How does your garden grow?

Just in case you’re feeling in need of some gardening stimulation, we’ve pulled together a list of gardens around the UK that are still open in the winter months.  So, wrap up warmly, get your walking shoes on, and see what inspiration you get from these.

South

Stourhead Gardens near Mere, Wiltshire is a stunning English landscape garden created by Henry Hoare 11 in the mid 1800s that is now owned and managed by the National Trust.  As well as the extensive natural lawns and parkland in the 2,650 acre estate, there is the majestic, Palladian Stourhead house.

The magical scenery includes a grotto and temples named after Greek goddesses, a rock bridge and grandiose lake.  The view from the Temple of Appollo has been described as one of the most picturesque scenes in the world.

Hybrid rhododendrons, scented azaleas and pelargoniums abound amongst the twisting paths and landscaped lawns.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead/

Midlands

Hidcote Manor in the Cotswolds was created just this century by the great horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston.  It consists of aseries of small gardens each within a garden with its own, and also has long avenues with fascinating herbaceous borders, plus rare shrubs, trees and unusual plants from around the world.  Herbaceous borders and old scented roses give a traditional feel amongst the garden’s outstanding design features.  This garden is only open at weekends during the winter so do check opening times.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote/

North

Our third garden featured today has some of the finest landscaped gardens from around the world, withelegant ornamental lakes, avenues, temples and cascades.  They were designed by John Aislabee and are renowned for the beautiful views, the peace and tranquillity.  The remains of 12th century Fountains Abbey, The Elizabethan Fountains Hall and a medieval deer park are all additional attractions, as is the only surviving Cistercian corn mill.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey/

Wales

The 17th century garden at Powis Castle is world-famous for itsmagnificent hanging terraces including an Italianate terrace inspired by the palace of St Germain-en Laye in France.  The walls are adorned with roses, pomegranates and other rare plants, and there is a kitchen garden, now converted to a flower garden with rhododendrons and azaleas.  The castle sits high on a rock above the terraces and the Clive Museum houses a collection of treasures from India.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/powis-castle/

Scotland

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is world famous for its great selection of plants, including rhododendrons from the Himalayas, plus orchids and alpines.  The rock garden spans 2 acres with a stream, herbaceous borders, Pringle Chinese collection, water ravine, woodland garden and much more.  There are glasshouses split into different climatic zones with water and tropical plants and Britain’s largest Palm House.