The Old Vicarage, Whissendine

About The Old Vicarage, Whissendine

There is a treat in store for all garden lovers, ‘plantaholics’ and those who just enjoy a thoroughly good tea, in Whissendine on the afternoon of Sunday May 12th when the Old Vicarage garden Whissendine will be open. There will be an interesting plant stall and the Church ladies will be producing their magnificent cakes, scones and tea. Sarah Furness (joint owner with husband Professor Peter Furness) is a bit of a ‘plantaholic’ so there are some unusual varieties. The new Garden Room is now complete (planning permission granted on the basis that it should be ‘the sort of thing a Victorian vicar would have built!). A Victorian-style greenhouse was constructed in 2016 with raised vegetable beds adjacent. Both have ornamentation based on features in the house. The hens made their appearance in 2013 and have a custom made ‘Gothicised’ hen hut and run with an interesting pebble mosaic path. Now separated from the dog by new bespoke gates with cast bronze finials, made by Peter. Structural changes were inspired by a visit from Sir Roy Strong (former director of The Victoria and Albert Museum in London and keen gardener). He recommended that the lawn should be symmetrical so large quantities of it have been dug up to make even bigger borders – room for yet more plants. In the churchyard next door a whole area has been planted with bulbs and bee friendly plants to help bees and other pollinating insects. For those unfamiliar with this lovely garden it is filled with unusual plants, choice shrubs, topiary and ideas. It is two thirds of an acre next to the magnificent thirteenth-century church, blending formality with a romantic abundance. The garden is divided into several discrete areas. Down one side of the drive is a ‘flame’ border with fiery coloured plants. Dominating the drive is a magnificent old hornbeam, a remnant of an earlier vicarage garden. The very deep double herbaceous borders which surround the main lawn are carefully coloured with greys, lime greens and magentas, with contrasts in shape and form. A wisteria-covered pergola pierces a tall yew hedge to lead into a small orchard and vegetable area. Here a mass of spring bulbs are grown in the grass, surrounded by beds of peonies, roses and later hardy plants. Roses climb into the trees. A small hidden path leads through a south-facing white garden, packed with treasures, to a Victorian style Garden Room and trickling water urn in a tiny courtyard garden beyond. The terrace, redesigned by Bunny Guinness, has a criss-cross pattern of topiary on each side of the wide steps and four umbrella-trained Malus. A large Magnolia grandiflora grows up the house. The walled fountain garden has eight raised beds surrounded by box; four quince stand sentinel and at the back is a small ‘gothic’ orangery burgeoning with tender plants, many scented. Soft peachy colours, reflecting the old brick, have been used for the planting in this area and are also echoed in the choice of fish for the pool. The church provides a fitting monumental backdrop – and teas!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSrKABol5Bw.

Pebble mosaics, woodwork, doves and hens.