I think it is about time I posted another garden to visit. I suppose garden is not strictly the description. There are 375 acres of which 180 acres are “gardens” and the rest woodland. There are several areas which are more intimate gardens each with their own character. The best time to visit is definitely in the spring when there are masses of spring flowers.
The approach to the house up a lime avenue. The shell fountain, known as the "Fountain of Love" was sculpted by Thomas Waldo Story, (American, 1855–1915) in Rome in 1897 and was commissioned by Lord Astor for this site.
Another view of the shell fountain.
Designed by Sir Charles Barry and built 1850-1 on the site of a 17th century house whose terrace and balustrades were retained.
The Water Garden was laid out by the 1st Lord Astor in c.1900. This shows the pagoda, on an island, bought from the Bagatelle estate in Paris. The planting here is mostly Spring-flowering: cherry trees, bush wisterias and giant gunneras.
The water garden
The Long Garden consists of topiary in the form of corkscrew-spirals, peacocks and box hedges and was designed by Norah Lindsay in c.1900.
17th century Borghese Balustrade on the Parterre. Purchased by Lord Astor in the late 19th century from the Villa Borghese gardens in Rome
A detail of the "Borghese" balustrade
The earliest known garden buildings at Cliveden were both designed by Giacomo Leoni for Lord Orkney. This is the
Octagon Temple, situated two-hundred feet above the Thames.
The Blenheim Pavilion designed by Leoni c1727
A few more details
The River Thames 200 feet below.
I realise that I have not included any flowers so I will finish of with three taken in September. The first two are, of course, autumn crocuses.
The last one, I don’t know the name of. Perhaps someone can help?
Eric H
