levens in july...
The Lake District boasts many a beautiful garden, but surely Levens Hall's the best!
Of course, my opinion may be a bit biased; as Head Gardener at Levens, I've spent the last 20 years tickling it into a state of perfection. The garden has been worked on, and wowing visitors, for a lot longer than that though... over three centuries to be precise.
It not just that great sense of history, but the incredible topiary that gathers amazed admirers from right round the globe. There are over a hundred wonderfully clipped sculptures in Box and Yew, with some of the giants towering ten metres overhead. Look out for the lion, four birds, a couple of chess pieces, the judge's wig, the great umbrella, Queen Elizabeth and much, much more. (Today's telly addicts may evens spot ‘Homer Simpson', or ‘R2D2' from Star Wars) They float as a fantastic green procession above a sea of colourful summer flowers - 20,000 in all, massed in bright blocks of purples, blues, lemon yellows, whites and pinks. An unforgettable sight!
All the senses are satisfied here- Drink deeply of the heady scents of the old english roses- a glorious jumble of pinks, reds, purples and blush whites spilling over the intricately carved low box hedges. Or move along the long, warm, wall borders- the rough limestone clothed with exotic climbers vying for space with unusual and aromatic shrubs.
Formality returns with grassy walks lined by stately double herbaceous borders, and hedged enclosures linked through tempting vistas. After the exciting intensity of those floral feasts, its good to still the soul and relax amidst the cool greens of the beech circle or be soothed by the restful splashing sounds of the fountain.
There is exercise too, for mind and body... take in a genteel game of croquet on the ancient bowling green, or lose yourself for a while in the windings of the willow tunnels, or the intricacies of the grassy labyrinths.
Taste also is catered for- the orchard and nuttery provide beautiful and bountiful backdrops to the pretty and productive vegetable and herb gardens. Tempted? then try out some delicious home produced ‘tasties' later in the tea room....
Yes, Levens is a wonderful place. But don't just take my naturally biased view of it- come, see for yourself....