Tales from The Walled Garden
Head Gardener, Andrew Bentley has been making some changes and developments to the gardens at Houghton Lodge. Here he tells us what's been growing, what's flowering and a few hints and tips from the gardens.
June 2013The Walled Garden
This area has been keeping us very busy. The circular Dahlia bed has been planted with a colourful with a mix of Dahlias, Cosmos and Geranium, which have also been planted around the wishing well. The new themed Herb Garden (read more here) is coming along nicely and the medicinal bed now has the final plants added: Elecampane (Inula helenium) which, in France and Switzerland is used in the manufacture of absinthe, Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) which is used to make throat lozenges (and as a grass hopper repellent in agriculture!) and Nasturtium seeds have been sown as gap fillers.
For colour and height, sunflowers have been planted along the north wall - the competition is on to see which grows the highest!
The Peacock Garden
The parterres have been planted with summer bedding plants which will look stunning over the summer months. The scheme follows a basic pattern copying the ‘eye’ in a peacock feather, using a mix of two colours of African Marigolds (antique yellow and antique gold) and silver Cineraria.
The Long Border
The Aquilegia (Columbine), tree Peonies (Paeonia spp.), Alliums and several Iris are all in flower along the border and there are lots of buds on the climbing Roses which should provide a good show very soon!
As any gardener knows, it isn't always about what is in or coming into flower, but also keeping 'unwelcome species' at bay and at the moment, there are several areas of Ground-elder (Aegopodium podagraria) appearing – so lots of weeding to get on with!
Over 700 Salvia ‘Seascape’ plants are currently being grown as part of the summer bedding scheme for around the house in time for an upcoming wedding. They will form a ‘knot’ pattern with Cineraria and create a drift of mauve, white and silver colour and should look fantastic!
Houghton Lodge Unveils Groundbreaking Themed Herb Garden
IF YOU thought herbs were just a tasty ingredient for cooking up a treat then a trip to the Themed Herb Garden taking shape at Houghton Lodge Gardens near Stockbridge in Hampshire will make you think again.
Gardener Andrew Bentley is a self-confessed ‘herbaholic’ and when it came to renovating the herb garden within the picturesque Grade 11* listed walled garden at Houghton Lodge, he had very clear ideas for how it should look.
Andrew explained: “Plans were originally drawn up for a herb garden in 1995 but sadly in the intervening years the paper originals had deteriorated so I decided to redraw the plans and refresh the ideas.”
Built sometime around 1793 and probably intended as a fishing lodge, Houghton Lodge is one of the earliest examples of a cottage orné or rural retreat. It overlooks the famous chalk streams of the River Test and has panoramic views along the Test Valley.
The 250 sq m herb garden offered plenty of room for creativity and Andrew decided to indulge his love of herbs to the full.
“I decided to break it down into four key themed areas covering the myriad of uses herbs can be put to other than cooking.
“In the pot pourri area you will find Southernwood (Artemesia abrotanum) which gives off a chemical compound (Methyl-Jasmonate) which inhibits caterpillars from munching everything in sight, also used in mothballs. While the ground-up root from an Iris germanica known as Orris is used as a fixative in perfumes to hold the fragrance.
“The dyers bed will contain herbs that can be used to produce natural dyes in a variety of colours from the cream made from the leaves of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) through to black from the roots of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria).
“Herbs that are used to make tea can be found in the herbal tea area and include many favourites, for example; chamomile (Chamomile nobile), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and mint (Mentha longifolia).
“Finally in the medicinal area you will find feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) for migraine, golden oregano (Origanum vulgare) for toothache and angelica (Angelica archangelica) for indigestion.”
Andrew is so keen to share his love of herbs he is planning to produce leaflets so visitors can see at a glance what each herb can be used for and there are plans for talks, workshops and even a book chronicling the Themed Herb Garden project he has undertaken at Houghton Lodge Gardens.
“There are so few herb gardens on this sort of scale and I want to show in the book what has gone into recreating this space at Houghton Lodge.
“The nearest herb garden to us of any scale is the Chelsea Physic Garden in south west London.
“Herbs are a fantastic addition to any garden – and this themed herb garden at Houghton Lodge is leading the way,” he said.
A keen plants man, Andrew runs his own gardening business managing large country gardens for a variety of clients. He is a full member of The Institute of Horticulture, The Professional Gardeners Guild and The Gardeners Guild. As well as his gardening work, Andrew also undertakes ecological surveys for consultants - his specialism is bat species and he plans to introduce bat walks at Houghton Lodge later this summer.
