Genesis, the garden is described as having a central spring feeding four rivers flowing out into the world beyond. The symbolism of the paradise garden is evident in the walled garden at Felbrigg, with its four distinct parts and abundance of delicious foods, and a beautiful lily pad covered pond. It’s no wonder that the garden is such a tranquil and peaceful space, perfect for those looking for a little serenity in their lives.

But this garden is noted for its dovecote. The dovecote, dating back to 1750, contains 968 holes, deeply recessed at the back, with each hole providing room for two nests. R.W Ketton Cremer, the owner of the estate, renovated the dovecote in 1923 to prevent it from falling into ruin. The latin inscription above the door records the work undertaken, which reads ‘HOC Columbarium Olim paene Delapsum Reparavit Et Ornavit RWKC’ – This dovecote, which then was in ruins, was repaired and decorated by RWKC.

An excellent example of the Headache Tree, Umbellularia Californica, can be found within the walls of this garden. Headache Trees originate from California and were introduced into Britain by David Douglas in 1829. Native Americans made poultices of Umbellularia leaves that were used to treat rheumatism and neuralgias. Tea was made from the leaves to treat stomach aches, colds, sore throats and to clear up mucus in the lungs. The leaves were steeped in hot water to make an infusion that was used to wash sores. The Pomo and Yuki tribes of Mendocino County treated headaches by placing a single leaf in the nostril or bathing the head with a laurel leaf infusion.

This garden also features a nuttery that includes Cobnut, Black Mulberry and Walnut Trees. The nuttery serves as a home for the bantams and the bee hives and are a testament to the garden’s commitment to environmental sustainability and to providing a thriving habitat for a wide variety of creatures.

The walled garden at Felbrigg Hall is a true masterpiece of garden design and a testament to the hard work and dedication of National Trust staff. It’s a wonderful place to visit if you’re looking for a little peace and tranquillity in your life. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, the walled garden at Felbrigg Hall is an experience you won’t soon forget.