Hidcote, Packwood and Baddesley Clinton

The vast majority of the time was spent visiting historic houses and gardens. Unfortunately one, Coughton Court, remains closed do to the recent flooding. Thus, the Throckmorton coat, the one that the tailor of Gloucester is supposed to have sewn will have to wait for another day.

Hidcote was first up. After a somewhat roundabout route as several roads were closed in Stratford, we made it. Hidcote is one of the great gardens of the world. First planted by the American Lawerence Johnson, it was the first garden to be planted in rooms.

Because of its fame, it can be crowded, but luckily as heavy rain was forecast, the garden was nearly deserted and the plants could actually been seen. In recent years, a restoration project has been undertaken and the garden rooms -- in particular the red border and Mrs Johnson's room look really invigorated and splendid. It is a visual treat for the eyes. The only problem with the garden is that members of the party kept getting lost and having to be found as the hedges and rooms provide a very good maze. We also managed to procure a eucomis -- a pineapple lily that is about to flower. We bought one at Sissinghurst several years ago but have kept potting it on and it has never flowered. They like to feel cramped apparently.

Having been before to the other great garden opposite Hidcote -- Kiftsgate. I can attest to the splendidness of that garden as well. But on this occasion, the timing was not right and it was closed.

Packwood House with its topiary of the Sermon on the Mount, its cottage garden on a grand scale and Carolean garden was very good. My husband was happy as he discovered two plants for sale that he had been searching for for ages. they have long and complex Latin names. The Angel's trumpet smells divine though -- a sort of talcum powder cum expensive soap smell. Packwood is mainly a 1920s - 1930s creation of Mr Baron Ash and his family. Baron was his first name. I do not know if he changed it by deed poll. He was an avid collector of Tudor furniture and textiles. One of his proudest moments was when Queen Mary came to visit. In the house they have a spinet. Spinets have black keys.

We then went down the road to Baddsley Clinton. Baddsley Clinton is one of the houses mentioned by the Jesuit John Gerard, the one where he explains how the entire company of Jesuits hid from priest hunters for four hours. They know about 3 priest holes, but there may be more. In front of one of the fireplaces, is said to be the blood stain of a priest killed by Nicolas Brome. There is also an early piano for about 1830. Pianos have white keys.

The house and the Ferrars family had its ups and downs with most of the furniture being sold off to Baron Ash, amongst others in the 1930s. Later several of the Ash family did help secure the house for the nation. It is a very popular house and entrance is by timed ticket. However, it exudes history.

Garden visiting

Today I took a small break from revisions. Actually it was in between drafts and so it is good to get my brain clear. We drove up to a friend's house in the Scottish borders. They were opening it for charity.

I was always envious of their old garden, but their new garden is absolutely glorious. 10 acres covered in a riot of azaleas, rhododendrons and other acid loving plants. They are right on the river Annan and the weather is just slightly more mild. Thus many things were slightly further on. Purple alliums vied with pink oriental poppies to create a carpet of colour. In the evenings, otters play in the upper pond. Unfortunately the house was built in 1863. An admiral and shipping magnate had it built so he could watch the water. And so I could not really used it for research purposes but it was one of those hidden gems that made me -- yes this is what Britain is supposed to be like.

Because of the scale of the garden, I couldn't be envious. All I could do was enjoy.

Now is the time of year to go garden visiting. The spring bulbs may be over, but the rhododendrons, azaleas and roses are just coming into bloom. By visiting the private gardens open for charity, it gives one a chance to snoop around and think about settings. When we lived in our old village, the annual garden open day was affectionately known as the garden snoop around. And there is one house -- the Newbrough Park that I still need to find a story for. It just is. And the owner of Newbrough Park during the Regency period has a life story that read like a Catherine Cookson novel -- illegitimate, abandoned on her father's doorstep, her grandmother insisted that she be brought up properly as the father had seduced a gentlewoman. She never married and became one of the largest landowners in the North East. Equally Nunwick Hall near is fascinating with its hostas growing in the ruins of the convent.

So do yourself a favour -- visit a garden today.

Anyway, the final edits of my Viking are calling. Hopefully my editors will like what I have done.