Couple's showpiece passes test of time
The question as to how a garden grows has been answered in part by Tony and Ann Huntington.
They have lived at The Old Rectory, Sudborough for 26 years and since that time have continued to develop their three-acre garden.
The answer to the question is – time; with almost as much time spent on planning and design as the hours put in to ensure the garden remains looking its best.
Mr Huntington said: "The former owner, Mr Holmes of the solicitors firm Holmes and Lamb, started the garden in the early 1950s when the church sold the house.
"Some of the trees and shrubs are still here but they don't live for ever, so basically we have redone the whole thing, it's a lifelong challenge.
"Of course we could have put some of it to grass, but my wife loves gardening.
"She comes from Buffalo, North America, which gets very cold in winter, so she was not able to garden to the extent she is able to do here."
To maintain the extensive garden requires more than the two pairs of hands of its owners. Three part-time gardeners are called on to help out with the work.
For many years the garden has taken part in the NGS open gardens scheme and this year is no different, opening on Friday for a garden lecture and next Saturday to raise funds for Marie Curie.
The gardens are now open every day until early July, from when they will open every Tuesday until September.
Unlike some art collectors who pay millions for a painting only to keep it locked away in a vault, Mr Huntington believes gardens should be open for other people to appreciate.
He said: "They do take a lot of TLC, with the care also being substituted for cash. But gardens are wonderful and there is something different to see all year round if you plan things right.
"At our age we should be making things smaller, but each year it gets bigger and I have never seen the garden looking lovelier than it does right now.
"The rose circle, mainly David Austin roses, is in full bloom, the wisteria is looking good, the peonies are all out and the colours in the potager, designed by Rosemary Verey, look superb."
Mr Huntington said: "I have intentionally left the pond area to grow, which is good for the wildlife."
The Old Rectory stands next to the church in Sudborough.
The couple can be contacted on 01832 733247 or the garden viewed at www.oldrectorygardens.co.uk.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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