PLACES TO VISIT
Recommended places to see seasonal plants at their best both in Europe and the UK
De Carishof is a lovely garden in Limburg, the southernmost province of the Netherlands. First built in 1640, the farmhouse at its centre has undergone many changes over the years, the most significant being the addition of a traditional, Limburg double Dutch gable in 1777. The garden itself is divided into several parts by hedges and both its layout and planting are quite formal close to the house gradually becoming more naturalistic as you move closer to the garden’s edges. The flower borders, which are mainly concentrated around the house, are almost completely planted with perennials in a subtle colour palette of mostly white, pink and blue. Towards the boundaries you will also find fruit trees and bushes as well as grape vines. Retersbekerweg 1, 6343 PK Klimmen, the Netherlands. Tel +31 (0)45 405 5690, decarishof.nl
For lovers of the plants associated with new perennial schemes there is possibly no better garden to visit than Hermannshof in the German town of Weinheim. Under the directorship of Cassian Schmidt, this public park has become a renowned research garden looking at new directions in planting design, especially in naturalistic planting style. The combinations Cassian has created are inspired by the way plants associate in nature, and his team also carries out research into the use and maintenance of hardy perennials in the wine-growing climate. It’s also a glorious park and a
pleasure to explore, with around 2,500 different perennials on display and numerous old trees, including some that are quite rare in Germany. Open daily. Babostraße 5, Weinheim, BadenWürttemberg, Germany. Tel +49 (0)6201 13652 sichtungsgartenhermannshof.de
In a quiet part of Normandy, just outside Bayeux, is the wonderful Les Jardins de Castillon. First opened in 1985, the garden was created by Anglophiles Colette and Hubert Sainte-Beuve, and has a very English feel particularly in the long, overflowing double herbaceous border, known as L’Allée des Fleurs. The two-and-a-half acre garden has been divided up into ten separate areas, and each has its own unique feel. The garden as a whole is a delight to visit, especially in high summer. Open until 12 October, 2-5pm, Tuesday to Saturday (and Sundays in June and July, 2.30-5.30pm), €7. Les Jardins de CastillonPlantbessin, 14490 Castillon, France. Tel +33 (0)2 31 92 56 03, jardins castillonplantbessin.com
Colette and Hubert say they have been influenced by many well-known English gardens and I suspect one of those gardens may well have been the wonderful Arts and Crafts garden at Rodmarton Manor. Laid out by Claud and Margaret Biddulph, between 1909 and 1929, the eight-acre Cotswold garden is among the loveliest in England. There is so much to enjoy in this many faceted garden from its quirky topiary and abundant roses to its glorious herbaceaous borders that in summer burst into life, overflowing with a rich mix of planting that is constantly changing but always worth exploring. Open until the end of September, 2-5pm, £5. Rodmarton Manor, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6PF. Tel 01285 841442, rodmarton-manor.co.uk