I arrived on a glorious summers afternoon to ‘take up residence’ in the South Wing of this wonderful old 18th century stately home, my very own little Downton Abbey moment!

The gardens at Hanbury Hall have been restored to their former 18th century glory, in keeping with the original plans for formal and productive gardens around the house, with vistas and avenues leading out into the surrounding park. 

The interiors of Hanbury Hall are splendid, now lovingly cared for by the National Trust.

An impressive staircase dominates the hall with masterly paintings depicting the life of Achilles leading you to the next floor.

The rooms are filled with antique furniture, paintings and objects befitting this grand old house. I’ve certainly picked up a few decorating tips for ‘Hoad Hall’ on my return!!!

As with all things in life, it sometimes turns out that the little unexpected moments or discoveries, turn out to be the most pleasurable and memorable.

This was certainly true for many of the gardens I visited – some of the highly publicised and much praised failed to impress, whereas many of the lesser known, smaller gardens were little gems!

Stone House Cottage was one such jewel, set in an old walled kitchen garden. Crumbling arches, towers and gazebos, overgrown with climbing plants are the back drop of this beautiful atmospheric garden.

Filled with unusual and interesting annuals and perennials, allowed to drape over the walls and tumble across paths, they imbue this garden with a sense of romance and seclusion.

Another such garden is Stockton Bury, again filled with unusual plants and exciting combinations. The long borders and curvaceous beds, brimming with colour, draw the eye from one area to the next.

A highlight is the boggy water garden, dominated by giant Gunnera and awash with candelabra primula and fairy floss astilbes, with a quirky grotto punctuating the gardens end.

A garden that never fails to impress is the glorious Hidcote Manor in the Cotswolds, created by Lawrence Johnston in the first half of the 20th century.

There is much to admire and learn from in this garden - the strong design elements, the clever use of axises, the enclosed ‘rooms’, the rare and unusual plants. 

I took the opportunity this week to pay homage to William Shakespeare, visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, marking 400 years since his death. 

I also enjoyed the abundance of antique, coffee and book shops – well let’s face it, I can’t look at gardens all day!

Happy gardening,

George Hoad