Garden Visit: Levens Hall, Lake District
It’s been a busy old summer at Vialii Towers but we managed to sneak away for a couple of weeks holiday. We visited Northumberland in our first week and Lulu had a ball doing the Fairytale Treasure Trail at Alnwick Gardens. We headed west-ward for week two and finally made a long-awaited visit to Levens Hall Gardens in the Lake District. Read on to see what we thought…
The amazing topiary at Levens Hall Gardens
As you enter the gardens you are treated to a pretty, open expanse of lawn and some wonderfully ornate pots. However, it’s not until you pass through the next gate that you are treated to the wonderful sights that Levens Hall is famous for – its topiary!
Looking for shapes hidden in the topiary was fun. We thought this one looked like a grumpy Buddha!
The topiary is in a league of its own and it certainly lives up to its claim as being the finest, oldest and most extensive topiary collection in the world. It is everywhere to be seen and it is immaculate. We loved that no-one has been tempted to create topiary animals or twee shapes. The gardens are a wonderfully eclectic mix of random shapes and sizes which complement each other really well. The “top hat” tree was one of our favourites! It also shows the wide array of plants which can be used in topiary from the commonly used yew and box to the less used holly.
Off exploring the impressive hedges at Levens Hall
From the topiary section we walked along (and inside!) the tallest and widest hedge we had ever seen. It was fabulous to be inside the hedge and appreciate its amazing structure.
From there we happened across the most beautiful herbaceous border which was a wonderful array of blues, purples and whites. Again, the garden was immaculate and lovingly tended by the gardening team.
A fabulous herbaceous border. We’re not sure who liked it most, us or the bees and butterflies!
From there we discovered a wonderful array of features from orchards, rose and herb gardens, grow your own areas and water features.
There were wonderful focal points at every turn
Tucked away down the bottom of the garden was a small play area and bug house. Our three year old daughter Lulu loved playing down here and hunting for bugs and it was a welcome addition to the garden. Levens Hall had also thoughtfully put together a wonderful children’s quiz where you have to hunt for the details in the garden. It kept us all amused for the whole day and is perfect for children of all ages.
Lulu loved hunting for bugs
Elsewhere, we can recommend the cakes in the cafe and the shop had some lovely gifts with thought being put into offering local and relevant gifts for visitors. We purchased some wonderful prints of the garden which will forever remind us of a wonderful day at Levens Hall. Make it a MUST SEE on your garden list. We’ll certainly be back.
All at Vialii
Garden Visits – The Vialii Wish List
Despite all we do to make sure our gardens have year round interest, there are times on those bleak winter days when your mind wanders to those glorious days visiting gardens you love. We also love letting our mind wander to some of the gardens we have yet to explore. Here are just some of the gardens on our garden visits wish list…
Villa D’Este, Italy
Famous for its waterfalls and theatre, Villa d’Este is a wonderful example of Renaissance culture. Considering it was built in the 16th century, the feat of engineering in the gardens is quite remarkable.
Villa d’Este https://www.flickr.com/photos/mmaselli/5011244893 Author M Maselli
Rikugien Gardens, Japan
Considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo, Rikugien was built around 1700. Rikugien literally means “six poems garden” and reproduces in miniature 88 scenes from famous poems.
Alhambra, Spain
The Alhambra dates back as far as 889AD and boasts gardens, fountains, streams, a palace and a mosque. The gardens of the Generalife consist of a long pool framed by flowerbeds, fountains, colonnades and pavilions.
The Majorelle Garden, Morocco
The Majorelle Garden is a 12 acre botanical garden and artist’s landscape garden designed by Jacques Majorelle. Since 1980 the garden has been owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
Majorelle Garden
https://www.flickr.com/photos/whltravel/4379161644
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, USA
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the crown jewels of the city’s park system, uniting two of Minnesota’s most cherished resources—its greenspace and its cultural life. The 11-acre site Directions, home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, showcases more than 40 works from the Walker Art Center’s renowned collection.
Villa Lante, Italy
The Villa Lante gardens feature cascading fountains, dripping grottoes and perfect parterres. It is a wonderful example of the Mannerist phase of the Renaissance period.
Kenkrouen, Japan
Kenrokuen features various ponds, streams, waterfalls, bridges, teahouses, trees, stones and flowers and is described as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The name Kenrokuen literally means “Garden of the Six Sublimities”, referring to spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water and broad views, which according to Chinese landscape theory are the six essential attributes that make up a perfect garden.
Kenkrouen, JapanSource https://www.flickr.com/photos/kimon/2621640037/
Author KimonBerlin
Lotusland, USA
Lotusland is like the Las Vegas of gardens. Completely over the top and a must-see. From the topiary animals to the Theatre Garden this garden looks like no other!
Yuyuan Garden, China
Yuyuan Garden is a famous classical garden located in Anren Jie, Shanghai. It was finished in 1577 by a government officer of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) named Pan Yunduan. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan’s parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age.
Levens Hall, England
Most famous for their stunning topiary gardens, Levens Hall Gardens in the Lake District have been providing pleasure for over three centuries. As well as the topiary there is a rose garden, herb garden, orchard and much more to explore.
The Topiary Garden at Levens Halls
So there are a few of the gardens on our garden visits wish list. What are yours? Or what gardens do you love that you want to share with others? Please get in touch and let us know.
Best wishes
All at Vialii