Holehird Gardens, Windermere

A couple of years ago, Liz Newport of Buzy Lizzie Garden Design, introduced me to the work of Piet Oudolf and the idea of multi-seasonal gardening.  It's something I'm slowly trying to achieve in my own garden and am so eager to capture in others.  Having shot some of Liz' gardens in winter, I know how effective the structural shapes and differing colour palette of the colder months can be.  With this in mind, last month I headed to Holehird Gardens near Windermere for my first trip of 2024.  I'd had the pleasure of a guided walk around the gardens in Spring 2023 and revisited with some areas in mind.  I honed in on a few plants and here are the results! 

MAGNOLIA Stellata - I love magnolia blooms but this was the first time photographing their catkins.  What a stunning winter display.

MORINA Afghanica - When I saw the architectural structure of this plant, I thought I recognised it as the Chelsea favourite from a couple of years ago, Phlomis.  I'd shot a couple of Phlomis in a beautiful Bea Ray designed garden in summer-time and thought I'd correctly identified this plant.  When I came to look at the designation on the helpful signs at Holehird I was surprised to see that it was a completely different family (though both Asterids) and not what I was expecting.  Another example of how interesting it can be to leave your plants as winter homes for wildlife and a visual feast for you!  The position of the Morina at Holehird is especially lovely with either the waters of Windermere or the winding paths of the gardens behind. 

ASTILBE - Holehird is home to the National Collection of Astilbes.  I've yet to visit when they are in full bloom but I can't say how much I loved watching their forms sway in the wind with a great depth and breadth of russet tones.   

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES - On my way out as the light was properly beginning to disappear, I spent a moment looking out towards Windermere through these beauties.  I couldn't find a black label for all of them but there's definitely some Miscanthus sinensis 'Yaku-jima' in the mix there!