Holme Hale Hall with The Wildflower Club

A Sunday afternoon in August saw the biggest Wildflower Club visit yet with over 40 attendees at Holme Hale Hall gardens in Norfolk. It may have been a cloudy afternoon but it was a little relief after the heatwave that had come during the week before.

Arrival was down a long winding driveway, the house and gardens hidden from the view of the world, a true hidden gem. We were greeted by the hall’s owner and gathered together on the front lawn to learn of garden’s history, a walled garden attached to the house that had been redesigned at the turn of the century by Arne Maynard; RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal and Best in Show winning garden designer who is hailed by his profession as one of most important garden designers working today.

Hubby wasn’t able to make the visit this month so I attempted to explain what I’d seen when I returned home, the best I could do was -

A mix of formality and loose beauty, soft and delicate yet formed and defined. Shades of pinks and purples with elegance and joy in abundance. As you enter the garden through the ornate metalwork gate the first thing that draws your eye are the repeated arches of apple trees; so perfectly manicured and covered in fruit, fruit and vegetables sit within beds next to those filled with flowers and shrubs. The flowers so tall- gently swaying above our heads in some cases…..I must admit to feeling rather jealous of this perfect space; even the compost heaps were envy making!

After the walled garden there was the cutting garden just for flowers to fill the Hall and Church, then onto the meadow which was passed it’s best but filled with seed heads and definitely one to return to see, then down the drive a little to the river and island reached by listed bridge, a wander through the trees and some time spent soaking up the peace before heading back past the house for the most spectacular spread of cakes I’ve ever seen; and they tasted just as good as they looked. Scrumptious.

For me the club has become more than just an excuse to visit some gardens and enjoy some cake, it’s become a place to feel happiness and joy from the other club members; to see nature through their eyes and the best bit… to hear the happy noises and bumble of conversations as the cake is enjoyed and garden notes discussed.