I stood at the gate at the top of the village wondering where the path was I’d been told would be obvious. Two ladies appeared, out for a walk, and pointed in a diagonal across the field. Just go that way, they said, and when you get to the top you’ll see the next gate.
I did as I was told, found the gate, crossed a stream…
…and another field and could then see the rooftops
of Hidcote Bartrim Village in the trees.
I was greeted at the edge of the village by some colorful residents.
This was my second visit to Hidcote Manor Garden, the first the day before my walking career in England began in the fall of 2000, on the Cotswold Way which begins in nearby Chipping Campden. Along with Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson’s Sissinghurst in Kent, Hidcote is thought to be one of the most influential gardens in England. Created by an American, Lawrence Johnston in the early 20th century, it’s considered part of the Arts and Crafts Movement in England, and like Sissinghurst, designed as a series of garden “rooms”, so the viewer moves from one to the next, each revealed in turn.
I was staying for the week in the next village, Hidcote Boyce, chosen for its proximity to this garden and another, a short walk away, the privately owned Kiftsgate. I had the good fortune to be accompanied this visit by my friend, Carol, recently a steward at Hidcote, a wealth of knowledge which she shared with me as we walked. Carol lives in another nearby village and we met at the garden entrance.
John Fowles says in The Tree, “…all words miss, I know I cannot describe it.”
I’ll show you some pictures and let the garden speak for itself.
A Hidcote Garden Gallery
Back across the fields, through the gate, home to Hidcote Boyce.
Hidcote is owned by The National Trust.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
See an Ordnance Survey map of the neighborhood here, with the path marked as a green broken line between Hidcote Boyce and Hidcote Bartrim.
Next week another garden, Hidcote’s neighbor, Kiftsgate.
Find all episodes of ‘PortMoresby in England’ here.
Looks like an enchanted garden.
Maybe Alice in Wonderland lives there !
Spectacular…and this one especially!
One of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever visited (through your excellent photoessay)! I, too, am partial to the fern. In Canada they are called ‘fiddlesticks’, for obvious regions, and they are quite delicious when picked early on.
They are delicious. The most memorable single dish I’ve ever had was forest ferns, far out into the Chinese countryside near the Burma border, cooked for 3 of us, the only other people for miles I think, the lovely taxi driver who knew the place, my friend and me. Other things, too, but it’s the ferns I remember.
In Maine, where we enjoyed them, they’re called “fiddlehead” ferns. Wonder if there are other regional variations?
PS…they are even available canned…which I don’t even want to try. The same company has canned dandelions as well.
Lots of interesting ways to prepare them, and they’re said to be rich in antioxidants!
Yes, a common plant with an uncommon coloring. I’m partial to the fern.