Houghton Lodge is a Grade II* listed “Cottage Orné”, surrounded by mature trees, gardens and lawns sweeping down to the banks of the famous River Test and is arguably one of the most beautiful privately owned gardens to visit in Hampshire. It will appear on BBC’s Gardeners World programme on Friday 15th October, 8.00pm on BBC 2, providing the perfect and rather exciting end to a highly successful 2021 season.
Head Gardener, Kevin Barnett, was interviewed by presenter Joe Swift, next to the famed espaliered Pear Tree, Beurre Diel, (recently crowned the widest in Britain by The Champion Tree Register) to give viewers a better idea of the story of this historic tree. Together, with fellow gardener Lesley Lloyd, they pruned the trees in the ancient apple orchard whilst discussing the fruit trees, many of which can no longer be found in supermarkets. The beautiful Bramley Apple Tunnel can also be seen as well as the topiary peacock garden central to which is The Kuberuka Peacock, made in 1996 from old car bodies by the Shona tribe in Zimbabwe.
Says Sophie Busk of the visit by Gardeners’ World; ‘It was such an honour to meet Joe and the crew and we were all delighted that they chose Houghton Lodge to film and air this Autumn. It was an exciting day, the sun shone and the garden looked amazing as it bowed its head towards autumn. Joe seemed impressed with what we have here and interested in our work. It has been the perfect end to one of our most busy seasons for which we are most grateful.’
Houghton Lodge’s 14 acre site includes a quintessential kitchen walled garden, home to a cutting bed, hosta and iris beds, herb garden, fruit cage, and its historical heritage orchard. There is also a herbaceous border, woodland walk, water meadows, and topiary peacock garden. Ambling down to the river across the meadow, visitors can engage with the Alpacas, Dick and Harry along with the lockdown purchase of a small flock of Hebridean sheep. The famous River Test meanders its way through the estate with benches along its bank providing a perfect space to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this stunning garden.
The gardens are now closed to the public for this season, but will re open once more in the Spring on 1st April 2022. In the meantime you can get a taste of the gardens in all their autumn glory from BBC Gardeners World at 8.00 pm on 15th October 2021. https://houghtonlodge.co.uk
For visitors wanting to take a short break the recently opened accommodation at Houghton Lodge – the Apple Rooms – provide luxury self-catering accommodation year-round in a bespoke collection of 6 individually designed boutique en-suite bedrooms. Guests can enjoy complimentary entry to the gardens during their stay and a discount in the Honesty Coffee Shop. Houghton Lodge provides an excellent base for touring the stunning countryside, visiting the many local attractions and historic market towns in the Test Valley area. Fishing can also be arranged along the stretch of the River Test that runs through the gardens.
Gardeners World is on BBC 2 on Fridays and on I-player. It’s a Gardening show packed with good ideas, tips, advice from experts and timely reminders to get the most out of the garden. BBC Two – Gardeners’ World, 2021
