Phyllis Reiss - Design of Tintinhall Gardens
- phoebesperrin
- Sep 4, 2024
- 9 min read
4TH SEPTEMBER 2024
Tintinhall Gardens, managed by the National Trust, may be compact in scale, but it is undoubtedly a garden that leaves a lasting impression. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the garden features thoughtfully selected canopies, mature herbaceous plants, and strategically planted shrubs that enhance the overall design and historical narrative of the space.
Tintinhall is essentially a garden composed of a series of rooms linked by carefully contrived vistas, each ending with a feature such a seat, summerhouse or sculpture. The recent additions to the herbaceous gardens introduce new textures, vibrant life, and a harmonious palette of colours, seamlessly guiding visitors from one garden room to another. Each area of the garden serves as a canvas of colour, carefully curated to reflect the unique characteristics of its surroundings.
Tintinhall, Phoebe Sperrin
Upon entering the property, visitors may initially feel a sense of intrigue as they navigate the refurbished barn's ticket hall and make their way along the cobblestone path. The journey culminates at a charming gated arch, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the beauty that lies ahead.
The entrance area, adorned with aged and generously planted pots and dry shaded borders, immediately captures the eye and sets the tone for a delightful exploration.
Tintinhall, Phoebe Sperrin
Dominating the entrance to Tintinhall is a magnificent trio of magnolia trees, whose sprawling canopies and intricately intertwined trunks make a striking impression on any horticulturist.
Beneath these magnificent giants, textural grasses such as Luzula and Pennisetum mingle with a diverse selection of herbaceous plants, including Brunnera, Hellebore, Astrantia, Digitalis, Pulmonaria, Rodgersia, and Epimedium.
Tintinhall, Phoebe Sperrin
Anchoring the entrance are large multi-stemmed Yews and Pittosporums, which rise to compete with the height of the house, their roots lifting the large flagstones that form the garden's pathways.
Tintinhall, Phoebe Sperrin
As one continues through the garden, the sun-loving herbaceous border becomes a focal point, particularly in mid-August when it bursts alive with vibrant colour and the delightful buzz of bees.
Tintinhall, Phoebe Sperrin
A long row of Gaura creates a striking contrast against the rich palette of the border, where plants such as Echinops sphaerocephalus 'Arctic Glow' and Rosa 'For Your Eyes Only' take centre stage in full bloom.
Tintinhall, Phoebe Sperrin
The border is further complemented by a medley of Thalictrum, Lythrum, Daylilies, Heuchera, Lemon Balm, Persicaria, Sedum, and Bergenia, all elegantly framed by the majestic Magnolia grandiflora, neat Buxus balls, and climbing roses.
Adjacent to this colourful sun border lies an impeccably tended lawn, bordered by structural hedging and two contrasting approaches. One border features older, deliberately placed shrubs adorned with cheerful yellow flowering perennials, meticulously selected for their practicality. The other border, newly planted within the last year or two, showcases a dynamic combination of vivid deep purples and refreshing lime greens, embodying a modern take on perennial planting.
These contrasting borders lead to an absolutely breathtaking area that invites further exploration.
Here, hardy, towering herbaceous perennials thrive amidst a stunning rectangular pond, where the colours and textures of the surrounding plants are reflected in the water, creating a sense of tranquility and harmony. Tintinhall Gardens, with its carefully curated design and flourishing plant life, is a testament to the art of horticulture and a delightful experience for all who visit.
Tintinhall, Phoebe Sperrin
As I wander through the garden room, I am immediately enveloped by an explosion of vibrant colors that command attention. The towering Cynara cardunculus, with its striking artichoke-like blooms, and the elegant Physostegia virginiana emerge as focal points, competing for my gaze against the lush backdrop of Taxus baccata hedging. The contrasting silvery foliage of the cardoon not only enhances the vividness of the flowers but also creates a harmonious balance with the dense greenery of the yew trees. Nestled within a border populated with Sambucus ‘Black Lace,’ Buddleja, roses, dahlias, and vibrant verbena, each plant contributes to an inviting tapestry of colour that characterizes this space.
