Page 136 - cn-The Art of Style Status STUDIO pres April 2024
P. 136
The Duchess Garden {initially known as the Ladies Garden} is positioned on the escarpment slopes of
Blackberry Hill. Capability Brown had envisioned a ‘shady seat’ in the wooded area.
However, Elizabeth wanted such a place as a secret garden that would be discovered after a walk
through the newly established woods that ascended from the castle.
Between 1807—1820’s the Duchess and Hermit Gardens were being established and landscaped,
whilst the new castle was still under construction.
Today the Duchess Garden is a mixture of Elizabeth’s Ladies Garden and the Spring Gardens created
by Violet the 8th Duchess in the early 1900’s including the restoration programme carried out by
Emma, the present Duchess.
Planted borders run along the Duke’s Walk Terrace, before merging into planting of shrubs and
ornamental trees which were planted for spring and autumn colours.
The Peony Border is part of the series of highly colourfully planted borders providing at every angle
a view which is set off against the backdrop of the Duchess Gardens spatial qualities.
FG 141289
“The Peony Border, The Duchess Garden.”
Oil on Canvas: 48x72 inches
