The Walled Garden
The Walled Garden is the centrepiece of Holehird Gardens. Its north-, east- and west-facing borders, and south-facing wall, plus five island beds showcase a range of planting styles.
The West Border is planted to provide year-round interest and colour with a wide variety of bulbs, herbaceous perennials, roses, climbers, shrubs and small trees.
The South Border provides a contrasting shady area facing north. The seat at its centre, beneath a pergola planted with Rosa 'Zephirine Drouhin' and two clematis, provides the ideal spot to sit and enjoy the view of the whole Walled Garden.
The East Border enjoys exposure to the sun throughout the day and is home to a varied host of colourful flowering herbaceous plants and shrubs. Unexpectedly, in the south-east corner of the Walled Garden a small gill comes briefly to the surface before continuing under the lawn down to the Gunnera Pool and, eventually, Windermere.
The patio area has both seasonal and permanent plantings to enjoy. Alpines grow along the top of the low wall closest to the building, as well as in stone troughs below the wall. The long narrow bed against the North Wall contains aromatic and fragrant plants which can be enjoyed close up by visitors in wheelchairs. In front of the wall are two interlocking circular Herb Beds.
Colour is provided on the patio with exuberant seasonal plantings in half barrels in front of the building with the mix changing each year.
The 5 island beds have been redeveloped in recent years. The newly planted trees and shrubs are now beginning to mature and provide a permanent background to the seasonal plantings in each bed. Impact is created by planting in large blocks, with repeated use of particular plants. A colour theme is discernible across the island beds, with hot colours evident at the southern end, progressing to cooler colours at the northern end.
