Helmingham is a splendid Tudor hall
surrounded by a wide moat and set in 400 acres of deer park. The ancient house is the home of the Tollemache family and the
drawbridge is still pulled up at night as it has been for the last 400 years. The
garden, one of the finest in England, is full of interest throughout the year but it is
particularly beautiful when the musk roses are in bloom.
These were planted by the present Lord Tollemache's mother
in 1965 and the collection is still being increased. The roses grow in wide borders
beneath the walls and are underplanted with London Pride and edged with Hidcote lavender.
In the walled garden there are eight beds divided by grass
paths and magnificent arched tunnels covered with sweet peas, gourds and runner
beans. Old varieties of climbing roses are supported by wires. A splendid
double herbaceous border runs down the centre. The kitchen garden is
immaculate. Between the walls and the moat are long bed with peonies, tulips, iris
and roses. The border to the west has pink, white and silver flowers that fill the
air with scent on summer evenings.
In 1982 Lady Tollemache, with advice from Lady Salisbury,
designed a Tudor garden to the east of the house. A herb and knot garden were
created with low hedges of lavender and box. The beds contain plants known to
have been grown in England before 1750. A bed of golden thyme is graced by a statue
of Flora. Within the formal structure there is plenty of informal planting with old
roses, violas, campanulas and white foxgloves. The Tudor garden is enclosed by a yew
hedge and paths lead out to the old stables and the Coach House were refreshments are
served.
Large herds of red and fallow deer graze in the park, as
their ancestors have done since 1600. Some of the oak trees here are thought to be
900 years old. |