Berkshire
Gardens Trust
Reg.Charity No.1201501
May Garden Visit
Visit to Lower Bowden Manor
Pangbourne
Wednesday 31st MAY 2023 at 3pm (nb later start time)
We are very pleased to invite you to join us on a privately arranged visit to Lower Bowden Manor. The owners and designers, Robert and Juliet Cox-Nichol, will welcome us as they open the gardens exclusively for arranged group visits in support of the NGS.
Robert and Juliet moved from outside Paris to Pangbourne in 2015. At that time the garden was largely an unkempt football field (including goal posts), but they were inspired by the garden’s collection of mature trees and views to the Chilterns to create their lovely gem.
Lower Bowden Manor is a 5 acre designer's garden with stunning views and where structure and elegant form predominates. In addition to the extensive tree and shrub collection, Juliet has created a wonderful series of shapes and silhouettes, having trained with topiary legend Christian Coureau. We will also visit their revived Temple Garden, the Japanese style water garden, sculptures and the restored Edwardian rill.
Juliet became renowned for creating un Jardin Anglais in France and even designed two gardens for her friend, Juliette Binoche! Juliet and Robert have now exported France to Berkshire – more on that on 31st May!
Wonderful articles have been written about their garden: as a taster for 31st May, please see https://www.gardensillustrated.com/gardens/country/lower-bowden-manor-berkshire/.
We will be accompanied by Robert as our guide around the garden for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, after which Juliet, who is now retired garden designer, will be on hand to answer questions on the terrace after the visit.
Our private visit will include:
• A guided visit around the gardens;
• A tea and cake/biscuits after the tour on the terrace.
If you have any dietary restrictions, please let Kim know as soon as you have booked.
Booking: Tickets are £15 for BGT members and £18 for non-members. Numbers will be limited to 30 people.
Accessibility: Steps and gravel, but most areas are accessible. Lower Bowden Manor lies close to Pangbourne College, south of Pangbourne Road, which leads from Pangbourne to Upper Basildon. Detailed directions will be sent to attendees on booking. Parking is available at the property but please let us know if you are coming by car so we can let the owners know roughly how many cars need to be accommodated. Where possible please share.
Queries: Please contact Kim by email at BerksGTmembership@gmail.com.