december gardens...

December can bring with it some dark and dismal days, when even a good gardener's thoughts turn to hibernation... Cold, wet weather, when the thought of toasting your toes in front of a roaring log fire seems so tempting.

Every outdoor effort now pays dividends in spring though, and we try to keep that in mind as we make our preparations. There is winter cheer to be had though, in giving this season, and if you have gardening gifts in your sights, then Cumbria- the Lake District is the place to go...

 
My ‘local' in the south of the county is the brilliant Beetham Garden Centre, but of course there are many other excellent establishments at all points of the compass. In the centre, Hayes of Ambleside is certainly one of the biggest and best. When our children were smaller, we went every year to marvel at their Christmas displays and to buy a bauble or two for the christmas tree.

 

Tempting though virtually every pot, plant, ornament and accessory is, my favorite this year has to be a really good read... The newly published ‘Gardens of the Lake District' by Tim Longville with superb photography by Val Corbett, is top of my Christmas list. It gives details of forty gardens, large and small, all open to the public. That is enough to keep us going with some really inspirational armchair gardening until spring finally arrives.

If thoroughly exhausted by too much seasonal retail therapy, then blow away the cobwebs with a brisk walk taking in some garden interest on the way. About a mile north of Ambleside lies Rydal Hall- site of an ambitious garden restoration recently completed. Arrive on foot through picturesque parkland before exploring the perfect formal terraces in front of the house. From here exceptional views sweep across the gorgeous lakeland landscape, back down the valley towards Windermere.

Don't miss the 'Grot'

Don't miss either, the ‘Grot'- hardly as grotty as the name suggests. This comfortable small stone viewing house overlooks the wild Rydal Beck waterfall, and its window frames the dramatic scene as romantic 17th, 18th and 19th century seekers of the sublime were meant to see it.

Whether you have just got out of your car, walked from Ambleside, or have spent the day struggling over the high fells, you will always find a welcome and a rewarding homemade cake and cup of tea in the super cafe there.

New Head gardener Iain Turnbull has just taken on a grand garden at Rydal Hall, in an even grander setting. Call in there this winter if you can- it is an excellent antidote to Christmas shopping. Then visit again in the spring and summer to look over his horticultural handiwork, and out, across that perfect Lake District view..