BEHIND HIGHGROVE GARDENS
ACQUAINT ONESELF WITH THE HORTICULTURAL EXPERTS BEHIND HIGHGROVE’S MAGNIFICENT GARDENS.
HM King Charles lll arrived at Highgrove in 1980 and was greeted by nothing more than a humble kitchen garden and overgrown grove. Since his arrival, Highgrove House has not only become the family home of Their Majesties King Charles lll and The Queen but has been the subject of several renovations. Spanning over 15 acres, the once demure Highgrove Estate now boasts a series of interlinked gardens that share His Majesty’s ethos in pursuit of a green and harmonious environment.
Today, thanks to the dedication and hard work put in by an entourage of people, Highgrove Gardens is toured by up to 40,000 visitors a year and is revered as one of the most inspiring and innovative gardens in England.
HIGHGROVE BOUQUET
A floral hum of silver lime, mimosa, and cedar. As radiant as the scent of earthly sunshine.
What’s more, 10% of sales shall go toward the wonderful work being done at The Prince’s Foundation.
THE THYME WALK
Perhaps one of the most rare and visually astounding spots in the garden can be found at the Thyme Walk. An avenue of bold topiary line the path, clipped by the gardeners into unique and eccentric shapes. Drawing one’s eyes to the Terrace Garden, it can be rather easy to overlook the magnificent primroses and golden marjoram interspersed before a pleached hornbeam hedge on either side. Should you visit in autumn, you may catch the annual trimming of the golden yew, which takes place over a period of 6 weeks and results in a unique display of extravagant natural artwork that speaks to the gardens whimsical side.
THE WILDFLOWER MEADOWS
Renowned as one of the most scenic and attractive locations at Highgrove Gardens, the wildflower meadows bloom over four acres. Rich with over 70 varieties of plants, the meadow was named as the first of 60 coronation meadows in celebration of HM The Queen’s rise to the throne in 1953.
The meadows untamed beauty is continuously evolving as the seasons unfold. Spring becomes the land’s greatest showcase of florals – ‘Lent Lily’ and ‘Ice Follies’ daffodils bloom as the sunshine appears, while autumn sees crisp red leaves descend from Japanese Maple and Copper Beech trees. Sheep come to graze and tread seeds into the ground so the cycle can begin once more.
Should you venture beyond the meadow, you’ll find a kitchen garden where heritage fruit and vegetables are grown in plots designed to resemble the crosses of Saint George and Saint Andrew.
THE STUMPERY
Complete serenity and tranquillity are perhaps the best words to describe this little corner of Highgrove. Taking inspiration from old Victorian traditions, the upturned tree stumps give root to sprouting ferns and provide shelter for an abundance of wildlife.
Nestled within this orbit of relaxation lies the ‘wall of gifts’. As it’s namesake might suggest, the display features crafted donations from students of The Prince’s Foundation, as well as stones collected by HM King Charles lll.
In addition to maintaining the glorious estate, Highgrove’s gardeners continue to find innovative ways to nurture nature – a philosophy held dear to HM. From making their own compost and lead mould to handpicking berries used in Highgrove produce, the devoted team of horticultural experts continue to champion the Estate’s pursuit for a greener and sustainable future – and oh my, don’t they make it look good!
Further Reading
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