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Abbey House Gardens
By Chris MacAleavy
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Having first encountered a collection of Iris germanica surrounded by clipped box, the visitor to Abbey House soon reaches the Knot garden. Here low hedges of dwarf red berberis interweave with grey leaved santolina and box. Rising above these miniature hedges are fine topiary specimens of box and variegated holly.
Beyond the Knot garden extensive herbaceous borders already provide rich colour although most plants are yet to flower. The borders include many different varieties of geranium, together with an abundance of delphiniums, asters, phlox, tradescantias, verbascums and other classic herbaceous plants. These will provide an excellent show throughout the season.
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The nearby rose garden has an extraordinary massing of many different varieties of rose. To see this quantity of well-labled plants in one small area is a source of both delight and instruction.
The herb garden contains a large collection of common and unusual herb's. These range from the humble nettle and dandelion to the more unusual skullcap ( often used in herbal cough medicines ). These are many different lavenders and thyme's. The huge metal pergola of the herb garden is home to roses and clematis on one side and on the other side, trained fruit trees. Interestingly, the fruits include historic examples such as the quince and medlar.
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This brief survey of the plants of Abbey House relates to only part of its fascinating garden. Throughout the plants are beautifully presented and labelled so that the modern visitor can learn a great deal. With its traditional fruits and medicinal herb's, the garden would also delight the monks of medieval Malmesbury.
Chris MacAleavy
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