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These beautiful gardens set around an illustrious castle given by Henry IV to Rowland Leinthall, who was later knighted by Henry V for his daring at Agincourt, have recently undergone a dramatic change. The castle has an interesting history, ownership has fluctuated throughout the centuries, and it is currently in the hands of an American family who are responsible for the transformation of the landscape.
Few looking around these spectacular grounds, would little realise that what they are looking at is only nine years old. Everywhere, there is colour and grace, with the eye being constantly drawn to some fresh surprise. This ranges from the lovely waterscapes interlinking the various gardens together, to lofty trees and picturesque garden buildings, all set in the shadow of a majestic 15th-century castle built amongst the tranquil watermeadows of the River Lugg.
The gardens show flair and imagination coupled with the easy atmosphere of an English country garden. Perhaps it is so much use of water flooded with wildlife that adds to this perception, but no matter, at Hampton Court garden, all is peace and perfection.
The walled flower garden is of particular interest, this has two eight-sided pavilions surrounded by canals, and lovely grassed areas planted with fragrant flowers.
Water dominated the Dutch garden, this has a narrow pool surrounded by pots of vibrant agapanthus, it is further surrounded by masses of tulips, with purple verbena flourishing in the summer. In the vegetable garden visitors can see a variety of vegetables and fruit including ornamental silver pears, slim, sylph like Irish yews have been planted here, thus giving a dimension of height to the landscape. The vegetable garden, like the rest of the gardens, is cultivated organically.
One of the most magical of all the special vista's in the gardens is that of the colourful wisteria tunnel, where one dramatic specimen is believed to have been planted some 200 years or more ago. Again water heightens the drama of the sunken garden, a waterfall splashes over ancient boulders into a circular pool surrounded by reeds, ferns and hostas. The delightfully rustic thatched "Hermitage" garden building gives access to a tunnel leading to the maze, this area is highlighted by an attractive Gothic-style tower in the middle of the maze. Once visitors have found their way through the maze, they can enjoy splendid views over the gardens from the top of the tower.
This is a garden that is full of joy, in many ways it is its stark simplicity that gives adds to its unique attraction, with much use of scented flora, including lavender covered in summer by dancing butterflies.
Hampton Court Garden has an ambience and atmosphere not usually found in the gardens of a great Castle, it is not merely a gardeners garden, but a place to be enjoyed by everyone
in the county of Surrey
(0.8 miles, 1.3 km)This picturesque pleasant place is fortunate to lie between the waters of the historic River Thames and the River Mole. It is perhaps best known for Hampton Court Palace, the building started by Cardinal Wolsey in 1514...
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