Lady Clementine's Seat

No, I haven't the faintest idea of whether Clementine Churchill ever sat on a bench in the grounds of Chartwell or not. But, you must concede, she might have. 

A Lutyens three-seater, perhaps. A white three-seater Lutyens?

I have tried to research the matter to ensure accuracy, but the closest fact that I can establish is that she buried a Bali dove beneath a sundial in the garden. Therefore, it follows that the garden would be a meaningful place to Lady Churchill (later titled The Rt Hon The Baroness Spencer-Churchill!)

Well, we live at Chartwell (a different Chartwell) and in the garden, we have a white three-seater Lutyens garden seat ( A different bench, but nevertheless a Lutyens). By common logic, I conclude that the spot chosen for our seat could well be referred to as 'Lady Clementine's Repose'

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Having chosen the site on which to position the bench, the girls then debated, argued and reasoned its precise resting spot and the vista which should greet those seated on it.

I'm sure there's quite an intricate science and art behind furniture arrangement, but I must profess not to be knowledgeable in this arena. If I am tasked with placing such an article, it would probably be under a tree in a nook, or out of the wind against a wall.

Not being the designer or architect, I got the job of construction contractor. To place Lady Clementine's seat in a level position, facing the lawned pathway from the front of the house.

Here's a step-by-step of the process:

When sitting on the seat, these are the views:

(1)  View down the runway from the front of the house.

(2)  View to the left with the runway just to the right.

(3)  View to the Right, with Goat Hill in the distance.

(Above)  The bench waits for the process to be completed. The ground is measured carefully, the grass removed and retaining edging planks cut and fixed in position.

(Above): The plinths for the bench  are levelled with a spirit level, so that the bench will sit level and not wonky. The 8  plants for the area are 4 white roses*, 3 Gaura So White**  and 1 Gypsophila Bristol Fairy***. At the far end (spade in the hole) a spare hole for another bloom has been reserved.

(Above): With all the plants in their correct places, time for the stone mulch around each plant as a weed suppressant over the weed mat. Larger 20-60mm pebbles are used to fill in the larger areas.

(Above): The site is finally completed and the plants watered. Now for the furniture.

     

Flowers in this account:
* Rose -- var. Noaschnee.

** Gaura So White --  Masses of pure white butterfly shaped flowers on unmarked green foliage are features of this compact growing plant. A great subject for the mixed border, containers or a cut flower. Plant in well drained soils and full sun. Trim back after flowering to promote new flowers and maintain growth habit.  75H x 60Wcm


*** Gypsophila 'Bristol Fairy'  -- delicate clouds of pure white double flowers appear on long sturdy stems throughout the summer months. A most excellent cutflower or planted as  a stunning backdrop behind smaller growing lower plants in the flower border. Grows best in full sun in friable well drained soil 95 x 95cm.