STANDING taller than two large men and stretching more than 70 metres across a garden wall, this is believed to be the largest wisteria in the country.
Now the star attraction at Wickham Place Farm, in Wickham Bishops, the wisteria sinensis is drawing visitors from far and wide as late spring approaches and its flowers are at their best.
"People are astonished by the size of it. It is fairly unique, there is nothing quite as big as this in the country," said Judith Wilson, the plant's proud owner.
"The decision to grow it was madness really. It seemed like a good idea. I never much thought of quite what I was producing and how much work it creates, but it brings people a lot of pleasure and makes them smile."
The 57-year-old has trained the plant along the wall for the past two decades and its mauve flowers now cover the entire side of the two-acre walled garden.
In previous years the unpredictable weather has killed the wisteria's delicate flowers, in particular when temperatures plummeted to below freezing in early spring last year.
But now the labour-intensive care, including the 25 hours it takes to prune just one side each spring, has paid off, with hundreds of visitors flocking to the centre on each open day this year.
Since it opened in 1996 the centre in Station Road has welcomed thousands to its 14-acre gardens, which boast an abundance of climbers, roses, shrubs, perennials and bulbs.
There are also unusual plants for sale and a selection of tea and cakes available.
The garden is open every Friday in June, July and September from 11am to 4pm, but it will be closed in August.
Admission is £4 for adults and is free for children with all proceeds raised from the gardens donated to the National Gardens Scheme and Farleigh Hospice.
Call 01621 891282 or visit www.wickhamplacefarm.co.uk for more information.
