Thyme Out ~ Kiftsgate Court Gardens
AT THYME
As we inch longingly closer toward the summer and to warmer, brighter days, we are ever more grateful for the simple pleasures of being among nature. At Thyme, the lambs are bowling around the fields and the meadows are a hive of activity. It’s at this transition from spring to summer, that the delicacies of nature can be so clearly and beautifully observed.
Further afield, the glorious rambling countryside and honey-hued market towns of the Cotswolds lie at our doorstep. The largest area of outstanding natural beauty in the country and a naturalist’s haven; its significant charm and appeal lies in the limestone walls, unkempt hedgerows and tumbling fields, often freckled with milling sheep. A lovely thing to do at this time of year is to take sanctuary in some private gardens, which we are blessed with in abundance in the Cotswolds.
Kiftsgate Court Gardens in full bloom
A scenic 50minute drive past the traditional market towns of Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden is Kiftsgate Court Gardens, a lesser known but favoured spot of ours, for that very reason. Kiftsgate is the creation of three generations of women gardeners, each one its driving force for a third of a century. Its inception came in the 1920s by Heather Muir, who possessed the vision that the gardens should develop organically, rather than planning everything on paper. The gardens were then adopted by Heather’s daughter, Diany Binny, who added the semi-circular pool in the lower garden, commissioned two sculptures and planted the tapestry hedge and rose garden. It was Diany who first opened Kiftsgate to the public in the 1950s and adopted the belief that plants and flowers should be allowed to show their natural character. This approach was fairly unusual at the time, and was revered as being particularly feminine in contrast to the more structured gardens of Hidcote and other neighbours!
Under the hands of Anne Chambers, Kiftsgate Gardens have become the most treasured place to while away an afternoon. Situated on top of a high hill, it offers stunning views across the vale below. You can meander hypnotically through the affluent beds of peonies, salvias, deutzias and roses and stop to marvel at the rare plants, cleverly acquired by one or other owner, while soaking in the scent of the Mock Orange blossom.
We are coming up to the best time of year for a visit. In June and July the gardens are in full swing, and the Rosa Filipes, the famous, giant Kiftsgate roses are on proud display! The colour scheme of complimenting lilacs, lavenders and rosy pinks is joyful and serene, powerful enough to momentarily carry you away from the frequent buzz of daily life.
Like Thyme, Kiftsgate is family owned, and has been for the past 100 years. It is a heavenly spot to visit during your stay with us, and we can arrange a private tour of the gardens especially for our guests. Have a big question to ask? We can think of just the place.. Start planning your summer in the Cotswolds.