Heavenly Hidcote

I did say just one more Patriotic Stitch didn't I? Ooops!

This is the newest Underground poster. I think it is so very clever with George's name surrounded by the Underground logo.

Today we journeyed to Hidcote Bartrim to visit Hidcote, an Arts and Carfts garden in the northern Cotwolds. Our day started off a bit rocky as the taxi never arrived to pick us up at Honeybourne, but with a bit of luck and the kindness of a stranger or two we got there.  

Major Lawrence Johnston spent most of his adult live designing and creating Hidcote Manor Garden. 

It is amazing!

I don't think I've ever been in a garden with so many contented bees.

There are wonderful beds of plants...

...and large borders including the famous Red Border.

 

The garden is divided up into room after room after room.

Some of the rooms are secluded... 

 

...while others are expansive.

It's a high maintenance garden with hedges and topiary. 

And numerous butterfiles.

Hidcote Garden in up on a knoll and the Cotswold countryside spreads out in every direction.

Bucolic.

Oh so pretty.

The views are protected from future development so there will never be a power station or high rises to mar the vistas.

I think I fell a little bit in love with this garden.

This sea of blue and chartreuse was one of my favorite areas. 

Simple plantings - it's the repetition of the plants and colors that makes it so vibrant and attractive. 

The blue garden benches strike just the right note.

There are several small seasonal seeps in the garden, so shade and moisture loving plants do well.  

There is a three sided hot-house for tender plants that faces a lovely water lily filled pond. 

This is one side of the Long Borders.

The garden sections include the Courtyard, the Old Garden, the White Garden, the Circle, the Red Borders, the Stilt Garden, the Apline Terrace, Mrs Wintrop's Garden, The Stream Gardens, the Long Walk, the Great Lawn, the Beech Allee, and still others.

No wonder it was an all day adventure to explore most everything "Hidcote had to offer.

Stunning plant combinations.

 

The perfect geometry of well set-out mature trees.

 

In 1948 Hidcote was the first property gifted to the National Trust specifically for its gardens, rather than for a Stately Home.

Thus the National Trust says that Hidcote is where it learned to garden!

I think we could all learn from Hidcote!

 

The gift shop had some great local produce.

Anyone interested in some fresh curd to take back home?