The Majestic Italianate-English Gardens of Buscot Park – Part 1
We were embraced by greenery all around us as we stepped out of the Buscot Park Hall in England. Past the two bronze Greek statues of Centaurs on both sides of the grand stone staircase we descended to the courtyard below, after finishing the tour of the grand Buscot Hall. We decided to walk towards the left direction as indicated on the well-marked garden map.
The emerald green North terrace well kept garden at the back of the Buscot Park Hall
We had approached the palatial State home a few hours ago to view its lavish art collections! The famed Faringdon collection included paintings from 17th & 18th century by Dutch and Italian artists which are not just worth millions but are masterpieces of the art-world! Furthermore, on our list were the assortment of ceramics, metal and many more object d’art besides the furniture. Several photographic moments later outside the majestic Buscot Park Hall we commenced our long walking tour by heading for the Theatre & Murals side of the extensive gardens.
Theatre Murals & Peto Water Gardens
The private Swimming pool of the Faringdon family with several beautiful murals on the Arches
Walking past the private Swimming pool of the Faringdons, I noticed several beautiful murals on the Arches leading to the pool. Next we reached the Theatre Pavilion to admire the 13 attractive, colourful Murals on the Walls and vaulting of Archways that hold a small 62 seats theatre too. Past the inviting white garden-seats of the emerald green North terrace we walked down the steps to the attractive Peto Water garden– a splendid amalgamation of English and Italian garden, named after the designer Harold Peto. Since 18th century each owner of Buscot Hall made a unique addition to beautify the gardens further.
Visitors at the Humped back Bridge over the stone edged canal
Strolling along a stone edged narrow Central Canal we came upon the fascinating view of a balustrade humped bridge across the canal with the still blue lake in the background; enveloped in green grass, shrubs and tall trees! Several exciting photographic moments later we came across an unusual artistic Dolphin and Nereid bronze fountain.
Kaleidoscopic Murals of the Tea room holding humourous references for the Family
Swinging Garden & more
Next we turned into Cherry Blossom trees lined avenue of exceptional beauty to walk towards the Swinging Gardens. The chain suspended swinging garden seats brought back memories of childhood as we sat on them enjoying the weak sunshine on a cold April day watching the modern sculpture of ‘Sycamore Seeds’ in its central garden. Far ahead is the Marble Vase which holds the ashes of 2nd Lord Faringdon alongwith ashes of his closest friend, chef and housekeeper – all those persons he was greatly fond of, in his lifetime!!
Beautiful Peto Water Gardens with the view of the artistic Dolphin and Nereid bronze fountain alongwith the Lake in the backdrop
Citrus Bowl, Sun Dial & Obelisks Gardens
Another avenue lined with Oak trees led us to the sunken garden –the Citrus Bowl and a Pyramid towering over the Italian wellhead where Citrus plants were grown in pots so that they could be removed away during winters; hence the name Citrus Bowl. Far away, down the avenue we headed for the Sun dial and Obelisks. Our map stated it to be very accurate Sun dial surrounded by 5 pairs of Obelisks; each forming an exit. The Sun Dial & Central Obelisk marks the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth and is carved with ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. We successfully tried to understand how to read the Sun dial; according to where the triangular shadow fell after summer solstice and winter solstice!
Four Seasons Walled Garden- Then & Now
Visitors walking down the beautiful Cherry Blossom trees Avenue
With the map guidance we headed back to Buscot Park Hall past a Pond. After more photography outside the majestic house, we moved towards the steps in the direction of Four Seasons Walled Garden an ornamental octagonal garden with colourful flowers and plentiful greenery around. The garden is divided into 4 quadrants holding statues of the Four Seasons by Frank Forster!! I stepped into the Time machine to visit the Walled Kitchen Garden of the 18th century full of gardeners working tirelessly in Glass houses growing Peaches, Vegetables, Nectarines, Avocados, Black tomatoes, Melons and even Orchids & Carnations, some being picked every day and loaded on the night train!! What a sight it must have been! Sadly it is all gone now due to the heavy expenses involved to maintain it!
More Gardens of Discovery
We continued discovering the magnificent vast English-Italian gardens of the Buscot Park by moving eagerly towards the garden of Chinese Warriors Terracotta Army – a replica of the original in China and later gather more facts at the kaleidoscopic Murals Tea rooms of Buscot Park.
Cherry Blossom trees lined avenue of exceptional beauty to walk towards the Swinging Gardens
Photo Courtesy: Mr. Arvind Chopra