What's on in Gloucestershire

Kiftsgate Court Gardens

Mar - Sep 2009 (annual)

Cost: £6; under 16s £2

Hours: Mar & Apr, Aug & Sep: Sun, Mon & Wed 2pm-6pm
May-Jul: Sat-Wed 12pm-6pm

Kiftsgate Court's gardens are often overlooked on account of their famous neighbour (Hidcote Manor) across the road. But the formality of Hidcote is beautifully offset by Kiftsgate's steep terracing, unusual planting and breathtaking beauty.

The garden was established by the current owner's grandmother, Heather Muir, in the first half of the 20th century. She was herself deeply inspired by the work of her neighbour and friend, Major Johnson who created the gardens at Hidcote Manor next door.

But where Hidcote can seem rigid and overly regular, Kiftsgate's luxurious planting and daring proportions create something entirely different. Built on the side of a steep limestone escarpment, the lower garden is criss-crossed by stone paths which take the visitor down to a crescent-shaped pool. From here a stunning view of the Malvern Hills is not to be missed.

Towards the end of April and the beginning of May Kiftsgate boasts a tremendous visual treat: the bluebell wood turns the ground to a carpet of violet with contrasts of colours provided by the white and pink blossom and red American maple leaves.

Whatever time of year you visit, Kiftsgate will not disappoint. If the bluebells are finished then come in mid-July to see the 400 blooms of the Kiftsgate Rosa filipes, the largest rose in England. It drapes itself around an enormous copper beach tree and at the last count was more than 50 feet high! The Japanese water garden, featuring a rectangular pool with stepping stones to a central square of even lawn, is a favourite with children.

Kiftsgate's huge appeal is nicely put by A G L Hellyer writing in a 1954 edition of Gardening:

"There is nothing of the wilderness here and one is immediately conscious that everything is in its place and is there for a definite purpose. That purpose is to produce a series of pictures in colour that are rich but never glaring. They are the colours I associate with fine tapestry."

Kiftsgate Court

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