This weekend we visited a village in the Peak District that had around 30 gardens open to the public for charity.
It took us a little longer to reach Bonsall due to there being a cycle fun race in and around Bakewell.
One garden in particular I have to admit to being quite partial to. We were warmly greeted at the entrance by the owner and the gardener was around for a chat about any of the plants or design.
Herbert Lodge included a grotto decorated floor to ceiling with shells and features a couple of mermaids.
A gently sloping trail took us through a shaded area with masses of hostas without barely a nibble from any marauding slugs or snails. This I think is a relatively new area, other than the trees as the plants were all still quite young, but another year or two will have great swathes of shaded planting that I would love to return to admire once more.
The route took us higher into rocky outcrops and vantage points to take in the scenic views.
Before opening out into a lush green lawn, with secret tunnels.
And a large pond with water lilies in bud.
Across the lawn and past a trompe l'oeil decorated temple, the path led us to the Italian style courtyard and Rose gardens.
I have to find this plant...the bees loved it!
There was also the greenhouse to explore before bidding farewell and moving onto the next gardens.
In all we managed to visit (or look at the 'peep over' gardens) around 8 gardens and visit a tea room. I would love to go next year and maybe find a little b&b so we can do both open days...there were so many more to check out!
If you haven't already visited, I can thoroughly recommend it, and at just £4 per adult (kids free) for over 30 gardens, what's not to love?
What a great way to spend a day. Glad you enjoyed yourselves xx
ReplyDelete