Rain and Roses
For years I have loved old-fashioned roses and by that I mean the ones with the intricately entwined petals and the gorgeous scent. Unfortunately most of them only flower once a year, but those couple of weeks when they are in bloom are certainly worth the wait. To me, the modern roses may be more disease resistant and have a longer flowering season, but they simply do not have the same character.
One of the best places to see them is at Mottisfont Abbey, which is now run by the National Trust and which boasts one of the best collections of old roses in the country. The ideal time to visit is in June or early July, when the roses should be at their best. I finally managed to visit the Abbey last weekend, but the roses had suffered as a result of the wet and windy weather we have experienced recently. The buds had been soaked and this prevented a number of the flowers opening properly.
Having said that, the gardens were still a pleasure to visit and the scent was intoxicating, especially from the apothecary's rose.
Apart from the rose garden, there is also an area of parkland, with a collection of majestic old trees, including cedar, medlar and a pleached lime walk. Beyond that are meadows and the River Test, which runs alongside the lawns. It is a very peaceful area, with paths following both river banks, giving visitors the opportunity of spotting trout, voles and other wildlife.
The house itself was also interesting, with the original building dating back to 1201, when it was an Augustinian priory. Henry VIII gave the property to Sir William Sandys, who added two extra wings to the building. The last owner, Maud Russell, redecorated the property and amassed a collection of art. One room that stands out in particular is the saloon, which was painted in trompe l'oeil by Rex Whistler. It appears to be lined with intricate carvings and plasterwork, but in fact it is painted. I dread to think how many hours of work were involved! The most poignant thing about the room is that is was one of Rex Whistler's last masterpieces, before he was killed in action during the War.
