On this outing we travelled
over the Pennines via the A66 to visit two gardens created only three
years ago in 2015 (although, paradoxically, both gardens are located within pre-existing walled gardens in the demesnes of two
18th and 19th grand houses).
Middleton Lodge is a Georgian Palladian mansion set within 200 acres, on the outskirts of the village of Middleton Tyas, by Richmond. The lodge was designed by the architect John Carr and was built between 1777-1780 for George Hartley Esquire.
The neglected walled garden
within the Middleton Lodge Estate has been expertly restored as the
Grade II Listed Kitchen Garden. Tom Stuart-Smith is the brains behind
the project, working closely with the estate’s head gardener,
Andrew Webb.This two-acre nature retreat will bloom and grow as the seasons change, so will remain a picture-perfect spot for events, celebrations and for guests to roam at their leisure.
On the opening of the Kitchen Garden, Tom Stuart-Smith said,
“It’s wonderful to
see the walled garden at Middleton Lodge brought back to life with
such great commitment and vision from a brilliant team.
“It is intended to be
a garden that has some interest throughout the year and a series of
really magical moments from the first pear blossom in spring to the
colouring of the autumn leaves in October.”
The garden is split into four sections, all created and planted to ensure they flourish from one season to the next. Each space has been finished with large arbours, built by the estate’s construction team.
James Allison, owner of Middleton Lodge Estate, says:
“It’s been a fantastic experience working with Tom over the past two years. Tom’s knowledge and passion for creating such beautiful and seasonal landscapes, alongside our head gardener Andrew’s dedication has helped to transformed our neglected walled garden, into a truly wonderful space that will not only be a stunning backdrop for our wedding, hotel and restaurant guests, but it is also a working food source for the entire estate.”
Despite
the rain during our visit, you couldn’t help but to be enthralled
by the romance of this garden. Stuart-Smith’s repeat planting
brings congruity to the garden. It’s hard to believe that it is but
three years since it was planted!
Another plant of note is the North American Amsonia tabernaemontana
var. salicifolia.
It
is a clump-forming
perennial which grows
to 60cm with dark
green, willow-like leaves and open clusters of star-shaped, pale blue
flowers from late spring to midsummer.
 |
| Astrantia |
 |
| Paeonia lactiflora 'Duchesse de Nemours' - delicately scented |
Wynyard Hall & Rose
Garden
Built
between 1822 and 1828, Wynyard Hall was the family seat of
Vane-Tempest-Stewarts, Marquesses of Londonderry, an Anglo-Irish
aristocratic dynasty. In the 1987 the hall and 5,000 acre estate was
bought by Sir John Hall, a property developer (Metro Centre) and life
president of Newcastle United Football Club.
The
gardens include a Walled Garden, an Edible Garden, a Woodland Walk
and Glasshouse. Though dating back from 1822, the remodelled walled
garden is a showcase of delicate artistry.
The Walled Garden is the
epitome of beauty, with vivid flowerbeds, over 3,000 stunning roses:
from teas, floribundas and climbing roses to the statement English
Roses. These together with a careful selection of shrubs and trees,
highlighted with graceful water features, raised beds and meandering
paths.
The dazzling display of David Austin roses includes 135
different species. Some varieties bloom into September and October,
while Wild Edric and Lady Shallot are among the
earliest flowering.
 |
| Rosa 'Wild Edric' |
Written
by PMR
Various
reference sources used including:
Wikipedia
www.rhs.org.uk
www.wynyardhall.co.uk
