Autumn at Temple Newsam

Although the nights are drawing in earlier and we know Winter is on its way, I do love the Autumn displays of colour.
A visit to Temple Newsam showed that the grounds still have plenty of interest.

In the walled garden:

 The trees are showing off their colours before they shut down for the Winter season:

Well worth a visit ...... and all for free!
 

Temple Newsam Park and Gardens

Although we took a long walk here on a cold day during the winter, on our visit his week we found the gardens completely transformed.  I know everything looks better in the sunshine, but the scenery was amazing and, although I have seen more inspiring walled gardens, the hothouses took my breath away.   

 

 The approach to the lake was lined with Rhododendrons in every colour 

 A section of the walled garden

 

 The first section of the hothouse you walk past pelargoniums of every colour including climbing varieties

 Next came a multitude of pots set out like this

 

 ..... and just when you thought the show was over there were the tropical plants, just like house plants but enormous including bird of paradise, lantana,

 

 we had our picnic in this circular seating area.  Just a pity the roses are late this year.

There is an exhibition to celebrate the tercentenary of the birth of Capability Brown, who designed these gardens, at the Mercer Gallery in Harrogate between 25^th June and 11^th September and entry is free.  For more information, go to http://www.capabilitybrown.org/event/noble-prospects-capability-brown-and-yorkshire-landscape

Best thing is that it is owned by the council and can be enjoyed by all!

I have blogged about Temple Newsam House earlier here http://thirdageblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/a-garden-post.html and here http://thirdageblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/the-vanity-of-small-differences.html  

Note to self:  Learn how to insert links 

A Garden Post

I have duplicated some pieces of this post on two other gardening related blogs I maintain, so humour me and trust me when I say it’s not a senior moment!

http://gardenersfridayforum.blogspot.co.uk

http://rainbowallotmentblogger.blogspot.com

We can’t really complain about November this year as the weather has been quite kind.

Thomas Hood’s poem comes to mind; here is the last verse ....

No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,
No comfortable feel in any member--
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds,
November!

I’ve tidied my garden in a wildlife friendly way and planted up a few more tulips.  Being able to see the bare bones of the plot gets me thinking creatively about my projects for next season.   I should carry a notebook and pencil in my pocket as these are usually forgotten by the time the session is finished!

The leaves seem to have remained until later in the month compared to last year and I enjoyed a visit RHS Harlow Carr.

 

The AGM of Yorkshire in Bloom was held in Temple Newsam, which gave me  the opportunity for a  stroll in the grounds.

 

 Temple Newsam House

 

On the way back, as the sun was still shining,  I couldn’t pass the Canal Gardens at Roundhay Park without a peak in.

The allotment where I am a volunteer has also slowed down, so I will be spending more time in the parks.  The afternoons are very short at the moment but we are only three weeks away from the shortest day.

Broad Beans Aquadulce Claudia  

The upside is that, theoretically, there should be more time for writing.