A rainy May adventure to Hestercombe, Taunton.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.