Monday 11 June 2012

Heaven in the rain


Every summer I eagerly look forward to the NGS National Gardens Scheme little yellow book of local gardens to visit in the balmy (!!!) summer months. Yesterday we took time out from the bubble wrap and cardboard boxes to visit one of these fine floral havens and donned our wellies and Souwesters to visit Hazelbury Manor in Wiltshire.


 Despite the weather's attempt to thwart any enjoyment outside.. we had a wonderful time wandering around the heavenly gardens of this beautiful historical home.


At every little twist and turn there were beautiful borders brimming with my cottage garden favourites, vibrant red Poppies, frothy green Alchemilla Mollis, dainty Aqualegias, dusky Lavender, perfumed Old English Roses, pompom Alliums crammed into every border to delight the eye.




Despite the more refined planting .. I was totally dazzled by this gorgeous display of the humble Foxglove.. hundreds of pastel spires filled with buzzing bees, intoxicated on their rich pollen.




 The rain added a new dimension and also brought out the jewel like colours of each plant against the grey sky.



Sadly this fabulous garden with it's stunning Laburnum archway topiary, rooms of roses and lily pond is only open once a year but as we are soon to be neighbours, I am hoping I can vault over one of the stone walls and pay a few clandestine visits to this special corner of Wiltshire!

13 comments:

thriftwood said...

Beautiful images ... how lovely that you will soon be living in that glorious neighbourhood! Have a a lovely week, Claire xx

June said...

Stunning photos and a truly stunning garden! What a shame that it is only open once a year! I've just been flicking through NGS booklets for Dorset and Devon - there's so many gifted gardeners out there.
June

Maria said...

A lovely day out,
looks like a secret garden.
Wishing you a sunny week...
Maria x

lemonade kitty said...

Absolutely stunning!! I hope the walls are low enough for you to hop over, lol, Lucey xx

jane and the happy crow said...

Lovely Jubbly! I will have to ring you before your number changes! Hope you are coping with it all dearie. Are you still going to stay with us for Homespun? lots of love xxxx

Frances said...

Oh what beautiful lush greenery accented by perfect colorful shapes.

How lucky for you to soon be a neighbor. I am sure that your visits won't be limited to one day per year!

Hoping that you'll be allowed to take a camera along on those visits. xo

Josie-Mary said...

What a beautiful garden :) x

sarah-jane down the lane said...

I see! So you have bought a stately home....nice garden!!! tee hee! Howdy do Michele...how the devil? I am so excited for you as I'm guessing the move is iminent? Good luck and happy times to you all...I must get out into my overgrown jungle but it so WET aaarrrrghhhhhh!!!

Love Sarah -x-

Karen said...

Lovely to hear the move is going ahead. Thats a gorgeous garden - love the avenue of foxgloves. You'll have to tuck a ladder somewhere so you can hop over when no-ones looking. Karen X

LinenandRoses said...

Oh I dream of a garden like that. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Fiona x

Unknown said...

What lovely gardens. Your photos are so inviting. Thank you for posting. *!*

jen storer said...

An absolute dream. Thanks for sharing! jxx

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

How gorgeous!!! Hoping all is well over the pond!

hugs,
Becky