Making hay while the sun shines

 Taking advantage of the colder but bright weather in mid-October, we had a busy few days.

With free National Trust tickets, first stop was Beningbrough Hall after finding their grounds were dog friendly.

Harvest time at Beningbrough with lots of tasting of fruit and drink

How the laundry was done back in the day

We then went to Scampston for lunch. If you haven’t visited the gardens laid out by Piet Oudolf, a leading light of the "New Perennial" movement who uses bold drifts of herbaceous perennials and grasses, it’s definitely worth going especially in June and July. Dogs are not allowed in the walled gardens, but there is plenty of parkland.

The view from the mound, a viewing point

And on to the Yorkshire Coast

Pembroke Gardens and The Spa, Bridlington

Bridlington Harbour at low tide

and a long, circular walk from Ulrome beach to Barmston Drain and back through the fields.

Bridlington's working harbour

 

What a difference a week makes! One week later Storm Babet arrives in the area with flooding and wind damage.  Carpe Diem!

Visit to Scampston Hall and Walled Garden

It was such a treat to visit Scampston, in North Yorkshire, which was impressive even under grey skies and drizzle.

The Walled Garden was designed by Piet Oudolf in 1999 and his signature swathes of grasses and flowers are very much in evidence.

A viewing mount gives an overall impression of the whole garden

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The garden is such a great opportunity to find plenty of planting ideas for your own garden.

In contrast, the parkland was the work of Capability Brown with a huge lake, bridge and waterfall.  The Hall was closed for this year.

 

Throughout the grounds there are trails allowing you to discover wildflower meadows, specimen trees, wildlife and the various outbuildings and features of a stately home.

I don't like to give too much away, as you can experience the wow factor for yourself.  A cafe and plant sales completes the experience.