On a gloriously sunny day that had the crisp onset of autumn in the air I visited an intriguing garden nestled on the River Test in the Hampshire countryside.
People have been gardening at this idyllic slice of Hampshire since the 13th Century but the layout we see today is more recognisably Georgian with its parkland and walled garden.
One of the most interesting and special parts of this garden is the unusually large walled garden. There is something rather grand and yet intimate about a walled garden. The walls themselves are filled with history and have stood steadfast and protective for hundreds of years while successive inhabitants have tended and reshaped the transient planting contained within them; if only these walls could talk what a tale they would tell.
Mottisfont may be a large country garden but there are still ideas and inspiration that can be adapted to any size garden. I particularly liked the timber poles lent against the old walls to provide informal climbing support for Roses and Clematis.
Trees play a major role in this garden and this was particularly prevalent on a sunny autumnal day. With the blowsey flowers beginning to fade and take a back seat the autumn colour of the turning leaves and the interesting bark of the specimen trees took their position as the star attraction.
Although not a feature that most of us have the benefit of, I had to mention the natural spring or 'font' that gives Mottisfont its name. I have never seen such crystal clear water in my life, the deep pool that feeds the River Test looked as if it may have been made from a thin sheet of perfect glass.
