The kitchen garden, started by Mr. Congreve in 1955 after inspiration from Exbury Gardens, produced seasonal crops and, over 40 years with Herman Dool and a team of 100, amassed over 10,000 plants. Visitors are encouraged to see the Stables Cafe, the secret garden shop, and the summer house, once a retreat for Congreve. Michael closes with a story of Congreve sharing a Chinese sage’s wisdom: lifelong happiness comes from being a gardener.
