Visit to Stow Hall Gardens

Stow Hall Gardens Tuesday afternoon 27th September, as small party March Rotarians, joined their fellow Rotarians from Wisbech, for a private visit to the beautiful and tranquil Stow Hall Gardens at Stow Bardolph. On arrival we were greeted by Lady Rose Hare, and her Head Gardener, Justin Garry. His position is 1st of two. With only one younger assistant, between them they keep the garden in tip top condition. With some 20 acres to manage, the emphasis in on plants that more or less, need little attention, without loss of display or colour. Stow Hall dates from Elizabethan times, having been demolished and rebuild at least three times over the century’s, but the last version had fallen into disrepair, after being used as a maternity home and also convalescent home in the period 1940 -1980. It was finally demolished in 1994/5, with the brickwork sold and recycled to cover the cost. In a leisurely stroll, Mr Garry was a mine of information with an obvious enthusiasm for his gardens, which he freely shared. No question went unanswered, but without over egging the cake. At conclusion we were treat to hot drinks made by Lady Rose, for all of us, who had become her friends in the period we spent, and the genuine welcome received from this Gentle Woman. My advice, visit yourselves, moderately priced, if you want gift shops, Christmas Cards, Candles, and expensive ‘cheap’ tat, go somewhere else. This quiet corner is ‘gem’ in these days of commercialism. Robert Freeman Dep Press Officer Rotary Club of March