Cherrie's Notes
We went garden visiting and time travelling again recently.
Our visit took us through the stately wrought iron gates, which mark the formal entrance to Hillsborough Castle, these days open to us all in an everyday way as well as on those larger, special occasions.
Steven Martelli, who looks after the gardens and the parkland, was our guide on the day.
Averil Milligan, who worked at Hillsborough in a former professional life was with us too, so it was a case of 'all our yesterdays' for Averil, as we came across plants which she had planted, pruned or cared for.
How lovely to see the thriving Passiflora in the greenhouse and the stylish Cornus Controversa by the pond, both of Averil had planted and both of which were looking happy and healthy.
We began at the front of the house, where the planting is at an elegant minimum with seven clipped bay trees in simple white Versailles planters standing sentry-like against the honey-coloured stone walls.
They face a beautifully maintained circular lawn, in the centre of which sits a majestic study of the head of Ossian, son of Fingal, his hair streaming in the imaginary wind as he gazes northwards.
There is no hint at this point of the lovely County Down countryside, the rolling parkland and the charming gardens which lie beyond the house and which we were itching to explore.
The only tell-tale sign perhaps is a fulsome Rhododendron, the height of the house, a smaller cousin to the venerable giant reputed to be the largest Rhododendron in Europe, which sits within the gardens and is one of the many which you鈥檒l find throughout the parkland.
When you arrive at the back of the house the gardens begin to reveal themselves. A pretty, productive and recently planted herb garden sits in front of a cool cream wood-framed glasshouse where some of the more tender herbs and salads, used by the chef for the house, are grown.
The hardier herbs are cultivated in four neat box-framed triangles, among them Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Chives, Sorrel, Basil, Flat-leaved Parsley and Coriander, all to hand and all a living reminder that there is nothing better for any cook in any kitchen than to have an immediate supply of fresh herbs and salads.
Leaving the herbs behind we strolled past grand trees on our way to The Granville Garden, created originally by Lady Rose Granville, the Queen鈥檚 Mother鈥檚 sister, whose husband was a former governor.
Today the garden is delightfully planted with roses and herbaceous plants and framed by a very new, very green, very healthy Yew hedge.
Then it was on to the Jubilee Garden, the Yew Walk (once the road to Moira) The Wildflower Meadow, the pond, The Lady Alice Temple and The Lime Tree Walk ... and there was still so much to see and hear about, as Stephen reminded us.
So there was no option but to book a return visit for the autumn.
We can鈥檛 wait...
If however you would like to go right now, you鈥檒l find all you need to know by contacting Hillsborough Castle Booking Office either by ringing 0289268 9406 or by email to Hillsborough.castle@nio.x.gsi.gov.uk
In the meantime though, you can hear about the history and horticulture of Hillsborough Castle on this week鈥檚 programme.
Till next time it鈥檚 goodbye from me ... and in the time- honoured phrase, good gardening.
