It is on the banks of the River Kent and is so low lying that high tides will often push its water backwards. When this is coupled with periods of high rainfall upstream, the river bursts its banks and the garden is engulfed beneath a metre or more of muddy water. Fortunately these are fresh water floods rather than sea water and the silt left behind simply serves to enrich the soil.
Winters can be severe with long periods of frost and snow.
Freezing conditions can bring garden work to a standstill, but the structure of the garden- the topiary and the hedges look magical!
It is in spring and summer though, when the true glory of the garden becomes apparent...
Early in the year there are massed plantings of tulips, double daisies and pansies, 20,000 in all beneath the crisply clipped and sharply defined topiary.
Tulips are also a dramatic feature of the orchard. Each tree rising from a grounding of these bright red flowers.
Then, in summer a further 20,000 seasonal flowers create clouds of colour beneath the sculpted shapes...
The main double herbaceous borders are stunning too. These are colour themed in the lighter blues, pinks, yellows and whites of a pastel palette...
Whilst those beyond the great beech circle encompass a stronger palette of deeper blues, reds and purples...
The rose garden is also a wonderful sight and full of perfume from mid-summer on.
Elsewhere in the garden, ornamental and productive vegetable vegetable borders line the narrow grass paths.
Leading on, across the red borders to the pleached lime tunnels and the fountain garden beyond.
Colour themed borders are effective including the Yellow Border...
and the Grey Border.
Whilst the intrepid explorer will discover extensive wall plantings, wild flower meadows, a herb garden, willow labyrinth, mixed borders, flower filled urns, planters and much, much more.It is however the views through the topiary that remain with the visitor the longest...
The Garden at Levens Hall...
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