The Walled Garden At Holkham

We visited the 'Walled Garden' at Holkam during a recent holiday in north Norfolk. We've been before on several occasions and each time we visit, the garden has been developed even more. The garden is an ongoing restoration project, named the 'Beyond The Walls Restoration Project'. The aim is to restore the beautiful garden for future generations to enjoy. 

It truly is a hidden gem and just as the guide book describes it - 'step through the ornate Victorian gates to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, stunning array of flowers, seasonal fruit and vegetables and beautiful colours and scent.' 

June was a fabulous time to visit with a stunning wildflower display on our way to the garden and many of the flowering plants in bloom. Catmints, roses, geraniums, rock roses, sweet williams, cornflowers and delphiniums being just a few. I think the rose garden was the star of the show on this visit, out in first and full bloom it made a stunning display of all rose varieties. Having said that the sweet peas were rather beautiful too and then the old greenhouse areas - packed full of sweet williams, cornflowers, delphiniums... mmm... very difficult to choose a favourite. 

Take a look at the pictures and choose for yourself...

July in the Garden

July is pretty spectacular in the garden this year. I've been really pleased with the new planting in the front garden where we had a big overgrown tree chopped down earlier in the year. We deliberately tried to choose plants that would come at their best during June and July and be a magnet for the butterflies and bees. We picked various colours of blue, lilacs, purples with a few pink and white plant varieties too. 

The weather conditions during the last year have been good for breeding butterflies and we seem to have literally created our very own butterfly garden, so I've been delighted. Planting out new plants and just seeing how they turn out and what unfolds can be so rewarding! 

Varying heights of purple wallflowers and different varieties of lavender. 

Butterfly enjoying the blue catmint. All the blue and purple plants have been covered in butterflies. Every time we come out of the house and walk past this area we are treated to dozens of butterflies fluttering up from the plants. It has been fascinating, you find yourself stopping and staring, it's not so good if you are in a rush! 

Enjoying some verbena, which is now out in full. 

Delphiniums are out at the back of the borders. 

Wallflowers, lobelia and geraniums make a good combination by the back patio. 

The water lilies are just beginning to flower now, the pond is full of their leaves and blooms. 

Bright pink carnations make a great colour combination with the bronze leaves and pink flowers of the heuchera. 

Sidalcea malviflora flowering in the back border. 

The tomatoe baskets are full of fruit and are ripening nice and early with all the hot sunshine we've been having. 

There are still plenty of foxgloves blooming and popping up in all different places. I love the colour combinations of this one. 

I've made a few pots full of wildflowers planted from seed and they are looking great at the moment, full of vibrant colours. Cornflowers are one of my favourites, I love this shade of blue. 

We have quite a few hebe plants flowering in pinks, blues and purples, another good one for the butterflies! 

There are lots of these little froglets around. We have to look out for them jumping into the house. The pond is full of frogs, when we have the heavy showers we've had recently they all seem to come out of the pond and jump across the garden. It's a mass exodus of frogs and quite entertaining and funny to watch! 

July in the Walled Garden at Wimpole Estate

We often visit Wimpole Hall Estate in Cambridgeshire and at all different times of year. My favourite bit is the walled garden and the borders that surround it. There is always something interesting in there, whatever the time of year. There were some fabulous displays of plants and here are a few of the best for July. 

Catmint in front of crocosia

Busy bee! 

Verbena

Salvia

Fragrant lilies

Budding crocosia

Sunflowers

Geranium pots

Colourful views across the garden

Cornflowers

Agapanthus

Wild flower area

Poppies

Sheltered border

A range of healthy plants from the garden are on sale in the courtyard. We always like to pick up a few for our own garden. 

July is certainly a really good time of year to visit and discover spectacular displays and some of the herbaceous borders at their best.