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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.

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.

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.