In the Garden


Inspiring Garden Design: Spring at Hidcote

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Looking back on these images has me thinking “how lucky was I?!” Hidcote had been on my “faves list” for so many years when I made the decision for a visit ten years ago. If you only have so much time, this jewel deserves to be top of a short list! Early May in the Cotswolds will make anyone happy beyond words.

Especially now mid-January, when my memories give credence to the fact that spring indeed is on the horizon…and hopefully, even earlier than last year if that sage groundhog is correct. How thrilled I am to have these images to reflect upon and even more thrilled that I will be returning to English gardens in late May. Perfect timing, as these images will attest. And on my visit to Hidcote, I also picked up some architectural details as inspiration (the fascinating gate and divine folly or potting shed)!

Enjoy les fleurs and my soliloquies on the magic of Hidcote in the spring.

Tulips were obviously the stars, gracing portions of almost every garden “room” for which Hidcote is best known.

Lilacs graced a circular “room” (a wonderful foil to the majestic Cedar of Lebanon in the background).

Soft green new growth lighting up a corner…

And the ages-old bird topiaries immaculately pruned in yew.

Even the clematis have a well-considered, painted metal tuteur.

In a previous post I focused on Hidcote’s vistas as another signature feature of this garden. I’m sharing this most dramatic vista again to pass along an observation about garden designer’s of this era, like Major Lawrence Johnston, who created Hidcote from 1907-1920. They took to heart a bit of wisdom that advised…”indicate the vastness of one’s land holdings by sending long, straight avenues through it, reaching to distant horizons.” (English Gardens, from the archives of Country Life magazine).

Spring shall be along shortly…

If you enjoy this article, please share it!

About Bettie Bearden Pardee

Author of Private Newport and Living Newport, garden furniture designer (The Parterre Bench), national lecturer, and entertaining expert. An honoree for the second year on "The Salonniere 100 America's Best Party Hosts", she was also the host and creative producer of "The Presidential Palate: Entertaining at the White House".

8 thoughts on “Inspiring Garden Design: Spring at Hidcote

  1. Ahhh…if only…
    Relying on YOU, Betty Bearden Pardee to get “some of us” through w/your photos, descriptions and thoughts…ok!!
    franki

  2. ***Sigh*** What a beautiful window for us in the depths of window… and my favorite garden in England. There are grander but none more charming. Thank you Bettie!

  3. LOVELY LADY,
    AS MY LOVING SISTER, MARY ANN, ALWAYS REMINDS ME …
    WHEN MY SOUL ATTEMPTS TO FIND JOY: ‘SOMEHOW’ / SOMEWHERE …

    ‘BEAUTY WILL SAVE THE WORLD!’

    AND YOU ARE THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS (VISUAL) ARRIVAL.

    FONDLY,
    TOM

Comments are closed.