An intrepid group made their way to the Lakes for a garden tour. Designed so that the group could see the wonderful rhododendrons normally out at that time of the year it was unfortunate that, as the rest of the country, the cold spring had delayed everything approximately five weeks. Some very early varieties were out and a host of daffodils too and the topiary showed just how good it is for winter structure.

Gardens visited were Askham Hall – and a tour with the Head Gardener; Larch Cottage nurseries – mouthwatering plants for sale; Brantwood – John Ruskin’s home at Coniston, fascinating; Holehird – the amazing garden run by the Lakeland Horticultural Society; Levens Hall and its famous topiary, where the group also got to see behind the scenes of the propagation unit, and Sizergh castle

The pictures  show just some of the wonderful sights seen – including a few

pictures from Mary who has been back to a couple of the gardens to show what they should have looked like at that time of year.

Enjoy.