The Gardening Group’s final visit of 2024 was to Redhill Lodge, the home of Designer Susan Moffitt and Landscape Designer Richard Moffitt. Redhill Lodge is situated in a prominent position on the northern side of the Welland Valley close to the village of Barrowden in Rutland and approximately 11 miles north east of Corby.
Susan explained, “There was something about the place that drew me, the position high up a hillside is wonderful, with great views over the Welland Valley, and I thought what a marvellous spot it would be to build a house and create a garden, that was 12 years ago”.
It was a pleasant September afternoon and the 24 members that attended were greeted by our host Susan Moffitt. Following a short introduction on the evolution of the garden by our host we were taken on a conducted tour of the extensive gardens which surround their imposing house.
The garden has been featured in issues of House and Garden and Gardens Illustrated. It boasts a bold contemporary design on various levels with formal lawns, modern sculptures, grass amphitheatre, water features, herbaceous borders and a rose garden. A natural swimming pond is surrounded by Japanese style planting, bog garden and fernery.
An area at the top of the garden is dedicated to prairie style planting. This area faces southwest and is sunny but also very windy. Tough perennials and grasses occupy a formal grid of rectangles and triangles cut out of the turf and was particularly vibrant with late summer colours. These features are set around a large square black pool which reflects the open sky. Tall beech hedges are cut into waves to complement the shape of the fields beyond, while short, diagonal yew hedges in the rectangular beds add evergreen structure within the parterre.
Another interesting feature is the turf viewing mound constructed from soil excavated when creating other sections of the garden. Climbing to the top of the mound you are presented with impressive views across the Welland Valley including a wonderful view of Harringworth railway viaduct and a windmill.
The afternoon concluded with a welcome cuppa on the terrace and supplemented with delicious homemade cake. Redhill Lodge garden is approximately a 55 mile round trip from Brixworth but I’m sure all Garden Group members would agree that the journey was well worth the effort.
Report by Russ Allen