Stanton
MORPETH
NORTHUMBERLAND
NE65 8PR
01670 772238
The situation of the garden at Bide-a-Wee Cottage is extraordinary: most of the garden is hidden in a disused quarry on the edge of a 160m (500ft) ridge. The unusual site means that there are enormous variations within its two acres - variations of aspect, topography, soil-type and moisture. Over the last 20 years, Mark Robson has seized on this natural diversity to plant a remarkably wide spectrum of plants. In the wet, shaded quarry bottom, by the ponds, are swathes of primulas, Rodgersias, ostrich ferns, sensitive ferns and gunneras. Away from the water, on the north-facing slopes of the quarry and in the shade of trees, are Meconopsis, rhododendrons and gentians. Quite a different type of plant grows on the south-facing slopes: abutilons, Agapanthus and eryngiums, for example. Throughout the garden, the natural rock walls are contrasted with hedges and complemented by evergreens - conifers, rhododendrons and grasses. Then more ephemeral perennials and wildflowers are woven into the design, as are the more unusual plants that are the hallmark of a plantsman. Robson describes his garden as 'bold perennial plantings linked with a network of winding paths and steps, all associated with dramatic changes of level'. These are designed to create views across the garden or down onto lower levels, as well as into the countryside beyond. To the east, above the quarry, drifts of late-flowering perennials (including Lythrum, Eupatorium and Helianthus) melt into the half-acre wildflower meadow that is also home to the beehives. Then the garden opens out and blends into the rough landscape of Northumberland - tough grassland grazed by sheep.
