Holehird Gardens

We had intended another walk this morning, but found ourselves instead at the Holehird Gardens above Windermere, the HQ of the Lakeland Horticultural Society. What a lovely place, more so because of the wonderful weather - we've been very lucky this weekend.

Below the Gardens is a tarn, with a derelict boathouse. it was very peaceful, and no-one else there. And a couple of dabchicks - I love their trilling call.

In the afternoon, we visited Levens Hall and its Gardens. It has the world's largest collection of topiary - largely yew with some box, as well as fantastic beech hedges and pleached limes. It all looks just a bit mad - see the extra (this just shows some of the topiary). The Hall itself is a fine Elizabethan Mansion, privately owned and still lived in. The only disadvantage of the whole place is that is is very close to the River Kent, so it all flooded in early December. But it has survived intact.