Oh to be in England

. . . now that April's here.*

Is there anything better in this world than opening a book and falling into — and in love with — another world? I could go on at great length about this book — Herterton House and a New Country Garden — since I took about 4 pages of notes. Suffice it to say that it is a rapturous read if you love all the details of English country life, the work of bringing a long-abandoned 17th C. house back to life and every aspect of creating an outstanding garden.

Wonderful stories and characters abound and the photos of the house and garden are breathtaking, including those of the derelict property as it looked when Frank and Marjorie Lawley (below) moved into this National Trust site in the 1970s. Without the "before" images of both the buildings and the grounds it would be impossible to appreciate the feats of design and construction that this couple managed. While the Lawleys did much on their own they also teamed with an array of craftspeople whose work and personalities get equal billing in the book. 

As an American I can only dream of creating a garden enclosed by walls that look as old as the house because they were often built using old stone found on the property, or bought or bartered as the years went by. Though Marjorie raised many plants from seeds and cuttings, early on they took advantage of a going-out-of-business sale at a 300-year-old nursery. The Lawleys came home with a treasure trove of plants including a 100-year-old "Harry Lauder's Walking Stick."

They opted to use many yellow-foliaged or yellow and white evergreens to "radiate heat" in the bare garden during the winter months, an idea that many of us cold climate gardeners might follow. As the image below shows, not every part of the garden was filled with flowers. Geometry and structure play a major role throught the property.

The Lawleys had enough room that they could grow on plants for the garden as well as for sale. They sold them wrapped in damp newsprint in plastic bags, the same way I usually package a plant for a friend. The book is graced with Frank Lawley's evocative — and often poetic — writing and Marjorie's detailed drawings and plant lists. As if their amazing gardening feats were not enough to bowl me over, the couple created an equally creative home as evidenced by pictures of them working away at needlepoint upholstery for their fireside chairs. No project inside or out was deemed too small or too large to be undertaken by this talented couple, and always with aesthetics as the first and the final consideration. I enjoyed every moment I spent with the Lawleys and think you will, too.

*(with apologies to Robert Browning). 

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

You make this sound like a good read. Something I could sink my eyes into.

[Linda Brazill]

Visually a treat. I just love reading about Brits who make amazing gardens like this.

[Peter/Outlaw]

You've sold me! Looks and sounds like an interesting book about an amazing couple and their garden and home.

[Loree / danger garden]

This looks like a good one for next winter, I must add it to my library list. Thank you!

[Linda Brazill]

Given how obsessive we are about our gardens, it's always fun to read about people who go way beyond us!

[Barbara H.]

I "looked inside" on Amazon and enjoyed the writing a lot. I'll have to put this on my list. Thanks, Linda!

[Linda Brazill]

He is an excellent writer.

[rusty duck]

Sounds like a book I should be reading. Don't go too romantic on England.. it's flippin' raining, AGAIN!

[Linda Brazill]

Since the beginning of the year we are almost double the normal rainfall. I think it must be raining everywhere.

[Jenny]

Thank you, thank you for bringing this garden and this book to my attention. I have never heard of it. National Trust? That is my kind of dream garden-and a life's work for the Lawleys. Going to check on it right now.

[Jenny]

Oh No! I just found out its in Northumberland. We visited several NT gardens there but not this one. I wonder if it was closed on the days we were there. That can be the only reason we didn't go. Maybe the book will have to suffice.