A most enjoyable evening was had by some of the gardening enthusiasts of the Adderbury and District WI in July. Tucked away from view along Wycombe Lane and just outside the village of Broughton are the beautiful gardens of Grange Farm.
A group of around 20 were shown around the tiered gardens by the Head Gardener. Hundreds of trees have been planted here over the last few years, at the edge of the main gardens, and have been under planted with a wild flower meadow.
The top tier of the garden consisted of beautiful circular espalier apple trees, which encased the soft fruits of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. The surrounding ground was full of growing seasonal vegetables.
This tier led onto the pond and green house which were planted in mid summer colours of herbaceous plants, tomatoes and beautiful fuchsias.
The following tier was planted in the form of the plant cell structure and was interplanted with seasonal annuals.
From here the path led us down to the stumpery which lay at the bottom of the valley where the familiar Sor Brook runs its course. The land here is damp and is the perfect setting for Hosta’s and Ferns.
The winding path led us back up through a wooded area past a beautiful, if a little spooky looking, tree house hide, which then led us back up to the main house where more formal box and rose gardens grew, dotted with lavender and the beautiful smelling matucana sweet pea.
The evening was completed with most of us buying some beautiful plants to take home and enjoy