Highgrove, part 2

Leaving this special place we were invited to glimpse through a gate into the Southern Hemisphere Garden where The Prince grows delicate Tree Ferns. The gates through which we passed were interesting in their own right, many having been made from drawings of Prince Charles during his travels. One such gate allowed us into The Azalea Walk where azaleas grow happily in pots. A stone sculpture of a dog, ‘Tigga’ , caught our eye, placed within the Cotswold stone wall above a grave. One of Prince Charles’ favourite dogs, Tigga would accompany him into the garden here. Often he would trick his master by hiding so that The Prince, unknowingly, would carefully close the gate to deter rabbits, before making his way back to the house. He would be some distance away before the bark of the trapped Tigga could be heard. There was nothing for it but to walk all the way back to release the mischievous dog. Prince Charles decided this part of the garden should be his final resting place. (just one of the very ‘human’ stories we were told about His Royal Highness) Through a faded pink door we entered, possibly The Prince’s favourite place, The Walled Garden – an acre of bountiful and beautiful vegetable garden. The four areas, laid out in the forms of two St Andrew crosses, and two St George crosses, are planted both for production and pleasing looks, eg the green and purple brussel sprouts mimic a chess set! We walked beneath tunnels of apple trees, heavy with fruit; arches of scented sweet peas, and hazel arches dripping with runner beans. At the centre of the four areas sits a moss-covered fountain surrounded by herbs. In the water, Koi Carp, a present from Yehudi Menuhim, lurk beneath the water lilies. The mellow perimeter walls are covered with roses, and fruit trees planted as fans. Leaving this place full of all things good and organic, we entered The Arboretum. Prince Charles has chosen to plant maples for outstanding autumn colour, amongst ash, hazel and cherry trees. From beneath a Katsura tree we were invited to collect some of its sweet, vanilla scented leaves to keep as bookmarks. A horseshoe shaped seat nearby was formerly the arched entrance to The Healing Garden at The Chelsea Flower Show. At its centre stands a beautiful bronze sculpture of four ladies in flowing dresses – The Daughters of Odessa, which was created in remembrance of the young women of the 20th century who have suffered through repression. Acers planted alongside, cleverly pick out the colour of the statue.

In a quiet corner, amongst the trees, stands The Prince’s private Chapel, The Sanctuary. Commemorating the Millennium, it is built from blocks made of clay and barley straw and is covered in a golden lime render. Blessed by The Bishop of London, above its door is the inscription, ‘Lighten our darkness we beseech thee O Lord’. Much love and care by The Prince went into the design of this private place. It depicts the trees from around the garden, and the walls are decorated with designs of vegetables as an expression of thanksgiving for all good things from God. The stain-glass windows depict flowers and leaves from the garden. The saying, ‘One is nearer to God in a garden than anywhere else on earth’ sprang to mind.

Making our way back towards the house, passing a giant topiary frog and snail, and impressive solid slate pots, we walked down what is known as The Tulip Walk where, in Spring, tulips form a wide purple edging. Standing in front of the house we admired its vistas, one, an uninterrupted view to the church spire in Tetbury, bathed in sunshine, and another down an avenue of limes towards a cast iron column which came from Victoria Station. Perched on the top is a gilded steel bird on its nest. Yew hedges, formed into ‘clouds’, drew our eye to the Chicken Palace. The hens were not at home. Instead, we were told, they were scratching happily away in The Orchard. At the south, Wisteria clad side of the house, we entered The Sundial Garden. Originally planted with roses edged with lavender, it now has neat Box-edged borders planted in a black and white theme to great effect. Another of Prince Charles’ ‘finds’ stands at the end of this garden – some fine iron gates which now sport the feathers of The Prince of Wales, fashioned in gold. Yew hedging, sculpted into shape, encloses the rest of the garden. To the west of the house we stood beside the towering Cedar of Lebanon – a fine tree which first attracted Prince Charles to Highgrove.

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