Impressive borders are just one of the striking features that greet you when you walk around the grounds of Bramdean House. PAT HOLT explored further

Tall herbaceous borders are one of those special English summer treats. In these days of pint-sized gardens, it's unusual to see the old style of huge and effusive planting.

Some of the finest herbaceous borders in Hampshire are to be seen in the grounds of Bramdean House, which is opening to the public tomorrow (Sunday, August 12).

This elegant 18th century house has a spacious country garden, with a timeless feeling.

Yet the owners, Hady and Victoria Wakefield, point out that the planting scheme and layout of the garden is actually a modern creation.

"The borders were redesigned about ten years ago," said Victoria. "Probably most striking of all are the mirror image herbaceous borders. These two borders are planted with identical plants - in a mirrorwise pattern - with a grassy path down the centre.

"The path leads uphill from the back of the house, so as we step out of the back door in the summer, there is a symmetrical view with tall flowering plants growing to a height of six or seven feet on each side.

"I've found it's just about the most difficult form of gardening. You have to take great care with the planting because the borders are visible through 360 degrees - you can see them from every side."

Plant supports are essential in tall herbaceous borders, and they have to be put in place early in the season, so that they are hidden once the plants are fully grown.

The invisible supports in this garden are strong wooden stakes for the very tallest plants, old iron 'half-moons' (made in three graduated heights) and small wooden hurdles at the front of the borders. They all help to keep the plants looking at their best, whatever the weather.

The mirror image borders were Victoria's own idea and, as far as she knows, they are the only ones of their kind in England.

She is very much a "hands-on" owner, who maintains this six-and-a-half acre plot with the help of two full-time gardeners.

Together they maintain the weed-free lawns, healthy plants and well-composted flower beds.

They are constantly making alterations and one of the most recent innovations is a late-flowering herbaceous border, designed to look at its best in September.

Plants include dahlias, eupatorium, asters, euphorbias, sunflowers, agapanthus and artichokes, with a scented edging of golden oreganum. They will provide colour and interest late in the season.

This new border is inside the large, walled kitchen garden, which produces a mixture of fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Most of the garden is gently sloping, with an extensive orchard at the top of the hill, beyond the walled garden.

There is just one particularly flat and perfect lawn area, next to the house, which is used as a croquet lawn.

Throughout the garden are many other unsual and interesting plants, many of them old varieties which are now rarely seen.

There are old-fashioned roses, clematis, phlox, delphiniums and many other old favourites from years gone by.

Parts of Bramdean House date from 1740 and we can now only guess how the garden would have looked in those days.

There are some old photographs dating from around 1880, when the house was owned by the Rector of Bramdean, the Reverend Honorable George Legge.

These old pictures show that the house was mainly surrounded by rolling lawns, with an elaborate ornamental cross near the house, which now marks the Rector's grave in Bramdean churchyard.

The house was bought by Victoria's parents in 1944, so she grew up in these lovely surroundings, always enjoying this much-loved family garden.

AT A GLANCE:

The garden of Bramdean House is open from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, August 12, to raise money for charity through the National Gardens Scheme. Refreshments will be available. The house is in the centre of the village of Bramdean, which is on the A272, the main Petersfield to Winchester road. Private parties may visit by appointment on other dates. For further details, please call 01962 771214.

ALSO OPEN TOMORROW:

Fernlea at Chilworth has a 15-acre woodland garden, with shady walks and interesting plants. Picnics are welcome in this spacious garden and teas will also be available. It is open tomorrow from 12 noon until 5pm. The house is off the A27 Southampton to Romsey road. At the Clump Inn, turn into Manor Road and then into Chilworth Drive. Go over the motorway bridge and turn right. Fernlea is the last house on the left.