A Visit to Compton Acres
Set in attractive Dorset countryside
near Poole Harbour, the role of Compton
Acres gardens has changed little since they
were laid out in the 1920s to provide
pleasure and enjoyment to the owners and
visitors. During the past 80 years a series
of gardens has been created within a 10-
acre landscape with each one providing
different settings and growing conditions
for a wide range of ornamental plants.
Over 3000 species of trees, shrubs and
herbaceous plants as well as seasonal
planting of bedding plants, are cared for
by a team of fulltime gardeners, seasonal
workers and others for projects of work
experience.
In the early 1900s the site was thinly wooded heathland and a house was built in 1914 and was sold in 1920 to Mr Simpson whose idea was to create a series of gardens to embody the vision of his worldwide travels and interest in horticulture. This involved considerable financial outlay as well as the gathering of thousands of tons of stone, rocks and quality soil from far and wide. Rare plants, many of them tropical or sub-tropical, as well as wrought iron gates, bronze and marble statuary, lead figures and vases, fountains and well-heads, lanterns and carved stone benches, were sought worldwide with the key being authenticity. Subsequently, various owners of the property made changes, notably the full restoration of the gardens after their inevitable neglect during the 2nd World War, with the reopening to the public in 1953. Several owners since then have brought improvements and innovations, and significant investment has secured the long term future of the gardens.
Roman Garden, Grotto and Italian Garden
The first path to the left leads to the Roman Garden which reflects the essential element of the Roman domestic environment, for it is here that they would spend much of their time. This garden contains all the indispensable features, the whole being encompassed by a circular wall of narrow Roman bricks. Evergreen planting helps to create a cool retreat on hot days. On going through a Bath stone arch, entry is made from the Grotto which was built to house a collection of ferns and was maintained for many years as a 'living tunnel' with elaborate drip sprinklers to irrigate many hundreds of plants fixed among the stones. This style of 'folly' can be seen underground in many European estates.
From the Grotto one walks onto the terrace of the Italian Garden. The walls at the base of the banks were originally peat blocks obtained when new roads were being built across the heathland and were replaced with Purbeck stone walls partly seen today. The Italian Garden is arranged around the cross of the central ornamental lake with its carved stone fountains, coloured water lilies and shoals of Koi Carp. At one end York stone steps lead up to the terrace on which stand two ornate Venetian bronze lanterns, bearing the winged lions of St Mark, patron saint of Venice. Dominating the far end of the lake is the domed temple of Bacchus. Formal grass bordered beds massed with tulips in spring and rhododendrons form an attractive background with a multiple columns of weathered Bath stone.
Palm Court, Wooded Valley and Wildlife Walk
The symmetry of the Italian Garden is continued into the Palm Court with its stone walls and bedding plants used to provide seasonal colour. At the centre of the garden is a Venetian wishing well and in a semi-circular pool at one end is a fine sculpture of a boy holding a fish carved in white Carrara marble. Walk under the stone arch to leave the garden and go downhill to reach the Wooded Valley. This area houses a collection of tender tree and shrub species under a protective canopy of Scots pine and provides views over a natural chine where sub-tropical plants and shrubs live in sheltered conditions. A second low tunnel leads to the Wildlife Walk which was created from a totally overgrown strip of land in 2003. The area attracts a wide variety of insects and birds with food plants for all stages of life cycle introduced. There is also a rock garden creating hundreds of planting pockets and beds.
Water Garden, Heather Garden, and Japanese Garden
The stone path in the Water Garden area has large pools and waterfalls on all sides with reflections of plants and statues seen from all directions. Beside the summer house there is a look out where another view across the wooded valley can be seen. There are many different paths here, one leading to a splendid sculpture. The sign post directs you to the Winter Garden which has been designed and developed to create all year round horticultural interest and establish new plant collections. There is a view point near here of a wide area including Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills. Passing under a thatched roof entrance the Japanese Garden is reached which has strict rules to observe regarding design and construction and this is as accurate to the Japanese style as possible. There are original stone artefacts and a timber Imperial Tea House with a veranda over the water. A flight of steps leads to an authentic temple with stepping stones provided to deter evil spirits !
Compton Acres, Poole, Dorset
Tel 01202 70078