Visit to Impington Mill Garden

Pippa writes: we took on the garden 25 years ago, and discovered in the first year that one third of was impenetrable; that the windmill had five firm rules concerning the layout of the garden; that over 40 trees were in the process of falling down, (a touch of a thumb was all that was needed to fell a 30 ft larch on our first day), and that the most floriferous plant was cow parsley! But soon we discovered some pro’s – including beautifully draining soil, a neutral to slightly alkaline soil, which fitted my favourite plants, and, somewhere underground, a water source. Twenty-five years on, we have replaced a large number of trees, planted nigh on 50,000 bulbs, created two water features, and developed a 4-year programme for bringing each area of garden back to life.  Much inspired by Coton Manor, the overall aim is to create a natural look, where paths lead you down to different areas of planting – a smouldering bed, a white bed, a winter garden, to name but a few. Three pergolas lead you from one aspect of the garden to another, and 3 seating areas, one for coffee, one for meals and one for evening drinks, soothe the aching muscles.  

There are now only two areas be be worked on. One will be a stumpery, and another an Anglo-Japanese water garden – another opportunity to indulge my love of growing plants as are the 82 pots I am planning to fill. To this end I have a greenhouse and potting shed close to the house, and at the bottom of the garden the most original compost heap in Cambridgeshire, designed by my inventor husband, Steve! It might sound like a lot of work, but it is a task we voluntarily took on, and never regretted. We live in a growing village very close to the A14 and Cambridge, but as we turn into the drive, the overwhelming sensation we enjoy is that of peace and tranquility.

Time: meet at 10:30am for coffee and biscuits on arrival.

Logistics: the entrance is on the straight side of a crescent and parking is available on both sides of the road, both on the straight side and all around the crescent as well. Limited mobility visitors are welcome to park in the drive. Tours will take place in groups of 6-7, guided by Pippa’s expert volunteers.

Bookings (now closed): £12 for members of CGT and the Plant Heritage Group, £14 for guests, by BACS transfer to our new bank account in the name of Cambridgeshire Gardens Trust (sort code 30-99-50, account number 80635768) using ‘Temple’ and your name as reference; please confirm payment by email to admin. Cheques, payable to Cambridgeshire Gardens Trust, may be sent to Judith Christie, Teal Cottage, Fen Drayton CB24 4SH. Please book by 31 March so that we have numbers for catering and tour guides.

We look forward to seeing you there!