Interspersed throughout the garden are elements that evoke a sense of history and intention.
The pond, a striking centerpiece, is framed by an outhouse structure whose architecture resembles an ancient temple. It stands as an homage to classical design, while timeless varieties of red roses intertwine with purple-leaved grapevines that gracefully embrace its framework. This deliberate integration creates a seamless connection between the flora and the built environment. The aquatic plants within the pond further amplify the colour palette, showcasing vivid greens and reflective water lilies that shimmer under the sunlight.
Tintinhall, Phoebe Sperrin
The symmetry of the garden room delivers a sense of order and tranquility, yet the riot of colors ensures that it never feels cramped or overwhelming. With numerous pathways leading in and out of this vibrant space, it serves as the heart of the garden, inviting exploration and contemplation. The blend of flora—from the architectural presence of the Cynara and Physostegia to the skillfully arranged borders of herbaceous plants—offers an ever-changing view that delights the senses. Indeed, the garden room is a testament to artistry in landscape design, harmonising nature’s brilliance with conscious structure.
As I stepped into the kitchen garden, I was immediately struck by its breathtaking beauty.
The abundance of lush growth, meticulously arranged in neat rows, made it a true showcase of horticultural excellence. Everywhere I looked, pathways were flanked by espaliered fruit trees, their limbs gracefully arted against the backdrop of repetition found in mature flowering perennials. The attention to detail in this garden was evident; every inch of this cultivated space radiated care and dedication. The contrasting heights of the plants added dimensionality and intrigue, while a range of unusual crop varieties introduced vibrant colors that enlivened the landscape. Each row of vegetables and plants was thoughtfully selected to complement the texture of its predecessors, resulting in a texturally rich and dynamic environment. It was a bittersweet realization that much of this remarkable garden was composed of annuals; their transient nature only made their beauty all the more precious.
Tintinhall, Phoebe Sperrin
Venturing deeper into this garden room, I found myself facing either the arboretum or the meticulously designed white garden. The white garden, in particular, was a marvel, rich with mature plantings that included striking specimens like Taxus baccata, which formed a seamless perimeter, framing the garden in elegant green.
The pristine symmetry and immaculate upkeep of this space spoke volumes about the hours devoted to its maintenance.
Among the stunning flora, the Cornus controversa, affectionately known as the wedding cake tree, provided a captivating focal point. Their layered branches were beautifully underplanted with a mix of Luzula and Pennisetum, creating a harmonious ground layer complemented by an array of herbaceous plants like Brunnera, Helleborus, Astrantia, Digitalis, Pulmonaria, Rodgersia, and Epimedium. This careful selection mirrored the planting scheme found in the initial border encountered upon entering the garden.
Tintinhall, Phoebe Sperrin
The combination of these magnificent structural trees and the surrounding hedging created sheltered, intimate spaces that inspired wonder and exploration.
As I walked through, I felt as if I were transported back to my childhood, eager to uncover every hidden nook.
At the center of this symmetrical design lay a gentle water feature, a serene pond that echoed the function of a sundial, guiding visitors toward important areas of the garden. Frame views of the house and the abundant vegetable garden extended into the distance, leading the eye toward the arboretum or down mysterious paths that beckoned to be explored. The area was adorned with an impressive selection of white-textured herbaceous plants, which was particularly striking in mid-August. The deep shade provided by the yew trees contrasted beautifully with the white blooms and the mature wedding cake trees, creating a breathtaking vista that celebrated the art of garden design at its finest.
As I meandered through the quaint white garden, I was immersed in a vibrant tapestry of blooming life. The garden was a riot of colour, showcasing an impressive array of flora including Veronia, Lysimachia, Anemone, Camassia, Agapanthus, and Phlox.
