New planting brings seasonal colour change at Witley Court & Gardens

Out with the old and in with the new – that’s what has happened in Witley Court’s East Parterre garden, as the faded spring plants have been replaced for a colourful spectacular to greet visitors over the summer months.

Gone are the tulips that brightened up the structured planting in April and May, and in their place comes a veritable cornucopia of Pelargonium, Gazania and Ageratum plants which will bloom over the coming months.

“The structure of the planting is very similar to a stained glass window, with each compartment within the box hedge structure requiring its own colours and planting to give height and texture to the whole picture,” comments head gardener, Richard Squires.  “As ever with gardens, there is a learning curve as we try out new varieties of plants to see which best suit the East Parterre, which means that visitors will never see the same planting two years in a row.  This year, for example, our permanent Pernettyas have suffered through the winter, so we are replacing them with red Pelargoniums.”

Wherever possible, the flowers used are varieties that would have originally featured in the garden, which was designed by Nesfield.  This year’s displays will have slightly fewer Gazania, whilst Verbena Venosa will be used alongside Calceolaria – which originated in South America – alongside Heliotropes and Lobelia speciosa.

“The East Parterre is a garden that appeals to everyone – the fine scrolling and coloured gravel pathways make it look like a work of art, and children often walk down the different paths to explore the garden, whilst the keen gardener will often see varieties that are often not available from most major nurseries,” adds Richard.

The East Parterre’s planting forms part of a much larger scheme within Witley Court’s extensive grounds; from April through until late September, there is always some part of the garden in full bloom, with the summer planting scheme in the East Parterre taking over from the flowering rhododendrons which took a battering from the unseasonal rain.  There are also lots of wild flowers in the wilderness garden, including ox eye daisies, which have enjoyed the damper conditions.

The wet weather has also suited a pair of great crested grebes living on Witley Court’s lake.  Staff were delighted when the couple welcomed a young duckling that the mother carries around on her back!

Witley Courtis open daily from 10.00amto 5.00pm.  Admission prices are £6.50 for adults, £5.90 for concessions and £3.90 for children, with a family ticket (two adults and up to three children) for £16.90.  For more information, please call 01299 896636 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/witleycourt.  You can also follow Witley Court & Gardens on Facebook.

ENDS

For further media information, please contact:

Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (West Midlands)

Tel: 0113 251 5698

Mob: 07810 546567

Email: jay@fim.org.uk