Hidcote Manor Garden (19th July)

Hidcote Manor Garden is situated in the heart of the Cotswolds and is one of the truly great gardens of the world. A classic 'arts and crafts' garden in the mould of Gertrude Jekyll, it influenced Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson at another of the world's greatest gardens, Sissinghurst in Kent. (I do not exaggerate in my statements. These are assessments which are acknowledged throughout the gardening world.)

We made a whirlwind tour of this garden in the last hour it was open back in July 2003. We were really impressed then, and still are, although it is better in the earlier part of July.

This garden is probably acknowledged as the epitome of the classic 'rooms' garden. The garden consists of 29 smaller gardens, which are self-contained 'rooms' divided by hedging.

See a photo album of this trip here: