cumbria's gardens in april, spring at sizergh...

The National Trust may maintain much of what makes the Lake District great- mountain, moor, woodland and water, but it also boasts a few of its best gardens and Sizergh Castle in the South of the county is surely top of their list...

Facets of a thousand year history are reflected through a tour of the house and although the garden may have been around for only a tenth that time, it has just as many angles to explore.

Perhaps it is best known for its acre of rock garden where twisting paths lead through rocky limestone outcrops, and stepping stones and natural slabs span steams and pools. Rare alpines, the fresh green foliage of ferns and magnificent maples abound. Particularly eye-catching at this time of year are the bright yellow spathes of ‘skunk cabbage', and the purple pom-poms of early drumstick primulas.

Further on is a simply stunning wildflower bank. A beautiful natural haven for half a dozen different native orchids and much more besides. In April, as the sheets of yellow daffodils begin to fade, an equally beautiful sight unfolds as the extraordinary ‘snakeshead fritillaries' burst into bloom.

Below lies the lake- thick with water-lilies in part, and elsewhere reflecting the grandeur of the house above. Watch out too for the bright, iridescent blue flash of the kingfisher- I saw two here last week!

Explore further and you will find cherry blossom in the ‘dutch garden', long warm wall borders, hardy herbaceous plantings, tree and shrub interest and much, much more.

Top it off with a visit to Sizergh Castle's new restaurant, and you will have enjoyed one of the best garden days out in Cumbria!