Hall Grove School

About Hall Grove School

Take a stroll around our extensive woodlands which erupt into a blaze of colour in early summer with a wide variety of rhododendrons and azaleas. Wander down to the lake to enjoy some peace and quiet and admire the many trees, including acers in shades of apple green. See the impressive tree ferns and the many varieties of native flora beneath them.
Built in 1769 by Ralph Leycester as a small model estate, Hall Grove was for many years the home of the Clanwilliam family. It included an 18th century walled garden, which in keeping with the time was a little distance from the main house and backed onto the stable yard which would have supplied the garden with a ready source of manure to grow an array of produce for the family.

The recently restored walled garden is a magical place. The gravel paths are laid in typical historical formality and meet at sharp right angles from a central circle where you will find roses surrounded by low box hedges.

To one side is the working hub of the garden which includes espaliered apples and pears, a fruit cage, a newly planted vinery and cut flower gardens. Wander around the vegetable plots and, if you look closely at the labels, you will see that the children have been hard at work growing a range of delicious food which we use in our school kitchens.

Children and adults alike will enjoy wandering the paths in our new herb garden divided into eight areas each showcasing a different culinary herb. Or perhaps, the adults will prefer looking at the newest addition to the garden, our grapevines where we have a mixture of dessert and wine varieties. Maybe one day you can enjoy our very own Hall Grove wine.
Almost the whole of one side of the garden is taken up with an herbaceous border planted up with a mixture of old fashioned and modern roses as well as a variety of seasonal bulbs and perennials. Later in the year, we add annuals which the children of all ages have grown from seed. We can enjoy colour from early spring right up until the first frosts in late autumn.
Beyond the working part of the garden, you will see that the tone becomes more relaxed, and we have a mini orchard where we keep the grass long for a more natural effect. At the furthest corner you will also find a small pond which hosts a range of wildlife for you to enjoy.

Exiting the walled garden near The Barn, you can wander through the children’s playground towards the tennis courts where you will find an extensive border planted by the current Year 3 children as part of their summer term project on growing. Plants are raised from seed, pricked out, potted on and planted out in these beds which remain full of colour until late in October. The children are understandably proud of their efforts.

From the tennis courts head towards our historic ice house in the grounds of Field House, especially welcome on a warm summer’s day. From here you can look out towards the playing fields and to the woodlands beyond. You have 40 acres to admire and enjoy.

www.hallgrove.co.uk

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