Tintinhull Garden

The last garden we visited on the England trip was Tintinhull, which is a small National Trust property near Montacute House. It was not on our original list, but was recommended by Keith and David at Westbrook House B & B. Tintinhull Garden is, in a word, "delightful."

                                 
The National Trust refers to it as one of England's most "harmonious" gardens, and I would have to agree.  With each step through this garden, there is an incredible sense of peace and tranquility.  

What is also quickly apparent is that, since this garden is not huge, every detail matters in a major way.  Nothing is done casually in this garden of several "rooms." 

The sensibility of color is just stunning, developed by the property's owner of many years, Phyllis Reiss, and then enhanced by long-time renter Penelope Hobhouse. 

Frank asked if we could have a vegetable garden like this if we took down a couple of trees to create more sunny space at home......yes, of course, with six more acres and a few hundred thousand dollars.....imagine the pleasure of bordering one's vegetable beds with those long rows of lavender! 

The mixed border as seen across the lily pond, below. 

This photo below is one of my favorites.  I'm not sure that one can ever achieve "perfection" in design, but this certainly comes close in my book! 

Don't you just love this contemporary work comprised of several umbrellas, appearing to roll across the lawn??