One of the things to strike me was how green everything is. There's lots of evergreen plants so it wasn't devoid of leaves when we visited before but it doesn't make up for the lack of leaves on the trees. It's looking lush at the moment.
I had actually expected to see more colour at this time of year than there is, though there's the odd pop here and there.
The garden is essentially planted up with shade lovers, ferns and hostas amongst them.
Water runs throughout the garden, ponds, streams and rills with one or two waterfalls too. The trickling water sounds make it so tranquil.
There's areas on many different levels which are cleverly brought together. This is an old bear pit, the chamber within has contained bears, very sad I thought, but it is now a quick way to get from one part of the garden to another. This is the entrance in an elevated area of the garden.
Within the bear pit is a spiral staircase. Decending these stairs and exiting through the lower level door brings you out on another level.
This part of the garden is sunken, again there's water here as there is in most areas.
Statues play a big part in the garden too.
I love seeing troughs planted up, I don't think I've seen one so big before.
An arrangement of troughs.
This area is planted up more formally with topiary and it's more open than other areas.
The gardens aren't huge but there's plenty of interest here.
It was another lovely visit to this garden but I have to say that I did enjoy it more last time, I think the frost which had settled on the ground gave it a magical feel as we wandered round.
What an interesting place! I like its water features and elements of formality. Thank you Jo!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting. I love all the water running through the garden too, it makes it so peaceful.
DeleteI had never heard of a bear pit - looked it up and it is indeed sad. But it's part of the history of the garden, so I always appreciate when these types of structures are preserved for future generations to see. The quote on that plaque is just lovely...and so true!
ReplyDeleteIt's terribly sad that animals were kept in this way, during living memory too. It's a wonderful structure but harrowing to think why it was built.
DeleteWe visited last July and really enjoyed it an even better came away with some plants. They are dog friendly too so did Archie go with you?
ReplyDeleteIt is dog friendly, I can't remember if he came with us last time but we left him at home this time. He was quite happy to stay with Eleanor, he needed to catch up on some sleep after his hectic holiday.
DeleteLovely post.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely garden, well worth a visit.
DeleteThe water features change the feel of every garden. I am so glad I have my little pond.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a nice trip!
I think water is an important part of a garden, as you say, it can transform it. I love all the wildlife that my little pond attracts.
DeleteYou've caught quite a nice lot of colour in your photo's.
ReplyDeleteI always like being near water it is somehow calming ... especially a trickling sound as you describe.
All the best Jan
There was colour in the garden but not as much as I expected, it's planted nicely with other things through. Water is so relaxing, I often feel myself nodding off if I'm sat near the sea.
DeleteIt looks beautiful and very tranquil.
ReplyDeleteThere's lots of seating so you can take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere, it's a lovely garden.
DeleteA most enjoyable post, and lovely pictures. I like having water running throughout the gardens. It's interesting that you preferred looking round back in the winter, which shows that garden visits should be made year round.
ReplyDeleteThere's water in most parts of this garden and it was certainly attracting the wildlife, we saw dragonflies darting about while we were there but they were too quick for me to photograph. I think many gardens are geared up to be at their best in summer so it was nice to find a garden which I preferred in winter.
DeleteThere is a lot to see isn't there. It looks like a really interesting garden for plant fans and just those who like to wander. I like the formal garden especially. xx
ReplyDeleteIt's not a huge garden but, as you say, there's plenty to see and lots of interest.
DeleteI do like all the water....lovely! The bear pit looks so mysterious, and that trough is a fantastic specimen! It does look wonderful, I rather like green gardens.xxx
ReplyDeleteI love the bear pit, it's a great feature, just sad what it had been used for in the past. It's a brilliant way to join two levels of the garden. I've always been drawn towards troughs filled with plants but I've never planted one up myself. A future project maybe.
DeleteIt looks a most intriguing and secretive garden to visit Jo. The steps in your second photo look so inviting and the hosta planting really sets them off.
ReplyDeleteIt is a bit like a secret garden, so many different little areas and the planting is done really well.
Delete