by Gina Gordon

The Courts Garden

If you have explored The Courts Garden only at the height of the season, it deserves another visit as the days shorten and the longer shadows create a different mood. Topiary forms are thrown into relief by longer shadows while stone ornaments sit amongst late-flowering perennials and grasses.

In the Hot Bed, Verbena bonariensis is supported by purple foliage plants and set off by strong reds, oranges and yellows. Coloured fruits of hawthorn and Viburnum opulus give textural interest. Around the Lily Pond, the golden rain tree contrasts dramatically with Acer griseum. Gingko, catalpa and liquidambar are brilliantly coloured in the arboretum.

The Orchard and the Kitchen Garden are full to bursting now. A main path runs under an apple tunnel and pears are espaliered nearby. The trees in the nuttery are heavy with their fruit as well. All of this serves to remind the visitor that the end of summer is by no means the end of garden interest and variety.

Location: On B3107 in Holt, near Bradford-on-Avon, BA14 6RR.
For admission prices and opening times, please check with the garden direct.
Telephone: Tel. 01225 782875.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

TWIGS Community Gardens

Although perhaps not widely known, TWIGS richly deserves a visit, particularly accompanied by children. In almost two acres can be found variety and interest for everyone. Themed gardens include a lavender and a cottage garden, a potager and a wildlife-friendly garden. The working areas of the greenhouse and polytunnels can be visited, as well as the organic allotment plots nearby.

The gardens are run by the Richmond Fellowship whose ethos is ‘making recovery a reality’. They provide help and support to those with mental health needs, fostering a new sense of purpose and fulfillment. To anyone who enjoys and appreciates the enrichment to life of gardens and gardening, the good behind this project is immediately understood.

Dotted throughout the garden spaces are individual works of art and small signs reflecting on the experience of the gardeners. Willow and hazel feature in light-hearted sculpture or sturdy supports.  Birdsong is ever-present. This enchanting space is a ‘community’ garden in every sense of the word.

Location: Beside Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2QJ.
For opening times, please check with the garden direct.
Entry: Free
Telephone: 01793 523294
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Wiltshire College, Lackham

Lackham runs a wide variety of educational courses on its extensive site, including horticulture, floristry and land management. A prime teaching resource lies within the historic walled garden of about an acre. Greenhouses and polytunnels fill and empty, according to the needs of the student curriculum. A very large lemon tree and a banana are permanent residents in one glasshouse. The ornamental area is planted with hardy and half-hardy annuals, while one plot in the vegetable area replicates a wartime kitchen garden, complete with air raid shelter. This mixture of knowledge and whimsy adds a delightful twist to the visitor’s experience.

Lackham welcomes the public in for a series of open days with countryside themes during the year, the final one for 2008 being Apple Day. Information and displays can be found in the Museum of Agriculture and Rural Life. Elsewhere, there are several garden areas, a woodland and riverside walk, and a chance to view the college’s livestock.

Location: Lackham Country Park SN15 2NY. Directly off the A350 south of Chippenham at the first roundabout beyond the A4/A350 interchange.
For admission prices and opening times, please check with the garden direct.
Telephone: 01249 466847.
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