Stone Garden

This is one of the oldest parts of the garden, offering excellent growing conditions for a range of plants including Japanese maples, peonies and a selection of choice woodland perennials.

A corner rich in history

Originally designed by Lady Anne's mother in 1932, this is one of the oldest parts of the garden. The stone lion in the centre is thought to be an emblem of local landowners the Rolle family, and the grinding stone upon which it sits is probably from a nearby mill. 

At the bottom of the Stone Garden, a Tōrō stands above the foliage. This Japanese stone lantern, which traditionally lights the path to a Buddhist temple, sets the scene; showcasing plants that no Japanese garden could do without.
 

A taste of Japan

Pinus parviflora (Japanese white pine) injects height and structure, Ophiopogon japonicus (mondo grass) provides evergreen ground cover, and Prunus incisa (Fuji cherry) welcomes spring with vibrant blossom. Iris ensata, with its stunning large and fleeting flowers, provides the link into summer.

Japan’s climate is similar to ours, so we are able to grow a wide range of these plants; something different from our usual palette.

Camellias for an early spring

Camellias such as Camellia x williamsii ‘Saint Ewe’ get spring off to an early start. This stunning plant can start flowering as early as November and continues well into spring. With its vibrant, single, pink flowers it was one of the first plants arising from the breeding work of John Charles Williams in the 1920s.

It was named after the village of St Ewe in Cornwall, and as more cultivars were introduced a surge of interest in camellias ensued.

Spring highlights

Plants in this section

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