The Gardens of Downton Abbey
As the US broadcast of Downton Abbey’s fourth season nears on January 5, fans are excitedly anticipating the British drama. The gardens portrayed in the series are a captivating aspect of the show, with trellised roses, herbaceous borders filled with flowers, and intricate topiary and espalier designs creating a beautiful backdrop for the drama and romance unfolding. Highclere Castle, where the series is filmed, provides a stunning setting with its expansive 1,000 acres of English countryside.
Writer Julian Fellowes crafted the series with Highclere Castle & Gardens in mind, seeking a location that would reflect the optimism of the Edwardian era. The estate, constructed in 1842 by Charles Berry, the architect behind the Houses of Parliament, boasts a rich history and elegance ideal for the show’s setting. The gardens, originally designed by renowned landscape architect Lancelot Capability Brown, have maintained their natural beauty under the care of the estate’s current owners, Lord and Lady Carnarvon.
Evolution of The Gardens of Downton Abbey
Currently, the presence of rhododendrons, azaleas, and acers in gardens may seem ordinary. However, in the early 1900s, these plants, sourced from the Americas, India, and the Far East, symbolized affluence and botanical expertise. Fruit trees were also commonly grown to ensure a bountiful supply of kitchen delights.
Historical Garden Beautification
During the 18th century, British gardens often featured follies, architectural structures designed solely for aesthetic purposes. One notable folly, Jackdaw’s Castle, erected in 1743, served as an elevated viewpoint overlooking the Castle.
Modern Interpretation of Garden Design
Reverberating the naturalistic essence of Brown’s creations, known for their incorporation of grasslands and harmonious flower arrangements, the Carnarvons of the estate designated a section south of the Castle as a wildflower meadow, embracing the spirit of the original designs.
Distinctive Garden Sections
The White Border Garden, connecting the Monks’ Garden to the Secret Garden, showcases a variety of white flora, including hydrangeas, roses, agapanthus, and ornamental pears, creating a tranquil and elegant ambiance.
The historical Monks’ Garden, initially tended by the bishops of Winchester in the 12th century, preserves its ecclesiastical heritage through the integration of climbing roses and penstamons, replacing the fruit trees documented in 1218. Nevertheless, the garden retains its ancient allure, with espaliered medlar and pear trees intertwining the aged walls amidst traditional yew topiaries.
Sustainable Gardening Practices
Within the Monks’ Garden, the Peach House, a greenhouse structure, nurtures peaches and fragrant roses for the Castle’s use, coexisting with Astrantia, dark lobelia, and snapdragons, enriching the biodiversity of the surroundings.
Heritage Trees on the Estate
The estate boasts numerous cedar trees, some of which were planted over two centuries ago. Notably, several cedar trees originated from seedlings gifted to the 1st Earl of Carnarvon by his relative, the Earl of Pembroke, illustrating a longstanding tradition of tree cultivation on the grounds.
Tree varieties range from non-native to native English species, like the Weeping Beech (Fagus sylvatica “pendula”).
