cumbria's gardens this february...
The garden at Holehird, up above Windermere, is a favourite of mine the year round, and especially worth a visit this month.
Sure enough, you'll see, and inhale the delicious scents of winter favourites such as Mahonias, Hammamelis, and Daphnes. But from now on, the new season's delights come into play. Sparkling drifts of snowdrop, crocus species and the earliest narcissi mark the start of nature's new year.
Officially, February still counts as a winter month, but fortunately for us some of the more optimistic flowers have other ideas! Lengthening days, and if we are lucky a little more warmth from the sun, are all that is needed to push up, and out, these early spring bulbs.
Amazingly, this superb garden is impeccably maintained and developed entirely by the volunteers of the Lakeland Horticultural Society. Content and presentation here is second to none, and you'll never be stuck for a plant name, as everything is so helpfully labelled.
Marvel at the little gems in the alpine house, or study beautiful new combinations in the walled garden. Explore paths winding up through the rock garden, or follow the lively beck as it rushes down towards Holehird Tarn. There are plantings a plenty to discover and delight in here, but perhaps best of all is the view... Away down to Windermere then up and across a magical sweep of Lakeland mountains- from the Coniston fells over to the Langdale Pikes.
Holehird is a truly great garden in a wonderful setting. Take my advice, and example, and visit it again and again.
Holker is also going to be a ‘must see' this spring... an extra 48,000 bulbs planted this season should see to that!
Swathes of snowdrops are already carpeting the ground through peaceful woodland glades, and generous drifts of crocus spread dreamily across the lower lawns. Even the earliest rhododendrons are showing colour- vibrant pinks, bringing welcome relief after the greys of winter.
Elsewhere, the first daffodils' nodding heads brighten the scene, whilst the discerning visitor will seek out the magical collection of hellebores... darkest ‘blacks' and delicate green shades massed in stunning groups along the beech walk.
The garden at Holker opens extra early this year, from February 3rd. With so many new bulbs, and such superb springtime planting, it cannot fail to delight!
