Horticultural Society Visit to Kelmarsh Hall

Members of the Warmington Horticultural Society enjoyed a visit to ‘Tulip Fortnight’ at Kelmarsh Hall on 26th April. Twenty five members and friends ventured west on the A14 to this 18th century hall and gardens a few miles south of Market Harborough on the Leicestershire/ Northamptonshire border.

After a welcoming coffee on the lawns in front of the house, the head gardener gave us an informative tour of the gardens. The gardens have been inspired by a 1920s American resident of the hall, Nancy Lancaster, and throughout the day we learnt of her colourful history.

We explored the different ‘rooms’ of the garden divided by trees, hedging and walls, including a serene white garden, long borders, bluebell wood and a walled garden that’s being restored. A wonderful display of colourful tulips were to be seen in pots and borders throughout the garden.

Refreshed after a tasty lunch we were treated to a tour of the hall. We learnt more about the history of the hall and estate, including the fact that the road into the village had been lowered to enhance the vista from the front of the hall. Our tour finished in a dramatic drawing room decorated with Chinese wallpaper.

The views from the rear of the hall across the formal terrace to the lake and pasture beyond were stunning. We all thoroughly enjoyed the day and gained our own inspiration for planting tulips for next year!

16 May 2009