Three cheers for Dorset Gardens Trust for organising yet another
memorable day out in the English countryside!
This year’s Garden Day saw us heading off to Thomas Hardy country to
visit Waterston Manor, an Elizabethan pile in the heart of the Dorset near
Puddletown. It’s a beautiful old house
as you can see from some of our photos, complete with woodland walk, an orchard
and water meadows leading down to the nearby River Piddle. Far from the Madding Crowd is spot on as
Waterston Manor was used as the model for Weatherbury Farm in the famous Hardy
novel of the same name.
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| Side view of the Manor House |
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| Waterston Manor |
What I love about these Garden Days is not only the chance
to see posh houses and gardens that are not usually open to the public but also
the extensive plant sales that take place in the grounds. I couldn’t believe my eyes when we walked
under the entrance archway and all I could see was row upon row of plant
stalls. I’m sure I slobbered round like
a gibbering idiot for the first half hour.
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| Plants for sale |
Having forgotten to visit a cashpoint en route, my shopping
habit was restricted to the meagre £15 left in my purse but I still managed to
balance the budget and come away with:
- Eryngium Agavifolium (£3.50)
- Eryngium Sapphire Blue (£7.50)
- Thalictrum Delavayi (£3.50)
These events are recommended for both old and young
gardeners as there’s something for all and you’re bound to find some delightful
flowery treasure amongst all the plants for sale.
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| White climbing roses |
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| Cottage style borders |
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| Shady garden |
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| Back of the house |
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| Lime tree walk |
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| Water meadows |
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