5. The Mound

This used to be known as the Heather Mound because on the top it had a formal beds of heather laid out in the shape of a cart wheel. It is worth a trip up the steps and across the lawn to see the Rose Garden, the Laurel Lawn, the fountain and Sundial Terrace from above. There is also a view of the shell folly at the top of the hill in the Park

6. The American Grounds.

The original planting in the 1840s was mainly of plants recently introduced to this country from America, and a few of these trees are still here. We have aimed to keep the same open, informal feel to this part of the garden and are restoring the boundary of rhododendrons that separates the garden and the park. We have also planted a variety of conifers to grow up and form a visual screen to hide the modern farm buildings. We have made a second entry to the American Grounds through the bushes below the original walk way from the main body of the garden.

7. The Camellia Walk

In 2000 we planted seventy varieties of camellias either side of this winding path. They are making a better display each year and now have grown together into hedges.

8. The Walled Garden.

Like most country houses Shobrooke had its own walled garden for growing fruit and vegetables for the use of the family and servants. We use it as an extension to our farm yard. It is not open to the public. Along the south side we have planted magnolia grandiflora against the wall. The old camellia house, an ornate green house, had to be taken down as it was beyond repair and very unsafe. This will be removed completely and we hope that the camellias will continue to thrive. Do not miss the large fig tree against the west wall, we enjoy a good crop of figs most years!.

9. The Woodland Garden

The original house came right up to this cobbled yard with the kitchen area forming the south boundary of the yard. The little building in the south west corner, where the toilet now is, was used to make and store gas used for lighting in the house. There was no electric light. The stables on the north side of the yard are still more or less in their original state with the loose boxes and mangers.
The coach house was destroyed by fire. We replaced it with the modern workshop where we keep and maintain our garden machinery. Notice the steps up on the east side of the yard that doubled as a mounting block.
We have recently found a photograph taken in the 1930s of horses in this yard. It shows that the laurel up the back drive was cut as a laurel lawn. Unfortunately we have decided that it would be too labour intensive to re-establish.

For more details of the various 'rooms' in our garden click below.
Click here for the Garden Brochure.

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Page updated 27th March 2024