Sacha, if you're going to Hidcote, then you must scamper over to
Kiftsgate Court. It's barely a few minutes walk away and when I knew
it in Diany Binny's day, it was the perfect anti-dote to the formal
precision of Hidcote. Wonderful roses, remarkable tender plants and
spectacular vistas, it was my favourite in those days. I remember
that on my first visit, I was captivated by a stunning, single, white
rose with carmine stamens. It was 'White Wings' - a single Hybrid Tea
with svelte buds to die for, after which the petals expand in a
carefree fashion, revealing the dusky boss within. Oh dear, I knew I
shouldn't have had that last pint!!! Of course the original
'Kiftsgate' rose was discovered there back in Diany's mother's time
and it remains a de rigeur planting in all country house gardens large
enough to accommodate it. Anyway, the glory of Kiftsgate is that it
is still run by the same family with Diany's daughter now carrying the
torch.