Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum is the ancestral seat of the Earls Grey since 1319, in fact it was the 2nd Earl, after whom the famous tea is named. However, the beautiful gardens that we see today were originally created by the 5th Earl Grey and visitors can explore the famous Arboretum, a united nations of shrubs and trees covering over 65 acres. With the gardens being on the doorstep of Daryl’s family home, it was very fitting that he should hone his talents here.
Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum is the ancestral seat of the Earls Grey since 1319, in fact it was the 2nd Earl, after whom the famous tea is named. However, the beautiful gardens that we see today were originally created by the 5th Earl Grey and visitors can explore the famous Arboretum, a united nations of shrubs and trees covering over 65 acres. With the gardens being on the doorstep of Daryl’s family home, it was very fitting that he should hone his talents here.
Whilst still a student at Kirkley Hall, Daryl would join the team at Howick on work placement, this was officially for 2 days each week, but he could often be found here during summer holidays and at weekends too! But it was Head Gardener at Howick, Robert Jamieson, who really encouraged Daryl to learn about all aspects of gardening and gave him the knowledge and experience to really develop as a gardener. Whilst Daryl’s own specialism and interest lies in herbaceous gardens and woodland gardens, with a particular love of rhododendrons and camelias, this time at Howick has undoubtedly provided him with strong foundations in every aspect of gardening.
After working at Howick, he would go on to join another great Northumbrian garden and tend to the gardens at Chillingham Castle for 6 years. Interestingly, this garden is the work of royal designer Sir Jeffry Wyatville, fresh from his royal triumphs at Windsor and the famous herbaceous border is the longest in Northern England. Chillingham Castle is the home of Sir Humphry Wakefield, Sir Humphry’s family have lived on the same lands in the Lake District for 400 years. The castle is surrounded by woodlands and a lakeside walk. Daryl was to then move south to Essex and work in a private garden but the lure of Mellerstain was to tempt him back north.
As Daryl says:
‘Mellerstain Gardens are an absolute hidden gem and whilst the House is probably more famous, I hope that we can encourage more and more visitors to come and discover the wonderful Gardens too. The most striking thing is the breath-taking view over the lake towards the Cheviots and as I work on the terraces every day, it is something that I never tire of!
With spectacular individual plants such as the collection of Azaleas with their beautiful fragrance, the Laburnum trees which look fantastic in full bloom at the moment and the unusual Japanese Chestnut trees, this is a real gardeners garden.
The terraces and parterre are of course a shining highlight, resplendent with Roses and Catmint and the top terrace is filled with Geranium, scented shrubs and Hebes. The bottom terrace is currently being dug up and we are planning to plant this area with Lupins, Lavender, Crocosmia and Pampas Grass in the coming years - it will be looking really good in a couple of years’ time and it will certainly add a different dimension and a new edge to the terraces.”
We hope that you have enjoyed reading Daryl’s story and that it does indeed encourage you to visit the spectacular gardens at Mellerstain, a place that you will want to return to time and time again. And if you see Daryl working in the Gardens be sure to stop and say hello.