“I can’t think of any better job – it’s so fulfilling to see a garden take shape and evolve.
“There’s so much potential at Houghton Lodge Gardens and I would really love to develop its appeal as a great place for the whole family to enjoy,” he said.
Free Sunday bus linking Test Valley attractions.
Sunday 5th May saw the return of The Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership's popular and FREE Test Valley Summer Sunday Rail - bus link.
Operated by Test Valley Community Transport Services, the bus runs every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday through to the 22nd September 2013.
It links up with trains at both Romsey and Mottisfont and Dunbridge Stations and runs approximately 3 journeys in each direction serving Romsey Abbey, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Mottisfont Abbey, Houghton Lodge and Gardens, Stockbridge and on request when open Longstock Water Garden.
For a full timetable please visit www.threeriversrail.com
We hope you enjoy this great service which over the years has gained enormously in popularity. Here's also hoping for some good weather this Summer to enjoy your day out by train and bus.
Houghton Lodge is Hoping for an Eggceptional Easter
VISITORS to the charming gardens of Houghton Lodge near Stockbridge can eggspect some cracking good fun over the Easter holiday.
A special Easter egg trail has been devised by head gardener Andy Bentley to keep visitors guessing on Easter Sunday (March 31)
Andy explained: “The idea is to be open all day from 10 am – 4 pm and families can show up whenever suits.
“Families taking part need to collect a card in the tearooms and follow clues around the gardens to find the eight places where there will be hole-punches to mark their cards with.
“They then return to the tearooms to be rewarded with as many mini eggs as they have ‘punched’ symbols on their cards up to a maximum of eight mini eggs.”
The Grade II* listed gardens are just starting to come to life after the winter and spring bulbs are beginning to bloom.
David Attenborough films at Houghton Lodge
David Attenborough on the river at Houghton Lodge during the filming of The Rise of Animals, a major new BBC series which will be shown in the autumn of 2013.
(Photographs copyright Atlantic Productions)
Naughty Badgers Roll Back The Turf at Houghton Lodge Gardens
UNDER the cover of darkness a family of badgers have left a distinctive trail of destruction on the lawns at Houghton Lodge near Stockbridge.
The nocturnal creatures have pushed back the turf in a bid to get to the tasty morsels in the ground and owner Anthea Busk has been left amazed at their ingenuity.
Mrs Busk said: “The turf has been rolled back as though the little devils have been hired to supply turf for a grass suppliers company.
“We will have to spend a great deal of time folding it all back into place – and that’s time we could better spend on planting for a magnificent spring diplay of scented bulbs.”
Built sometime before 1709 and probably intended as a fishing lodge, Houghton Lodge is one of the earliest examples of a cottage orné or rural retreat. It overlooks the famous chalk streams of the River Test and has panoramic views along the Test Valley.
It’s not the first time the badgers have visited the Grade II* listed gardens but Mrs Busk has never seen the shy visitors.
“I’m sure it would be the case that I could spend three quarters of the year waiting to catch them at it – and the one night I nod off they would call.
“It would be great to install a night vision camera so we could see them,” she said.
Gather a group of friends and discover a world of Orchids
A masterclass in caring for and looking after orchids is being offered by Houghton Lodge & Gardens, resident Orchid expert, Andy Phillips.
Following successful Orchid Day events throughout the year, Houghton Lodge & Gardens are now offering groups their own personalised Orchid Day.
Whether a group of garden enthusiasts or a group of friends who wish to get together to learn more about these beautiful flowering plants, Andy will provide expert advice on how to give your own orchid the best care and solve any orchid problems.
The gardens at Houghton Lodge are Grade II listed and surround an enchanting and unique example of an 18th Century “Cottage Orné”. Houghton Lodge is a haven of peace alongside the tranquil beauty of the River Test. Chalk Cob walls enclose a traditional kitchen garden with espaliers, herbs and heated greenhouses housing a hydroponicum, in which plants are grown without soil, as well as the wonderful orchid collection.
To register your interest please email info@houghtonlodge.co.uk to discuss availability.
Houghton Lodge & Gardens welcomes dog walkers for charity
On The 19th August, Houghton Lodge & Gardens in Stockbridge will host a family dog walk and treasure hunt in aid of local charity The Enham Trust that supports over 3000 disabled people every year.
The Family Dog Walk and Treasure Hunt will take place from 10am -3pm and costs £10 per family, which includes family entry to the beautiful gardens and a hot drink.
To pre-register and to ensure entry, email liz.cosgrove@enham.org.uk.
