Holehird Gardens – Windermere – Lake District – UK
Holehird Gardens in the English Lake District have some unique features that set it apart from many others. The gardens sit on the fell side at about 160 meters above sea level with parts of it steeply sloped and well drained, whilst the walled garden is relatively flat. The soil is slightly acidic, typical of the Lake District where you will see many acid loving plants such as Rhododendron flourish. The weather around the year here is varied between very wet to dry and sunny. Temperatures are also varied and the mix, as elsewhere, creates a challenging environment to consistently grow the same plants.
The garden is managed by the Lakeland Horticultural Society and is an award winning RHS Partner garden. It contains six National Collections being – Astilbe, Daboecia, Meconopsis, Polystichum, Hydrangea, Hosta Mouse Series and Tanacetum coccineum.
To find the gardens you need to take the A592 Pattersdale Road off the Ambleside Road near to Windermere on the Lake Windermere. This is a wonderful road to travel, through the Kirkstone Pass and on to Ulswater, a journey well worth taking. However, the Holehird Gardens are only a mile up the road.
As you can see from these images, not only the gardens are beautiful, but the surroundings are also worth the visit. Look across the verdant green pastures down to Lake Windermere or take in the views of the ‘high’ mountains to the north and west.
Garden Design
The Holehird Gardens sit in 10 acres of Lakeland fellside with views that overlook Lake Windermere and the High Fells in the distance. The garden is partially contained in a Walled Garden with flower beds and borders, whilst other plants and shrubs extend into the adjacent fell side. Access is good and mainly flat with good footpaths, but access to some areas will require more agillity.
Meconopsis National Collection
Meconopsis or Himalayan Poppy do well in these conditions, providing unusual blue, purple, yellow and white flowers. These images are some of variety of Meconopsis that are to be found in the garden. Taken in May and include the varieties , Strathspey, Lingholm, Bailey Alba and Sulphurea.
Rhododendron and Azalea
If colour is what you appreciate then a visit to an established collection of Rhododendrons and Azaleas will rarely disappoint. During April to June, the Lake District of England will be decorated with these shrubs a sign that although far from native, the conditions of acidic soil and wet but well drained, allows these to flourish and give a rainbow of colour set against the lush green surroundings.
Trillium cernuum
Trillium cernuum is a flower from the family Melanthiaceae and the idea of the name cernuum is that it has drooping flower. More of a woodland plant of the northern hemisphere it does well in these moist temperate conditions.
Primula
These candelabra Primula certainly enhance the colours of the border. They like moisture conditions and are relatively easy to grow.
Polystichum National Collection
May is no doubt too early in the season to view this National Collection of Polystichum at its best. Definitely useful plants for a wet patch of garden as I have found out from experience.
Matteuccia
Much further along in the growing cycle are the verdant greens of the Matteuccia.
Other Notable Plants
In the walled garden are some raised stone beds that are well drained and allow for smaller plants to flourish. Also allowing a closer look without getting on your hands and knees. These include alpines such as the saxifraga cotyledon Southside Seedling, Geranium cinereum jolly jewel, Penstemon newberryi, and Iberis Absolutely Amethyst.
In the borders you have Camassia quamash, and large architectural plants like Gunnera Manicato.
So a fine plane to visit, interesting plants with unique specimens and stunning views to the high fells.
