Winter Transforms the Charming Nation Garden of a Georgian Farmhouse, Coating Everything in a Blanket of Frost
Parsonage Farm, a seven-acre garden nestled within 200 acres of farm and parkland in Kirdford, West Sussex, is a testament to the passion and dedication of its owners, David and Victoria Thomas. As keen, hands-on gardeners, they have transformed this once bleak and windswept property into a vibrant sanctuary, overcoming challenges such as protecting the box from box-tree moth.
The journey of Parsonage Farm began when the Thomas family purchased the property with the intention of creating a garden. The heavy Wealden clay soil was improved with drainage and organic material, creating the perfect canvas for their horticultural vision. The surrounding fields, often grazed by sheep, add a pastoral charm to the picturesque scene.
While specific historical and design details about Parsonage Farm are not extensively documented, it is known that it is part of the National Garden Scheme, renowned for its fruit theme and unusual plants, developed over 30 years. The garden is also inspired by famous gardens like Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, and Hidcote, and influential books such as "The Well-Tempered Garden" and "The Education of a Gardener".
Anthony du Gard Pasley, a veteran garden designer, provided advice for ten years, helping to bring coherence and historical perspective to the Thomas' ideas. The garden features a central axis, from which many areas now flow, including the Topiary Walk and Tulip Avenue, the Pleached Lime Walk, the Rose Walk, and the Autumn Garden. Over 15,000 native trees have been planted, creating extensive hedges and strips of woodland.
The Walled Garden, close to the house, boasts a design that looks good throughout the year, while the Pleached Lime Walk, one of the garden's most beautiful winter assets, is a low-maintenance feature. Winter interest can be found between rows of scented evergreen Mahonia x media 'Winter Sun' and shaped hawthorn lollipops. Walks through the woodland reveal unexpected features, such as a large turf amphitheatre.
For those interested in learning more about Parsonage Farm or similar gardens, contacting local historical societies or the National Garden Scheme directly might provide more specific insights. The 1760s farmhouse at Parsonage Farm still stands imposing, overlooking parkland and a small lake, a testament to the enduring beauty of this seven-acre garden in West Sussex.
- The meticulous gardening of David and Victoria Thomas has turned Parsonage Farm, initially a bleak property, into a thriving sanctuary with a rich variety of plants, creating a home-and-garden lifestyle that reflects their passion.
- The transformation of the heavy Wealden clay soil at Parsonage Farm, made possible with drainage and organic material, has become the perfect landscaping canvas for the Thomas' garden design vision.
- As part of the National Garden Scheme, Parsonage Farm boasts a fruit theme and unique plants, results of a 30-year journey inspired by famous gardens like Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, and Hidcote, and books such as "The Well-Tempered Garden" and "The Education of a Gardener".
- Anthony du Gard Pasley, a seasoned garden designer, contributed to the coherence and historical perspective of Parsonage Farm by offering advice for ten years, helping shape its now renowned garden design.
- Nature enthusiasts seeking more information about Parsonage Farm or other similar gardens can contact local historical societies or the National Garden Scheme for specific insights, as the 1760s farmhouse and its surrounding seven-acre garden continue to captivate visitors in West Sussex with their landscaping beauty.
