Visitors to Ham in the 17th century would have been in no doubt that their hosts were people of great wealth and taste - from the grand front entrance to the opulent interiors, everything was designed to impress. Naturally, the gardens were no exception. After taking a moment to admire the Great Hall, visitors would have been ushered through to the mansion’s south front, the ideal vantage point to look out over Ham’s principal walled garden, complete with its (vast) expanse of perfectly-manicured lawns. To the 17th century eye, this was a truly awe-inspiring sight, possible only through the dedication and expertise of an entire team of gardeners.
Moving forward a few hundred years, Head Gardener Rosie Fyles has made it her mission to reignite that sense of awe and wonder for today’s visitors while developing a garden area that works better for nature with her re-imagining of Ham House’s formal garden. Using modern planting techniques and design ideas, Rosie and her team will be creating a brand new display that will bring exuberant colour and lyrical shapes to this formal setting. With 500,000 bulbs and four beautiful wildflower parterres, it promises to be a fitting homage to the spirit of those 17th century gardeners and their aim to inspire and delight, while also offering visitors ideas of what can be achieved simply at home.