A PERSONAL ACCOUNT
After all the wet blustery weather of the previous days, Wednesday 9 February dawned bright and sunny - the promise of a perfect day for our Garden Forum visit to Rode Hall. As soon as I turned through the unimposing gates, snowdrops were scattered along the lovely tree-lined drive. Approaching the house they looked the most spectacular massed in the grass under the large mature trees. Last year at this time we were the only visitors and I have vivid memories of huddling round the log fire in the stable block serving as refreshment area. So I was a little daunted to see so many cars already parked. However in her inimitable style, Lady Baker-Wilbraham in her maxi stylish grey coat was there enthusiastically welcoming all visitors.
Our group of course had preferential treatment as one of members Sue knows Lady Ann as she supports the local Marie Curie Cancer Care Foundation fundraising efforts. Our special treat today was to be given a tour of her special snowdrop collection - all beautifully labelled. The two Australian terriers looked sadly out of the window, deprived today of human contact with promise of titbits. She told us that they had been especially naughty on a local shoot - but had got away with their offences by being so adorable. Meanwhile the cafe became full up and another group’s body language reflected ‘no room, no room', as in the ‘Mad hatter’s tea party. We whiled away the time in the walled kitchen garden nearby, admiring a mature Vibernum ‘bodnatense’ in it full pink regalia and exuding it’s delicate perfume. In the green house scented geranium leaves had to sniffed, Mimosa was in it’s full yellow flower, and there was a magnificent peony - like Camelia (Kramer's surprise) to admire. We all reminisced about the wonderful vegetables purchased at various times last year and had our usual debate about directions to the roadside outlet nearby!
Returning to the stable-block the room was even more crowded. Being an enterprising lot and very hungry , we quickly assembled tables together outside and were soon served the tasty home-made soup by Lady Baker-Wilbraham. Sustained we set off for the main gardens, managing to temporarily lose some members before we set off. Snowdrops abounded everywhere, but it is the Hellebores that are the real stars, which seem to multiply and look even more stunning than last year. We strolled past the Stew pond down to the lake to see the Heron lazily flapping it’s wings before disappearing into the reed bed in the distance. The cold wind drove us back through the woods, along the stony paths, past the rocks and grottoes beloved of our Victorian ancestors, to the inviting fire of the now empty stables. Clasping hot cups of tea, we managed to catch the last of the coffee cake before departing homewards, but not before our purchases of plants coveted on our tour. The pretty mauve primula ‘Genevieve’ is still my favourite for the raised bed in my garden and it is a good memory for a superb day out in such good company.
OPENING TIMES
Rode Hall Gardens are brilliant any time of year, but most spectacular in May for their Rhododendrons and Azaleas. They have an open day for the National Garden Scheme.
House and Gardens are open from April to September - Wednesdays and Bank Holiday Mondays.
Gardens only open Tuesdays and Thursdays.