Carolyn Dunster of Simply Roses, a GROW London 2014 exhibitor, recently visited Fenton House and here she explains why it is well worth a wander round after a visit to the fair.
Tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of the lively cafes and boutiques on busy Hampstead High Street, lies this secret gem. The gardens provide an oasis of calm and serenity, and are a must-see whether you only have half an hour to spare or a whole afternoon in which to linger and look. Originally a private home, Fenton House was built in 1686 and the interior is filled with decorative and fine art collections ranging from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries. For gardeners, however, it is the walled garden that is worth a visit.
Divided into four distinct planting areas, each space provides year-round interest for horticultural enthusiasts - professionals and amateurs alike. The first area on entry is laid to a formal verdant lawn surrounded by clipped yew and box hedging, punctuated with points of neatly topiaried holly trees. This military precision is a delightful contrast to the exuberant planting of the herbaceous borders billowing at this time of the year with generous mounds of lavenders, nepetas, peonies and geraniums.
Moving into the sunken garden, also known as the rose garden, you are taken into another distinct space filled with a variety of roses. On the day of my visit the lovely golden Graham Thomas was just in bud and the others were waiting for their moment of glory. However, there is more than enough to enjoy even without the roses in full flower due to the beautiful under-planting of loose relaxed perennials - particularly the frothy Alchemilla Mollis drifts which create a delicate lightness as a counterpoint to the pleasing symmetry of the layout. It is the perfect place to stop and sit, and when the roses are in full bloom, to inhale the heady perfume of so many varieties growing closely together in an intimate space.
Adjacent to the formal lawn and rose garden, but separated by hedging, are the apple orchard and kitchen garden. Dating back three hundred years, the layout perfectly demonstrates the successful planting of fruit trees, herbs and vegetables in orderly rows. This colourful productive potager provides a feast for the eyes as well as the table.
Finally, the Mediterranean terrace established against the north wall is the sunniest spot in the garden. On a hot day the espaliered fig trees and the leafy, architectural planting of the echiums, cardoons and agaves is sufficiently convincing to transport you from north London directly to the south of France.
As a planting designer and florist I love the garden as a whole, and appreciate each of its separate parts. I am lucky enough to live locally and I do visit often for inspiration. My favourite plant naturally changes with the season, but right now it has to be the evocative timelessness of Rosa Madame Gregoire Staechelin climbing up the old brick wall and looking to all intents and purposes as if it has been there forever.
Discover what else Hampstead has to offer in our guide to exploring the area.
Photography by Nicholas Hodgson
Fenton House and Gardens, Hampstead Grove, Hampstead, London NW3 6SP