Snape Cottage Plantsman's Garden

Head Gardener's Comment

This English country garden appeals to people on many different levels. The massive plant collection attracts enthusiastic plantspeople from all over the world. Some people prefer to simply relax and enjoy the colours, scents, tranquil atmosphere and many bird species to be seen here. People new to gardening are delighted by the fact that each plant is clearly labelled, and they can come and learn so much in one visit. Naturalists are entranced by the variety of birds, mammals and insects in this deceptively effortless-looking "natural garden". It is organically managed.

History

The garden has been made since 1987, evolving to accommodate the ever-increasing number of bulbs and perennial plants.

Plants of Note

The garden enjoys a variety of conditions - moist soil in sun, moist soil in shade, hot, dry areas and dry shade - which enables an enormous range of plants to be grown. Angela Whinfield is a plantswoman fascinated by the history of plants. Many of the plants at Snape Cottage are hundreds of years old and are scarce in cultivation. Plantago major 'rosularis' (Gerard's 'Great Greene Rose Plantaine' of 1596), Silene dioica flore plena (the double Red Campion), Mandrake and Dianthus "Bat's Double Red" are a few of the plants to be found here.

There are thousands of bulbs and perennials, including over 300 different Snowdrops. There are 'old' Edwardian daffodils, countless hardy Geraniums, Dianthus, Pulmonarias, Tall-bearded and Spuria Irises, Auriculas, 'old' Roses, and Astrantias.

They are all planted with love and care and a great deal of thought goes into the creation of this wonderful harmony of colour and scent!

The garden is planted in the Margery Fish informal style for interest every day of the year, so is worth visiting in every season.