Sunday 29 May 2011

Two gardens

Two gardens in two days and what a contrast.Today we visited Eaton Hall garden just outside Chester.Eaton Hall is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Westminster.He used to be regarded as the richest man in England and this is his place.They open the gardens three times a year for charity.This is the courtyard.




The chapel.





This is the view back to the house.It isn't the nicest looking house but has been improved by putting a pitched roof on replacing the original flat one.










There were smaller lakes and in the distance a huge lake.Just look at these sculptures!









This is the Dragon Garden and pond.









The building on the left hosts the Camellia Walk but it was past its best.How about this in your garden?














Beautiful flowers.Many varieties of iris.















Superb peonies.
















There is a fab exhibition of carriages.You can just imagine getting into these in a novel.
















This is a magnificent state carriage.














So that was Eaton Hall today.I forgot to mention the walled kitchen garden.really interesting.It was £5 to go in,all going to charity.It is well worth a visit.It is open again on 24th July and the 28th August.

In contrast yesterday we visited a garden open under the NGS scheme.A private garden on a housing estate.Such a surprise to go through the side gate and see all this.










This is a hen house.







Looking down the garden.



















A little hut for the children to play in.



















This was the owner's piece de resistance.His own Bothy at the bottom of the garden.A log fire was burning,a stained glass window installed,two armchairs and a selection of beers.What else could a man/woman want.



















Another garden tomorrow?Maybe.I love looking round gardens.











1 comment:

  1. Do you know, I've never thought about visiting Eaton Hall. It does look very grand. I think I prefer the second garden!!!
    xxx

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