Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2015 | Page 80

GARDENING

IN THE
GARDEN
With Tina Hyde

S

et in a sheltered valley on well drained sandy soil, the
gardens of Mottistone Manor qualify as the National Trusts
most southerly dry, temperate garden.
This has allowed Head Gardener Robert Moore to explore the
potential of a wonderful selection of sub-tropical plants from drier
regions of the world in a varied and enviable ‘monocot’ border.
Sited close to the entrance of the property, it’s filled with
plants able to survive during the summer with no additional
watering. Familiar plants such as Canna Lilies, Agapanthus
and Alstromeria provide colour, interwoven with more unusual
and desirable beauties such as the spectacular ‘Fox tail’ lilies
(Eremurus elwesii) and a South African Restio (Elegia capensis)
which bears an unnerving resemblance to the gardeners
nightmare weed ‘Horsetails’.
Thankfully it’s far better behaved, adding an attractive foil to
the more colourful flowering plants. Gardens never stay the
same and thanks to the lack of historical precedence Robert
has been able to introduce a simple grass maze into the lower
garden which adds an interesting variation of pattern and
texture to the wide expanse of lawn. By walking it barefoot
children can tick off one of the National Trusts ‘50 things to do
before you’re 11 ¾’ challenge.
There’s plenty to see and do for both adults and children
throughout the year. From spring bulbs to autumn leaves with
potty characters to spot, a den building area in the woods,
interesting and inspiring planting schemes, the well tended
vegetable plot, and last, but not least, a very pleasant tea garden.

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