A breathtaking exhibition of natural beauty
Stow Hall Gardens are a true hidden gem, combining nods to the past with innovative ideas; the 20 acres hold fond family memories and provide a peaceful escape from daily life
In 2013, we visited the beautiful Stow Hall Gardens and were fortunate enough to enjoy it in the company of Lady Rose Hare, who sadly passed away in April of this year; her enthusiasm and evident passion for the gardens was inspiring. Her proud daughter, Lucy Hare, and sister Elizabeth Esse have committed to honouring her legacy by nurturing the treasure trove of gardening that she created. “Before my mum, the gardens had been neglected; her love of plants turned them into what they are today,” Lucy says. “She was an artist and a visionary, and you can see evidence of that throughout the gardens. Never afraid of change, she was involved in all aspects and worked closely with current Head Gardener Justin Garry over many years to make the gardens burst with new life.” As a result, they are truly spectacular. Fresh ideas, artistic planting and clever design make for a feast of colour and variation and the perfect blend of traditional English and modern approaches.
The Hare family have owned the gardens for over 500 years. They have changed considerably over time but have always been elaborate, with past designs including an enormous conservatory, a roseary, a significant greenhouse and a pine stove (for pineapples). Today, there are echoes of earlier gardens and nods to its fascinating history. “My parents converted the old stable block into the current house when they were married in the 60s, which now sits at the centre of the garden. Stow Hall itself was sadly dilapidated. It had been left to rot and was on the verge of collapsing. In 1995, my mum bravely decided to take it down, salvaging as much as possible,” says Lucy. “She kept the old entrance steps in situ, and what was the hallway is now a sunken garden full of colour, providing a lovely sheltered place to sit. The stone griffon from above the old doorway now stands in the kitchen garden framed by dark yew hedges.” Lucy recalls how bits of stone balustrade and a Hare family crest are incorporated into the garden’s structure. “Many of us locally even bought a brick from the hall to build the Stow cricket pavilion.”
The Walled Kitchen Garden, which was the first to be built, features many old varieties of pear and apple trees, some planted in the early 1800s. It is now used by the family and allotment holders. This year, on Sunday the 9th of October, the Annual Apple Tasting Day will be held in the courtyard, where visitors can try as many of the apples as they like - last year, they had 79 varieties. The site of the last Stow Hall - now dismantled - is carved out by a yew hedge, with an Incense Cedar in the old tower’s position and the original steps that would have led to the front door. The old pond has been replanted with white peonies and tulips, surrounded by four crab apple trees. The Old Rose Garden was laid out in the 1930s and has since been revitalised with a formal planting of Evereste crab apple trees, roses and silver foliage plants.
Stow Hall Gardens is known for its roses, boasting over 200 varieties, but it lends itself to an absolute smorgasbord of plants, and there is so much to see. “One of Mum’s favourites were the tiny Alpine plants nestled in old sinks and troughs,” says Lucy. “She used to get so excited when a tiny flower emerged - she couldn’t understand why people didn’t love them as much as her! Also, since leaving more of the spring and summer grass uncut, wild orchids have reappeared amongst the cow parsley and oxeye daisies. It is exciting to see them, having been dormant for many years.” The garden transforms season to season; bright banks of daffodils take centre stage in spring. Summer sees the fig trees come into their own, with the smell of the sweet, soft fruit ever-present. In autumn, the avenue of miniature crab apple trees in the rose garden are at their best, their fruit and bright red leaves so pretty, and in winter, you can admire the garden’s structure and the large, ancient trees against the sky.
The Hare family opened the gardens to the public in 1975, and visitors have been welcomed to Stow ever since. “My mum loved nothing more than inviting everyone to enjoy the gardens. She was always around, meeting new people, sharing ideas, and admiring a dog or two (!) on open days.” The gardens also host regular events such as concerts and theatre performances, clergy retreat days, special church services, and Apple Days.
Stow Hall Gardens is a local wonder and a reminder of the dedication of generations of Hares - particularly the late Lady Rose - and some very devoted gardeners who have left their mark on it in one way or another.
Visit churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk/stow-hall-gardens for more information. Follow @Stow.Hall.Gardens on Facebook to stay updated on upcoming events and open days.
Or contact stowhallgardens@gmail.com for group visits or other enquiries.
