A visit to The Old Rectory

This is the style of newsletter that I used to blog about a decade ago, in the carefree days. A lovely place I think you'd all enjoy visiting if you are in that neck of the woods. I was generously invited last weekend, but I visited the year before on the National Open Garden Scheme.

The Old Rectory, Farnborough

The magnolia and cherry blossom were in full swing last weekend standing in Caroline Todhunter's dreamy arboretum. Is it a blessing or a curse to live in a famous person's former home (Sir John Betjeman's) I sometimes think? Caroline is very much her own visionary and has created her garden from scratch, layering her collection of plants on to the landscape, with a view so unspoilt you could cry.

Mostly I think her style of gardening as so inspirational. She lets a giant fennel annoyingly/splendidly self seed in the middle of a path. Ruthlessly digs up dandelions (too harsh a yellow she said). And when she loves a tree, such as cherry blossom, she'll collect all variations of the genus and group them together.

Because sitting in the cobbled courtyard, with the sun on my face and a piece of victoria sponge was one of my happiest memories of last year with my Mother, I want you to go too.

Caroline is opening her garden four times this year through National Open Garden Schemes. It's a huge undertaking, the whole village helps her, and she says it's a good way of maintaining standards. I say its very generous, a lot of hard work and a very special place to visit.

I remember a plant and jam sale from last year, so take some cash. Use the sat nav link via the NSG platform and that way you won't get lost (like I did, driving not being my forté).

Until the next time,
​

Love, Isla