Tag: Felbrigg Hall

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

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.