Tintinhall, Phoebe Sperrin
Each plant contributed to the garden’s lush ambiance, creating a harmonious blend of textures and hues.
My journey led me up a series of gentle, sloping stairs, etched with the character of time, each step a reminder of the garden's history. Towering magnificently overhead were majestic trees, their vast canopies offering shade that perfectly complemented the verdant selection of underplanting, which continued gracefully until I reached the main flagstone walkway that guided me towards the house.
Tintinhall, Phoebe Sperrin
Upon arriving at a vantage point, I was rewarded with a breathtaking view of the towering wedding cake trees, their layers embellished with delicate white blooms that enveloped the enchanting water feature below. Turning my gaze in another direction, the rectangular pond unfolded before me, rich in both color and life, its surface reflecting the chaos of activity within. From this angle, I appreciated the full artistry of the garden, with the temple-like structure of the house framed perfectly by the elongated, vibrant pond. The symmetrical herbaceous borders exploded with height and color, each plant carefully selected to complement the next, while the immaculately tendered lawns provided a soft, inviting contrast to the surrounding vibrancy.
The final perspective revealed the grandiosity of the house itself. The surrounding planting displayed a simple yet classic elegance that captured the eye and soul. Stone eagle features, large and commanding, flanked the entrance, offering a regal frame for the historical structure. Long stretches of flagstone interspersed with expertly manicured lawns beckoned visitors to explore further, guiding the eye naturally towards this architectural gem steeped in history. Each element of the landscape design worked together, creating a richly layered scene that invited contemplation and appreciation, making for a truly memorable garden experience.
Tintinhull Gardens is a remarkable testament to the art of garden design, skillfully crafted within its modest two-acre expanse.
Rich in character and history, every square meter of this garden tells a story, showcasing its unique personality through meticulously designed spaces, or “garden rooms.” These intimate areas feature verdant herbaceous borders, a feature that is becoming increasingly rare in contemporary gardens. The strong, cohesive design reflects the talent of Phyllis Reiss, a prominent British garden designer known for her transformative work at Tintinhull and Montacute House.
Nestled in the picturesque Somerset countryside, Tintinhull Gardens has been a cherished destination since Phyllis Reiss first began designing it in 1933. The garden was entrusted to the National Trust in 1954, ensuring its continued preservation and public enjoyment. Between 1980 and 1993, notable garden designer and writer Penelope Hobhouse further enriched the garden's legacy, fostering an environment of innovative planting that characterizes Tintinhull's charm. The garden is divided into distinct areas, including Eagle Court, Middle Garden, Fountain Garden, and Pool Garden, each uniquely characterized by an impressive array of plant species that change with the seasons.
As the seasons transition, the garden presents a constantly evolving tapestry of colour and texture. A visit during spring or early summer reveals the intricate planting schemes expertly curated to provide continuous interest throughout the flowering season.
The carefully placed combinations of plants are not only for aesthetics but also for ecological balance, encouraging pollinators and enhancing biodiversity.
Phyllis Reiss, born in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, came from a family with a strong connection to land and community service. After acquiring Tintinhull House and Garden with her husband, Capt. F. E. Reiss, she expanded upon the early work of Dr. Price, who had laid out the original paths and amenities in the 1920s. Reiss's transformation embraced the Arts and Crafts and “Hidcote” style of gardening—emphasizing structure through yew hedges and walls, which delineate the various garden rooms. One notable addition was the Pool Garden, created on the site of a former tennis court as a memorial to her nephew, Michael Lucas, who lost his life during World War II.
In 1954, Reiss generously bequeathed Tintinhull to the National Trust, yet she remained on the property to continue caring for the garden she had so lovingly nurtured. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the landscape, making Tintinhull a captivating destination for anyone interested in the beauty and intricacy of garden design. With its rich history, diverse plant species, and thoughtful layout, Tintinhull Gardens stands as a small yet mighty fragment of British horticultural heritage, inviting visitors to appreciate the careful planning and artistry that define this enchanting space.
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