When we took over the estate in 1956, the Dutch Garden had largely reverted to nature. Paving stones had been removed, topiary had lost its shape and elm suckers sprouted to 20 feet high. In 1971 we began to restore the garden. The ground was cleared with the help of young people from the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. The British Airways Air Cabin Crew Fund kindly donated plants and additional funds in memory of crew members who had passed away.
Today the garden contains small hedges of lavender that run along the tops of low walls, increasing in height around the garden. Smaller perennial plants, such as geraniums and nepeta, and shrubs like autumn glory, fuchsias and thyme, are planted along the smaller borders.
Bulb Meadow
The 4th Earl created the Bulb Meadow drawing from the influences of great contemporary garden designers. Previously known as the Spring Garden, the meadow started close to the Dutch Garden where a pergola planted with climbing roses lead down towards the house. It originally stretched towards a lake via a renowned Iris Walk. In excess of four hundred thousand bulbs were planted across the parkland including irises and lilies as well as daffodils.