Earlier this month Bere Mill in Whitchurch opened its garden for the National Garden Scheme. Despite an unpromising weather forecast, it was a glorious spring afternoon full of colour and life. The garden and buildings of Bere Mill looked amazing in the sunshine and shone in the fabulous setting.

Once a working mill that made the first bank notes for the Bank of England back in the early 18^th Century, Bere Mill makes the most of its site alongside the River Test. The garden is made up of different ‘rooms’ around the mill that are carefully woven together with paths that lead you to, over and adjacent the water in various forms from the run of the mill race, to gentle stream and rippling mill pond.

A few of us from the Sales Team visited the garden that Sunday along with many others and felt very inspired. We thought we would share with you our favourite elements of the design in the hope that they inspire you too.

Vista and Progression

From the rear of the Mill a path strikes out leading you first through a mown lawn, then shaggy uncut grass full of naturalised Narcissus to two deep herbaceous borders. Neat and tidy as you would expect, although growth is minimal their green shoots hint at what is to come later in the season and compel you along their length.

It is only then that you appreciate a small bridge over a stream and then a boardwalk straight as a die across the mill pond in front of you. The change in pace and atmosphere from the house to the lake is clever and the boardwalk is a delightful surprise. Arriving at the other side of the pond, you are led back into the main garden via a gentle woodland stroll that showcases delicate spring flowers.

Sculpture

Modern art has been used to great advantage in the garden. Eclectic in form each piece provides a focal point that manipulates its own space. Some are striking, demanding that you look at them, others are more organic, curvaceous and sinuous in form. One ‘Man’ by Robert Bryce Muir you notice out of the corner of your eye before being drawn towards it, exploring the garden the further.

Making Space

Playfulness and a lightness of touch is much in evidence at Bere Mill. The swing over the river is quite seductive encouraging you to embrace your inner child but the sinuous bench that slinked around the line of trees by ‘Paul’s Bridge’ is also very playful. Sculptural in form it edged the space but allowed views through. A perfect place to perch and take in views in both directions, it encouraged play and movement. All ages were enjoying it.

Bere Mill Gardens opens on behalf of the National Garden Scheme several days per year plus also opens for Special Events and Group Visits by appointment. For more details check out their website Bere Mill Gardens