On 16th July, 29 members and friends of Biddenham Gardeners Association visited Broughton Grange Gardens near Banbury, Oxfordshire. Our first stop was the Saye & Sele Arms in the village of Broughton for lunch and refreshments, followed by a short ride to the gardens, where we were met by Head Gardener, Andrew Woodall. Andrew gave us a short talk on his background and the history of the garden …
The Morell family owned the house for nearly 200 years, until bought by its present owners in 1992. It is set in 350 acres of gardens, parkland and farmland. The gardens have been extensively renovated in recent years. Andrew provided a well illustrated map of the gardens allowing us to wander at will. The terraced garden has many features which include a Wildflower meadow, Laburnham tunnel, Walled garden, Yew terrace, Victorian sunken garden, Bamboo garden, Stumpery, Peat wall garden, not forgetting the Long borders, Rose garden and Parterre and a large pond full of large carp.
A garden well worth visiting. A well stocked nursery tempted many of us and the visit finished with tea and biscuits. A very enjoyable afternoon, photos provided by Paul.
Janet Bird
> click for Paul’s photos
