at Clumber Park
Orangery - the longest glasshouse, at 130 metres long, cared for by the National Trust
Clumber Park Walled Kitchen Garden
This is the first of a series of articles on Walled Gardens
Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, once the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle, is a picturesque expanse of parkland, magnificent lake, gardens, 4-acre Walled Kitchen, Garden, heath, woods, and a haven for wildlife, covering more than 3,800 acres.
The Walled Kitchen Garden is home to the National Collection of rhubarb, consisting of over 130 culinary varieties; the second largest collection in world, and the National Collection of Apples with over 72 glorious varieties.
I had been wanting to revisit Clumber Park for so long; and was not quite sure why it had taken me so long, but the timing couldn't have been more perfect.
Recently, after discovering the joys of gardening, growing veggies, and immersing myself in Nature, then after photographing the seasonal changes of a friend's 'garden for nature' in Suffolk, I have fallen for Flowers, Wildflower Meadows, and Gardens, I am hoping to visit a few more gardens over the forthcoming weeks before the daylight becomes too short.
I was fortunate to have the place virtually to myself
Clumber is home to over 130 varieties of Rhubarb, and 72 varieties of Apples. Many apples had fallen to the ground, which is typical for this time of year, and the Rhubarb had been cut back. The garden was awash with colour, with many flowers making the most of the recent warmer temperatures, that seems to becoming the norm' for this time of year.
The romance & practicalities of a Walled Garden
There's something undeniably romantic about a walled garden and Orangery; so photogenic too. Walled Gardens provide privacy, seclusion, protection from the elements, and the walls, when made of brick or stone, retain heat from the sun. This helps to protect the garden during the Winter time.
The idea behind an enclosed garden can be dated back hundreds of years; in Europe during the Medieval times, hedges or fencing were used to protect plants within the walls during cold temperatures. But in the 18th century Batty Langley, a well-known garden designer, presented his plan for the 'compleat kitchen garden' design to Exton Park in Hampshire.
This addition to the Exton's estate, that already included wild stock on their land, would ensure their self-sufficiency, and with the addition of a Glasshouse, the growing time of many plants could be extended.
Bergamot orange - a fragrant citrus fruit, with a yellow or green color similar to a lime, depending on ripeness
As I stepped into the Orangery, the Bergamot orange trees transported me back to the Lemon Garden of Villa Sermolli in Tuscany.
Lemons are thought to have first grown in Assam, North-western India They were introduced to southern Italy around 200 AD, and have been cultivated in Egypt and Iran since 700 AD. Arabs spread lemons throughout the Mediterranean area during the early 2nd century.
The more I immerse myself in Flowers & Gardens, the easier it becomes to identify many more species.. I am not wanting to become an expert; knowing the basics will be just fine.
Bougainvilea
It was lovely to see a number of nods to Nature, through Bird nesting boxes and insect shelters.
Dahlia Pink - herbaceous perennial
Apple
Apple
Cosmos - freely flowering annual
Common Daisy
Cosmos - freely flowering annual
Cosmos - freely flowering annual
Cosmos - freely flowering annual
Rudbeckia Cone Flower
Dahlia Brigitta Alida
Dahlia pinnata - perennial herbaceous
Next - Belton House Orangery, Lincolnshire
If you have enjoyed this post, then do come back. Next week after the film scans have arrived in my Inbox, I will create a post about my visit to Belton Orangery.
I hope visit next year when the gardens and Walled Garden is in full bloom.
My Approach to photography
I am an artist who happens to use a camera to create artistic images with a Fine Art aesthetic, with a delicacy of touch, utilising subtle, natural light, authenticity, and colour echoed in real life, on analogue-film.
Film is natural, organic and inspiring, which is part of why it is so beautiful to work with. There is an intimacy and a level of respect when working with film. Its dynamic range is diverse, and forgiving in harsh, unforgiving light. Its grain is dreamy & romantic. Film provides a beauty, and depth that is untouchable by any other photographic medium.
Thank you for visiting.
Gina
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