The Gardens are open until the 31st October (Thursday - Tuesday 10am - 5pm) For more information and admission see Visitor Information
Orchid Day at Houghton Lodge & Gardens
A celebration of orchids and fine Hampshire produce is being held at Houghton Lodge and Gardens near Stockbridge on Wednesday 11th July, as part of the Hampshire Food Festival.
Whether you want to learn more about these beautiful flowering plants or need expert advice on how to give your own orchid the best care, Houghton Lodge resident expert, Andy Phillips, will give a talk packed with information on how to look after, care for and solve any orchid problems.
A delicious Hampshire produce lunch will be served in Houghton Lodge’s fine dining room, looking out onto stunning views over the River Test. Local produce will include Leckford apple juice, homemade traditional pork pie served with Isle of Wight tomato chutney, Lyburn Old Winchester Cheese shortbread and a selection of cakes and tarts served with Hampshire strawberries.
Mr Busk, owner of Houghton Lodge & Gardens, said: “ Our orchid days have become very popular as Andy has outstanding knowledge and our display of stunning orchids includes many rare species. We are delighted to be able to combine one of these special days with the Hampshire Food Festival and offer a lunch of local produce to celebrate our involvement.”
The gardens at Houghton Lodge are Grade II listed and surround an enchanting and unique example of an 18th Century “Cottage Orné”. Houghton Lodge is a haven of peace alongside the tranquil beauty of the River Test. Chalk Cob walls enclose a traditional kitchen garden with espaliers, herbs and heated greenhouses housing a hydroponicum, in which plants are grown without soil, as well as the wonderful orchid collection.
Tickets for the Hampshire Food Festival Orchid Day on Wednesday 11 July, which runs from 10.30am-3pm, cost £25 per person, including lunch and entry to the 16 acres surrounding the house. There will be orchid plants for sale and an exhibition of Andy’s engraved glass and gilded orchid models. Advance booking is required, please book by calling 023 8000 1655 or email info@themarketing-collective.com. www.houghtonlodge.co.uk
Find out more about Hampshire Food Festival, which runs from 1-31 July at www.hampshirefare.co.uk/foodfestival.
Houghton Lodge and Gardens celebrates the
Diamond Jubilee
Red, white and blue flowers will be in abundance at Houghton Lodge and Gardens in Stockbridge during June as they celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee and look forward to the Olympics.
With a royal colour scheme planted for the Peacock Garden and borders within the Walled Garden, visitors to the gardens will be able to enjoy stunning displays. There will be a series of floral wigwams surmounted with golden crowns for children to find.
The quaint Tea House will be offering traditional British homemade cakes – perfect for a spot of afternoon tea after a walk around the garden. A signed photo of Queen Victoria and a photo of the Queen will also be on display to mark the occasion.
Houghton Lodge is a historic 18th century Cottage Orné, set in 15 acres of beautiful parkland above the River Test, and is a popular attraction with picturesque gardens, chalk cob walls, beautiful parkland and water meadows offering peace and tranquility.
During summer experience the peaceful Walled Garden with ancient fan trained fruit trees, fragrant herb garden, the rose arbour, avenue of old apple trees and delicious scents of the peony walk. The stunning Orchid House hosts many rare varieties and showcases many beautiful orchids.
The Gardens are open until the 31st October (Thursday - Tuesday 10am - 5pm)
Harry the Alpaca was saved from the River Test
One of three resident Alpacas at Houghton Lodge & Gardens in Stockbridge, Harry spent a night in the icy cold water after slipping down the riverbank last Monday evening after discovering a hole in his fence.. The combination of his thick coat quickly filling with water which add extra weight and his body becoming chilled, he was unable to climb out of the river
The cold waters chilled him and when found in the morning; Harry was in a very sad and desperate state. Two of Houghton’s Estate workers jumped into the River and pushed the heavy Alpaca whilst another pulled him from the riverbank.
Once out, Harry collapsed on the bank, his legs unable to hold his weight. He laid exhausted as the vet was called and the staff covered him in blankets and tarpaulins to keep the chill wind off him.
The vet gave Harry an injection and advised the staff to rub Harry down with dry hay to soak up the water. The usually feisty Harry laid still and allowed everyone to rub him.
Over the next couple of hours Harry started to drink and eat and was then able to stand before joining Tom and Dick back in the field.
One of the volunteers at the gardens who was there to assist in Harry’s rescue commented: “Once he was back in the field, Harry stood out from the other two alpacas because he has a wonderful clean coat – it was all fluffed up and looked in great health considering what he had been through, we are just all happy that he is ok”
Houghton Lodge Gardens opens to the public on the 1st March where visitors will be able to see Harry and his new clean coat.
