South Wiltshire Group Garden Party

On a late summer evening over forty members and guests had a wonderful find at the end of a drive through tiny hidden lanes: a patch of Eden nestled in the woods and valleys of the Stourhead estate. This was the spectacular garden of Gasper Cottage created by artist and owner Bella Hoare. First a winding path up through the ‘meadow’ orchard where boughs were hung with almost impossibly red apples. Then onto a perfect green lawn surrounded by imaginatively planted beds, either in hot colours or a quieter palette all still looking in great form towards the end of the season. Here we were welcomed by Suzanne Keene, Chair of the South Wiltshire CPRE who spoke about the activities of the Group over the past year and to come. Bella Hoare told us about her creation of the garden using colour, form and texture and ensuring a deep connection to the surrounding landscape. She told us of her gardening help and the rearing of hundreds of plants offsite each year which, added to all the self-seedings, allow this work of art to flourish. In the greying skies we drank extremely good wines chosen by committee member David Welsh who also supplied copious small eats which were consumed with relish. Then, via winding paths through the wilder parts of the garden looking out at the timeless trees of the woods on the other side of the valley and catching sight of a meandering steam train – albeit miniature in size expertly driven by our other host Johnnie Gallop. Our thanks go to him and Bella for providing such an intriguing setting for our 2024 Summer party. 

Report by Janey Stevens, CPRE South Wiltshire committee member.