Winter-embraced countryside paradise flourishing, Georgian farmhouse gardens showcase their beauty
In the picturesque West Sussex village of Kirdford, Parsonage Farm has become a vibrant testament to the enduring allure of English garden design. With its origins dating back to the 18th century, the farm has grown to be one of the largest in the village, boasting a 1760s farmhouse and a seven-acre garden nestled within 200 acres of farmland and parkland.
The garden's evolution and inspiration can be traced back to iconic English country estates such as Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, and Hidcote, each contributing to the development of garden design principles.
Sissinghurst, with its romantic and formal garden design, offers an emphasis on structure, color coordination, and a harmonious blend of formal and informal elements. This could inspire Parsonage Farm's design, as it seeks to create a unique and evolving garden that pays homage to tradition while incorporating modern and innovative approaches.
Great Dixter, the former home of Christopher Lloyd, showcases an eclectic garden design, blending modern and traditional styles with a focus on bold color and texture. Its experimental spirit could inspire Parsonage Farm to adopt new and innovative design methods.
Hidcote Manor Garden, with its Arts and Crafts style, features closely clipped hedges, topiary, and a strong emphasis on compartmentalization. These elements could influence Parsonage Farm's design by incorporating similar elements of compartmentalization and formal planting.
The garden at Parsonage Farm opens to visitors during the National Garden Scheme and for private group visits. The Walled Garden, with its mellow brick walls and a space that looks good throughout the year, serves as a highlight. The first cross axis continues as an allée of yew hedges and green spaces down to a Rose Walk.
The Topiary Walk, one of the garden's most beautiful winter assets, features scented evergreen Mahonia x media 'Winter Sun' and shaped lollipops of the hawthorn, Crataegus persimilis. The Pleached Lime Walk, a low-maintenance feature, adds to the garden's charm.
The couple, David and Victoria Thomas, created a Kitchen Garden between the entrance courtyard and the old Walled Garden as a safe space for their toddler son. The extensive Autumn Garden includes shrubs and trees informally planted for seasonal color.
For those interested in visiting, contact details are available at [email protected]. The soil in the garden is heavy Wealden clay, improved with drainage and organic material.
Parsonage Farm's garden design research led the couple to gardens such as Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, and Hidcote, and books like Christopher Lloyd's "The Well-Tempered Garden" and Russell Page's "The Education of a Gardener". These valuable resources offer insights into the evolution of garden design, providing inspiration for Parsonage Farm's unique blend of tradition and innovation.
- The 1760s farmhouse at Parsonage Farm is surrounded by a seven-acre garden that mirrors the design principles of iconic English gardens like Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, and Hidcote.
- The evolution of the garden at Parsonage Farm is inspired by these famous English gardens, aiming to create a unique and evolving space that combines tradition with modern and innovative gardening approaches.
- The garden design at Sissinghurst, with its emphasis on structure, color coordination, and a harmonious blend of formal and informal elements, has left an impact on Parsonage Farm's design.
- Great Dixter's eclectic garden design, showcasing a mix of modern and traditional styles, has inspired Parsonage Farm to experiment with new design methods and bold colors.
- Hidcote Manor Garden's Arts and Crafts style, featuring closely clipped hedges and compartmentalization, influences Parsonage Farm's design through the incorporation of similar elements of formal planting and structure.
