| Through primrose tufts, in that green bower, The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; And "tis my faith that every flower Enjoys the air it breathes. William Wordsworth (1770-1850) |
East Lambrook Manor Garden
English Heritage Historic Garden Grade IThis garden was created by the author Margery Fish from 1938. It was made famous by her books on cottage gardening. Its abundant style of planting reflects her interest in plants, many of them wild, together with an inspired understanding of the conditions which suited them best.
After Mrs Fish's death in 1969 the garden became neglected, but it has been carefully restored since 1985. The program of restoration continues.
The Elizabethan manor house of Ham stone stands amid a luxuriance of horticultural interest (Photo 1) which spreads across the ambling paths and natural gullies. Design seems inconsequential but some structure is given by pollarded willows and a curving avenue of Chamaecyparis lawsonia 'Fletcherii', clipped into tall domes.
The garden holds a National Collection of species and primary hybrids of hardy geraniums (Photo 2).
Details of the restoration, the programme of art exhibitions, study courses and other aspects of Margery Fish's garden may be found on their web pages