There may not be a single collection of such superb and perfect specimens of gardens in the world, such as what can be seen in the Cotswold Region in South Western England.
There may not be a single collection of such superb and perfect specimens of gardens in the world, such as what can be seen in the Cotswold Region in South Western England. Avid gardeners and gardening enthusiasts come from all over the globe to experience some of the world’s most spectacularly designed gardens.
Some are small, privately owned cottage gardens and others belong to the National Trusts and estates, having been professionally landscaped to the highest recommendations.
One of the most spectacular exhibits of regal landscapes can be seen at Abbey House Garden, in Malmesbury, Whiltshire. This beautifully restored Cotswold Garden has been done so with painstaking attention to detail, and much love and care by Ian and Barbara Pollard. With more than 2000 different types of roses having been planted at the beginning of the year 2000, the creations are simply breathtaking and even if you are not a garden enthusiast, be prepared to be swept away.
The Batsford Arboretum and Wild Gardens at Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, is a breathtaking Cotswold Garden collection of some exotic and unusual plants, trees and shrubs. It is also the home to the national collection of Japanese Flowering Cherries and a huge collection of bamboo. With over 1600 specimens of extraordinary shrubbery planted all throughout the gardens, visitors are in for a treat.
Originally designed and implemented by Lord Redesdale, during the 1860’s, the Asian inspired landscapes came to life, after Lord Redesdale returned from extensive travels in the East.
Gorgeous scents of magnolia take visitors on a sensational journey through the wild, Japanese inspired grounds. Visitors who are coming to the park and need wheel chair access will have no problem navigating the grounds, as there is ample wheelchair access, disabled parking and bathrooms, and entrance for those in wheelchairs is free.
Also in Glochestershire is the Hidcote Manor Gardens, now owned and managed by the national trust. One of the most remarkable features about this garden is how the Estate owner’s son, Lawrence Johnston, managed to completely create a secret world of wonder with his unique Cotswold Garden layout. Right from the initial layout, Lawrence created a spectacular series of ‘’garden rooms’’, each individually filled with unusual trees, plants and flowers and even water features.
Separating the garden rooms are small walls or hedges, and visitors can go at different times of the year to the same garden, and each time it will look completely different, depending what is in bloom at that particular time.
One of the very last Manor houses to be built by hand with the local limestone and timber was the Historic Rodmarton Manor House. Taking over 20 years to complete, the garden was being designed around it.
Visitors are able to see some of the original designs, such as the kitchen garden, and topiary features, along with a cherry orchard, a mesmerizing rockery, tucked away between herbaceous borders, a wild garden, rows and rows of roses, as far as the eye can see, and even the original croquet lawn. The best time to visit will be June every year, as the garden will be in full bloom during the summer months and the colors are simply magnificent.