Combermere Abbey success

Combermere Abbey has been awarded a silver medal at RHS Tatton Flower Show, as one of seven back-to-back show gardens at this year's show, representing 'Cheshire Gardens of Distinction'.

All seven encapsulated the theme 'English Gardens', with the county's most coveted gardens on display.

Other medals awarded within this prestigious collection were The Adlington Hall Garden (Silver Gilt); and Fryer's Roses and the National Trust's Biddulph Grange Gardens (Silver).

Combermere's garden design, entitled 'An Eye on Combermere' was designed by Head Gardener, Phil Tatler, and influenced by the Walled Victorian Gardens at the Abbey and in particular, their unique fruit tree maze.

The show garden's central point was eye-shaped, and within this, the focal point was a Golden Apple, designed and made by Peter Beckett, symbolically representing 'The Apple of My Eye.'

The show garden had five areas, a reflection of the number of paths within the maze, representing the five petals on a fruit blossom flower. Each of the five areas mirrored elements from the Abbey's walled gardens.

Four planted beds each give a snapshot of the planting; Blue and White, with Agapanthus, Eringium and White Astrantia; Shaded, containing hostas and ferns; Ornamental Grasses, interspersed with colourful but dainty plants and a Summer Border with 'hot' perennials – each area separated by Yew pyramids. The fifth area of the garden design is a shady seat under an oak and pine pergola, constructed from locally sourced wood and crafted by the gardening team.

Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey, commented: "'We are completely delighted by our medal and the interest shown in our gardens at the Show. Phil and the team worked extremely hard to replicate the essence of the walled Gardens at Combermere, which cleverly wove in many key design elements and symbolism from its features.

"Knowing the exacting standards of the RHS, I think that this is a superb achievement for our very first show garden with the RHS and an accolade to Phil's creativity.'"

Sam Youd, Chair of Cheshire's Gardens of Distinction, added:"'It was fantastic to see all the gardens coming together at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park to fly the flag for Cheshire's gardens. We are delighted with the results and look forward to continuing to work together."

The Walled Gardens at Combermere in their hey-day were cultivated by a team of gardeners and had fallen into ruin during the second part of the C20th. Since 1993 their design and planting has been gradually restored, resulting in the beautiful Gardens that can be enjoyed by many visitors today.

The fruit tree maze, the only one of its kind in the world, is an espaliered labyrinth of redcurrants, gooseberries and over 25 varieties of apple and pear trees. At the heart of the maze is The Glasshouse, designed by Messenger, and now also magnificently restored.

Combermere's Walled Gardens will be open to the general public on several dates this summer for a series of Charity Open Garden events on 26th July, 24th August and 21st September (see www.combermereabbey.co.uk)

The gardens present a magnificent backdrop, and are integral to the Abbey's award-winning wedding and events venue and luxury self-catering business.

For further information, please contact Heather in the estate office on 01948 662880.
www.combermereabbey.co.uk
Combermere Abbey is six miles west of Audlem at the junction of the A525 and A529.

Other links:
www.rhs.org.uk
www.visitcheshire.com/cheshire-gardens

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.