Hestercombe

A rainy May adventure to Hestercombe, Taunton.

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Hestercombe with 50 acres of varied gardens, based in Somerset, is a feast for the eyes.
The Great plat - a large sunken parterre with geometric borders was completely deserted, due to the very heavy rain, but it didn’t stop our adventure!

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The image below is one of the entrances to the formal gardens, with distant views over the stunning countryside beyond. Detailed stonework and climbers draped over the stone walls create a lovely enclosed feeling.
Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) created some 400 gardens, Hestercombe being one of the many beautifully designed Edwardian spaces she made in collaboration with Sir Edwin Lutyens.

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A sculptural Acer acts like a centurion leading down towards the sunken garden. This is mirrored on the other side of the sunken garden with a purple acer.

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Secret stone pathways with wisteria laden walls lead you down to the more formal area of the Orangery.

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Steps, covered with Erigeron, heading towards the Orangery. Cleverly placed sculpture and pots lead the eye upwards over the herbaceous borders, creating a sense of depth and interest.

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