(January 2012)
Orchid Days at Houghton Lodge Gardens -
Sunday 12th February 2012
Houghton Lodge and Gardens in Stockbridge is holding two more days of celebration and assistance for this popular, exotic plant on Sunday 12th February, following the success of the first Orchid Day last October. Many of us have an orchid in our homes; it is one of the most cosmopolitan flowering plants, found nearly everywhere in the world. It is believed there are over 25,000 species, some being very rare.
Whether you have an interested in these beautiful flowering plants or are wondering how to give your orchid the best care - Houghton Lodge and its resident expert, Andy Phillips who is a Member of the British Orchid Growers Association, are here to help.
From 10.30am you will have a coffee and chance to stroll the gardens, and to view the Orchid Collection which include many rare specimens, followed by the first talk of the day “Growing orchids, and orchid care for the beginner”. A Light Buffet Lunch & glass of wine is served at 1pm and the afternoon talk deals with “Repotting, re-flowering your orchids and dealing with problem plants”. The afternoon rounds up with a question and answer session with Andy Phillips. You will also have time to explore Houghton Lodge’s gardens.
Mr Sims attended the October Orchid Day and commented, “We really enjoyed the day. It was informative and entertaining. We gained an enormous amount of knowledge about Orchids.”
Itinerary for Orchid Days include:
Coffee from 10.30am and a chance to stroll round the gardens and view the Orchid Collection including many rare specimens.
11.00am - 1.00pm Morning Talk - Growing orchids, and orchid care for the beginner
1.00pm-2.00pm - Light Lunch
2.00pm-3.30pm Afternoon Talk - Repotting and reflowering your orchids and dealing with problem plants
3.30pm-4.00pm- Questions/Answers
There will be orchid plants for sale and an exhibition of Andy’s engraved glass and gilded orchid models.
Tickets: £15.00 to include a light lunch, glass of wine and coffee as well as entry to the 16 acres surrounding the house.
ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED -
PLEASE book by calling 023 8000 1655 or email Jo@themarketing-collective.com
(January 2012)
Houghton Lodge hosts the Hampshire Regency Dancers
In July, Houghton Lodge & Gardens welcomed the Hampshire Regency Dancers for a regency picnic by the picturesque waters of the River Test.
In full costume, the Winchester-based dance group enjoyed a summer's afternoon at Houghton Lodge with a tour from Mrs Busk along with time for some country dancing before a regency style picnic on the lawn.
For more information about the Hampshire Regency Dancers, visit www.hrd.org.uk
Visit the Houghton Lodge Photo Gallery for more photos from the day
Historic Houghton Lodge is a finalist in England’s Favourite House
It is a family home that has been described by visitors as ‘a little piece of heaven.’ And now the Hampshire Historic House is in the running to achieve national acclaim, after reaching the final of England’s Favourite House.
Houghton Lodge, in Stockbridge, has been chosen as one of 12 individual houses of exceptional beauty as a finalist in a competition to find England’s Favourite House, which is being run by Country Life magazine and estate agent Savills. Almost 150 nominations were received from people who chose houses they knew and loved or had admired and from the owners themselves, delighted to already be living in their favourite house.
The eighteenth century Gothic Cottage Orne is set in a picturesque location above the River Test, among 16 acres of tranquil gardens, which provide a stunning backdrop for weddings and charity functions.
But despite its undoubted beauty, owners Mr & Mrs Busk were surprised by its success in reaching the final three of the South East category.
“I really don’t know why people have nominated it, possibly because it’s so much unlike all the others in the competition,” Mrs Busk said.
“I think this house is more unusual and unique than most. A lot of comments from people in our questionnaires have mentioned its charm and the fact it’s a family home that is still lived in.”
Houghton Lodge has been in the family for more than 100 years, after it was bought by Mr Busk’s great aunt and uncle in 1910, but its earlier history remains shrouded in mystery. Built some time in the eighteenth century, little is known about the builders or first owners of the house, before the property came on the market in 1799.
In more recent history though, the house has gained increasing recognition, aided by its appearances in big-screen productions of David Copperfield and Wilde.
A team of judges including Daily Telegraph columnist Charlie Brooks and Oscar-winning writer and creator of Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes, have already cast their eye over the lodge.The winner is set to be announced in the spring.
Heavenly Houghton - Take a Tour of Houghton Lodge
with the Daily Echo
In early February, following the news that Houghton Lodge was a finalist in Country Life's search for England's Favourite House, the Daily Echo visited Houghton Lodge to take a tour and find out why the house has been nominated.
Watch the video here
