Monday 30 June 2014

A visit to Sizergh Castle in The Lake District, Kendal, Cumbria


Sizergh Castle, Kendal, Cumbria, National Trust UK


Sizergh castle is a National Trust maintained property on the edge on the lake district in Cumbria North West UK . It is an enjoyable and largely unpretentious place to visit, set within a lush green and verdant landscape. The castle is still inhabited by the Strickland family who have been in residence for over 750 years.













Double flowered geranium

I am not normally a fan of double flowers but i do like this, probably for the vibrancy of the colour.

Thalictrum flower head  with Lupin in background



Very striking  texture  colour combination





View of castle from kitchen garden






Percy the scarecrow



Sedum leaf axil and flower head

Limestone garden 

Limestone steps



Limestone path



A truly spectacular Acer



Lush poolside planting






Exquisite combination of Rodgersia, Astilbe, Acers and ferns with water lilies in foreground pond








Erigeron 



Dramatic and dreamy use of Erigeron






Sedum planted into stone wall



Sambucus racemosa 'Sutherland Gold'

















Simple yet elegant oak gates



Yew pyramids





Erythronium



Erythronium, Trout Lily



Stone barn



Steps beautifully softened with grasses









Country gate
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Friday 20 June 2014

An inspirational visit to the glorious Bodnant Gardens in Wales

Bodnant Gardens Wales, National Trust UK


Bodnant gardens in Wales cover an area of some 80 acres and is maintained and cared for by the National Trust. This is a place that i not only visit for its peaceful and calm serenity but for me it is also a place of great inspiration. One of my favorite areas in the gardens has to be the steep wooded valley which peers down to the river below, whilst the Italianate terraces are probably now at their best with the roses flowering away like mad, the scent a heady perfume truly fills the air. It is a breathtaking landscape and all the more so as a man-made artifice. Below are a collection of pictures from my recent visit.


Bodnant House



House with view to Snowdonia



Mountains of Snowdonia



The Folly by the Lily Pond

The aptly named Ladybird poppy


Achillea and California Poppy, a surreal combination


Achillea

Wonderful cranesbill
Hosta, no slug damage, wonderful

Astrantia flower, a favourite










Magnolia, a piece of natural perfection



My favorite tree Cornus Kousa






Love the oversize coping stones
















Sequoia tree planted in the 1870's has an eerie fairy-tale quality to it





Mysterious steps 

International Landscape Design Awards

APLD International Landscape Design Awards  2018 The awards ceremony was held in Toronto in September which I couldn't make as I w...