Northampton certainly came up trumps with a wide choice of splendid gardens, which made picking the ones to visit during the Annual Outdoor Gathering difficult. Having recced them a year before, I felt confident those chosen would be enjoyed by our group. And this proved to be the case.
We started off on Friday lunchtime at the lovely Coton Manor, with its fine Northamptonshire iron stone house at it's core. Many chose to have lunch before breaking into smaller groups to explore the stunning gardens. Wonderful borders, woodland and water features drew the eye, whilst the flamingos and other exotic birds also being a talking point. It was lovely to see so many greeting friends old and new and enjoying each other’s company. A return visit to the café before departing was also a popular choice.
Sunday saw us gather outside the gates at Deene Park, in anticipation of our tour by the head gardener, Andrew, who has been there for over twenty years. The drive up the long avenue was a taster of the splendour that awaited. We were greeted on the bridge (featured in the film Saltburn) by Andrew and soon we were off on a guided tour, where we were told first about the history of the house, which has been in the same family for over 600 years. We heard about the maintenance regime, how the garden has evolved, and the challenges they face. Features were pointed out and Andrew’s passion for Deene Park was clear to see. All too soon, Andrew took us to the courtyard so that we could explore the house and bid him farewell. It was a delight to see such a fine house, that is still a family home, and its contents. Tea & cake was also involved! There was much talk that evening by those who were enchanted by the charming Andrew!
Monday arrived and we gathered at Stowe Park and, to visit this historic parkland, famous for all it’s follies and garden structures. It is on a vast scale. Many of us had also booked a tour of Stowe House (not NT), which was really interesting, and admired the restoration that has taken place in recent years. Our guide was really knowledgeable and happy to answer questions and share insights. After lunch, we regrouped to continue our exploration of the grounds, visiting the Palladian Bridge, church, temples and other features. As usual, we retreated to the café before departure.
Kelmarsh Hall on Tuesday was our final garden of the AOG, and it was most enjoyable too. We did a tour of the House before lunch, and admired the décor that was mostly created by Nancy Lancaster. It was stylish without being overbearing, and the recreation of life below stairs was especially interesting. After a lovely lunch in the garden, we toured the garden, with its topiary, walled gardens, borders and woodland. Soon it was time to say our goodbyes and leave Northamptonshire with many happy memories.
Other than one event tagged on at the last minute in 2023, these were the first official Garden Group events at an AOG. They have proved very popular, with almost fifty attending Coton Manor, over thirty at Deene Park, twenty plus at Stowe and a very respectable twelve at Kelmarsh on the Tuesday, an extra day tagged on at the end. A number of those people attended all four gardens. Feedback during and since has been really positive, with people saying how much they enjoyed it and looking forward to more visits.
It has been wonderful to see fellow plant enthusiasts sharing their passion for gardens and enjoying each other’s company. I know many new friendships have been made, with people making plans to meet again soon.
Suggestions for gardens near Lancaster, the site of our AOG in 2025, have already started to come in and we will be putting together a programme in due course.
Photo credits to Simon, Stephen, Martin and Robert
