Last week I posted about a quick visit to Buckland Abbey and hinted that I went somewhere else, between munch stops there. As well as Buckland, just two miles away is the beautiful Garden House, a long time favourite of mine. It was created by Keith Wiley, and considered one of the most innovative gardens in Britain. Keith left the Garden House behind twelve years ago, but he didn’t go very far, Wildside, along with Buckland and the Garden House form a trio of must see gardens, within three miles.
With his wife, artist Ros Wiley, Keith has taken a few acres of field and transformed it into a paradise filled with plants from close to home and around the world. The garden has a naturalistic style, and aims to allow plants to thrive as they would in the wild. They began by developing the lower garden.
It looks so mature, you’d never believe it’s only been twelve years.
The upper garden and the transitional areas are still being worked on, but of course a garden is never finished anyway.
I’m afraid it was a rainy day, I was holding my camera and an umbrella and both wobbled around, so my photos don’t do the garden justice. I’ll just have to go back again!
The garden is only open a few days each year, and they have a few plants for sale. My eyes feasted on a little Molly the Witch peony, I brought it home and hope I can keep it alive. Keith and Ros were there and happy to chat, I asked how many people they have helping them. The answer, none, they’ve done it all on their own, a remarkable feat.
I’d highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area at the right time, and I intend to watch the future developments of this glorious floral canvas.
Lucid Gypsy 
Oh, how beautiful. Such dedication is commendable, but I’m sure their efforts are really well rewarded. Goodluck with Molly the Witch. 🙂
Wonderful! Hope your new plant thrives!
My sort of place, but you knew that already. Had a look at the little witch – how lovely to have a yellow peony, I haven’t seen many of them around. Do hope it likes your garden 🙂
Beautiful garden, and your photos were great even with the rain. I live the variety of colors and the lushness of it.
Thank you! The garden was stunning and I’d love to go back without the rain 🙂
Truly lovely picture, Gilly. I hope your new little plant thrives.
The free~flowing style of this garden is inspiring Gilly, thank you for showing it to us. I’m trying to create that in my own outdoor space, but as you say, it t takes time and patience to let it all grow. good luck with your little plant! 🙂
Molly the witch! You’d have to buy it with a name like that. Use all your Gilly-magic to keep it thriving.
I imagine the gardens are so beautiful because of the rain.
The heat here burn many plants. The garden photographs was like a walk with you, Gilly.
Thank you for posting these luscious plant photos. 😎
What beautiful photos of all of these flowers. Simply enchanting.
Thanks Renee, I would have liked the rain to hold off 🙂
Another one to add to our growing list Gilly!