The Gardens

Standing proudly in the formal lawn outside the back of the house, The Cedar of Lebanon makes a striking focal point. It was planted in 1670 to commemorate the completed building of the original part of The Old Rectory. The Cedrus Libani (Cedar of Lebanon) originates from Syria and were first brought to Britain in the 1670s, making The Old Rectory’s cedar one of the first three planted in Britain. The species, which is the most mentioned tree in the bible, is known as being long-lasting and durable and throughout history has symbolised strength and resilience.

Herbaceous Borders

A pair of large borders, backed by formal Yew hedges are true herbaceous borders, previously planted with Acanthus, Cardoons, fennel, geraniums, Irises, Thalictrum. In the first stage of the garden restoration, these borders have now been enlarged and with a new design planted with Roses and herbaceous plants and some shrubs to provide structure and interest all year round.  These borders have been the first step in the renovation of the garden. The path between the borders leads you to a pond with banks densely planted with ferns, Irises, Japanese Maples and Rodgersias. Bright pink Camellias are dotted throughout the dappled shade of the woodland area.

A clematis and rose walkway takes you round a rill water feature and down to the beautiful listed Orchard, with apple, pear, plum, quince, damson trees all over 100 years old and a pond which leads on to pastures.  Billowing clouds of blossom will be followed by plentiful fruits pale white narcissus are scattered beneath the trees in the orchard.

The Spring Garden

A secret garden path leads you around the back of the Yew hedges to the Spring Garden where snowdrops carpet the floor in winter and Martagon lilies take over in summer.

The former Walled Kitchen Garden now ornamental Swimming Pool Garden with gravel path has large, densely planted borders on either side of the pool house. Repetition of plants and bold foliage; Shrub Roses, Yuccas, Hoheria, Cistus, Aralia, Euphorbias, Libertia. Climbing plants clothe the wall; Wisteria, Clematis, Roses, Hops and Actinidia.