Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens near York: From smallholding to public showcase of nature and wildlife

Family is very much at the heart of this beautiful four acre garden and nurseries which has evolved over time from a small holding into a visitor ‘attraction.’

It is with some hesitancy that Vanessa refers to the gardens as an ‘attraction.’ With around 4,000 visitors a year, and awards in recognition of the environmental and sustainable practices they promote, it certainly qualifies for the title and, of course, Vanessa welcomes people to visit and purchase the plants she propagates, but with the understanding and appreciation that this natural environment is a family home.

From the café, previously a home for pigs and sheep when Vanessa and her second husband John and their four children moved here in the mid-70s, manicured lawns are bordered by colour and flanked by pergolas.

Waddling amongst the foliage three guinea fowl come into view.

They are among the inhabitants helping to maintain this organically grown space which, Vanessa explains, until the early 80s was a farmhouse with a field where cattle roamed.

It was her and John’s shared interest in sustainable living that brought them here.

“When we came here for the first 10 years we were a small holding. We wanted to bring our children up to learn about growing organically. We ate meat we reared ourselves and grew vegetables,” recalls Vanessa.

“John was very keen on the organic way and we had read the same kind of books, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. My parents had farmed and I had been used to animals from an early age. When we came here my father gave us our first cow – Godiva. We had sheep and geese, chickens and pigs so we were quite self-sufficient. All the children still call it ‘happy meat’ because the

animals had a lovely life.”

The garden evolved from the nurseries Vanessa set up in the 80s.

“I have always loved plants. I suppose if you come from a family with a big garden that is full of plants you are surrounded by plants from being a very small child,” says Vanessa, whose interest was encouraged by learning about wildflowers at Queen Mary’s School, Duncombe Park, Helmsley.

Studying A level botany at Westonbirt School, with its National Arboretum in Gloucestershire, and a City and Guilds course in Horticulture at Askham Bryan college, York, developed her knowledge of gardening and the plants she is busy propagating.

For over 30 years Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens has been part of the National Gardens Scheme. Interestingly, Vanessa’s sisters, Jennifer and Alannah, used to open their gardens as part of the scheme until they retired.

Vanessa’s gardens are organically managed, recycling is encouraged through composting. Farmyard muck and leaf mould is used on flowerbeds and, instead of pesticides, nature gives a helping hand.

“It is really all designed so we can keep as many wildlife and they are happy.

“The guinea fowl and the birds in the garden keep it in balance because that is what you are trying to do,” says Vanessa.

Purple wild orchids peep from long grasses where a black crow keeps watch, one of many willow sculptures dotted around the gardens where benches invite visitors to sit and savour the natural surroundings.

“I love it down here because it is un-structured,” says Vanessa, referring to the wildflower meadow, one of her favourite areas.

The sun-kissed copper bark of the Acer Griseum tree, beautiful in summer and winter, adds interest all year round.

Trickling water pierces the tranquility in The Rill Garden, home to Helen Sinclair’s Charmian sculpture, one of Cleopatra’s handmaidens. Close to the kitchen, embraced by the beautiful yellow Moroccan flower Argyrocytisus battandieri, Vanessa’s forward planning for next year’s wall flowers can be found in seed trays neatly lined in the greenhouse.

Elsewhere the Pear Tree Garden, Wattle Garden, Walnut Garden, vegetable plot, orchards and stockbeds can be found.

By the poultry run a hen nurtures her new-born chicks – a reminder of the family’s self-sufficiency which continues, albeit on a smaller scale, within this beautiful living, breathing space.

At an age when many have retired, Vanessa is determined to continue for as long as she can – with a little help from her small workforce.

“My poor husband thought I would stop when I was 75, but I don’t feel any older,” says Vanessa, who turns 80 this year.

John, a retired engineer, is always on hand mending things and tying up climbers. There is always plenty to do but, according to Vanessa, gardening should be a pleasure. “People should enjoy their gardens more and shouldn’t get into a tizzy about doing things at the right time. Experiment more and grow more things; look at other gardens; see what other people are doing and ask.”

Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens, Stewart Lane, Stillingfleet, York, hosts many workshops and events throughout the year including on Wildlife Day. This is the 10th year of the hands-on event which runs from 11am until 4pm on Sunday. Bird ringing and bees are among the attractions.

Visit www.stillingfleetlodgenurseries.co.uk or call 01904 728506.