Top-notch British Gardens from Our Archive: A Collection of 10 Impressive Landscapes
Dive into the world of breathtaking gardens, each with its own captivating history and charm. Get ready to gather inspiration for your personal oasis as we meander through the gardens from across our Isles.
Scampston Hall and Walled Garden, Malton, North Yorkshire
Embark on a journey off the A64 to Scarborough and step into the serene Scampston Hall, adorned with Capability Brown's 18th-century landscapes. But it's the early 20th-century Walled Garden, the largest privately commissioned Piet Oudolf planting in the UK, that's the real show-stealer. Divided into ten distinct compartments, it offers a visual feast of perennial schemes that delight the eyes[1].
Open: March to November
The Harold Peto Garden, Heale Gardens, Wiltshire
Just a stone's throw from Salisbury, the Victorian Heale House and Gardens boast an intriguing past. Legend has it that Charles II hid here during the Battle of Worcester in 1651[2]. In the 20th century, Harold Peto was commissioned to remodel it. Architectural features harmonize with innovative planting, a reflection of Peto's signature style[2].
Open: March to October
The Cottage Garden, Gwaenynog, Denbighshire
Beatrix Potter's writings were inspired by this quaint Welsh cottage garden. The prerequisite vegetable plot and potting shed served as the models for the antagonist Mr. McGregor in her tale of the Flopsy Bunnies. Sadly, the garden only opens occasionally in aid of the National Gardens Scheme[1].
The Rose Garden, Borde Hill, West Sussex
Lovingly cared for by the Stephenson Clarke family for over a century, this estate boasts thirteen 'garden rooms', each with its own unique charm. One of them is the stunning rose garden, featuring over 750 varieties of roses, a heady fragrance that will entice visitors into its embrace[1].
Open: February to December
The Water Garden, Stobo, Scottish Borders
For a moment of zen amidst the hustle of the Borders, don't miss the Water Gardens. Embracing the Japanese trend of the early 20th century, expect to find bridges, tea houses, and of course, Acers. These gardens provide a peaceful escape to connect with nature[1].
Open: Occasionally to the public as part of the Scottish Gardens Scheme
The Formal Garden, Kinross House, Kinross-shire
The immaculate symmetry of the formal gardens at Kinross House is a subtle nod to the prison cell that once housed Mary Queen of Scots. Over five acres, the gardens feature box quadrants enclosing contemporary planting[1].
Open: By prior arrangement
The Gertrude Jekyll Garden, Munstead Wood, Surrey
Famous for pioneering color-graded planting and exploring modern horticulture, Gertrude Jekyll designed and lived in the stunning Munstead Wood. The garden is where she perfected her art and nurtured her empire of plants, making it a must-visit for garden enthusiasts[1].
Temporarily closed for restoration by the National Trust
The Topiary Garden, Levens Hall, Cumbria
Dating back to 1701, this topiary garden showcases some of the oldest yew and box hedges in the world[1]. The intricate, finely-clipped shapes create a living artwork that's a tribute to the masterful artistry of its creator, M. Guillaume Beaumont[1].
The Fantastical Beasts Garden, Mount Stewart, Co Down
Wander around Mount Stewart's gardens, and you never know what whimsical creature you might encounter, from orangutans offering urns to forlorn Dodos stationed by the Giant Ark. These charming creations commemorate the Ark Club, a group of women who supported the war effort in the early 20th century[1].
The Autumn Colours Garden, Chatsworth, Derbyshire
A visit to Chatsworth in the autumn is nothing short of magical. The contrast between the misty air, grazing deer, and fiery leaves creates a feast for the senses. Complete with naturalistic-looking parkland designed by Capability Brown, it's a blissful retreat for nature lovers[1].
Open: Year-round
Source:[1] Melanie Bryan, ourplatform.co.uk[2] National Trust[3] Visit Britain[4] English Heritage
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As we delve into Britain's alluring garden landscapes, consider the serene charm of formal gardens like Scampston Hall's Walled Garden, an invigorating blend of history and contemporary horticulture, ideal for home-and-garden inspiration. Another captivating destination is Gwaenynog's Cottage Garden, steeped in literary history, offering insights into the lifestyle of Beatrix Potter, refining your home-and-garden aesthetic with its idyllic Welsh charm.
