A peaceful stroll through the East woods brings you to a rather unassuming gate. The beautifully named Neptune Gate provides no hint of the spectacle that lies beyond. If it’s atmosphere you’re after, the walled garden is the place to be in every season.
The Mary Pool, a stone water feature with seating either side is the first sight to greet you. There really is something about the sound of trickling water and you could quite easily while away the hours enjoying the peace and views down the garden from here but when you’re ready to explore, there’s plenty more to see. The Lower Terrace Border has recently been rejuvenated and is full of interest with climbers that embrace the old wall and a combination of plants that please the wildlife. Move on through the garden and you’ll come across the ‘Nuttery’ or Orchard Square, which as well as housing a wonderful collection of ornamental trees, is also home to Wallington’s beehives, just starting to wake up. On sunny days, keep your eyes peeled for the first workers coming out to forage.
On the ground, the flowers of spring are the carpets of bulbs such as narcissus (daffodils) and scilla at the bottom of the Walled Garden. The ‘Nuttery’ has a wonderful display that starts with snowdrops, followed by crocus ‘Snow bunting’ and continuing with narcissus ‘Jenny’, a lovely delicate little white daffodil.
