It is many (many) years since I last visited Scampston Walled Garden. I think it was around twenty years ago when the garden had not been open for very long to the public. The draw then was that it had been designed by Piet Oudolf and it was the first garden of his design that I had visited. I remember being blown away by it at the time.
I was travelling home on my way back from Scarborough, the road took me passed Scampston on the way there so I made sure that it did on the way home. The weather was threatening rain. I drove through some drizzle and decided if it was raining when I got to the gate I would just keep driving home. The rain god was on my side (or was it the sun god?) as the rain held off, the sun appeared and I knew the visit would happen.
Whilst it is not open every day at the moment as it has moved to its Autumn opening hours, it was on this day and my trusty RHS membership card gave me free entry. This means I had to buy a coffee and a cheese scone in the cafe - absolutely had to. Scone achieved I then set out in to the garden. The paths take you along the side of the garden and then....
you go in. It felt a little like entering a maze but thankfully not very much like one. I am hopeless in mazes. Walking along the hedges waiting for the opening to appear certainly built my sense of excitement.
As I walked the memories of my previous visit began to reinstate themselves. Ah yes, I thought, the topiary features. Topiary is a big part of a this garden and it was looking precise and crisp. It must be quite a job to keep it all looking so good.
As I walked along this part I had a sudden wish for cake, I was thinking about small cakes, I realised I was thinking about Mr Kipling's French Fancies. I might have to buy some....
I moved from section to section.
I climbed up the steps of the viewing mound. It makes a great view point.
Of couse it is not all topiary. There is the fabulous Oudolf perennial planting. It is fabulous.
Even though the season is definitely turning, this planting is still looking great. The seasons pass through it well.
The grass borders had clearly been recently trimmed. I was a little surprised and a bit sorry to see this being done so early. I am sure they had their reasons but I would have thought they would have looked good for a while yet.
I did like the sculptures that are placed well around the garden.
This owl particularly caught my eye. I would love one of these.
The ducks were enjoying the sun and keep the girl sculpture company. As I got closer to them they started to move, so I decided not to disturb them and moved away.
I did get a closer photograph of the girl sculpture, which then I wasn't so sure was a good idea. It is a bit too Doctor Who/creepy for me.
I had a look around the organgery, which has some nice plants in it.
and then I decided it was time I continued my journey home. The sky was still blue but I knew rain was coming, and it did in waves as I drove.
I really enjoyed my visit and intend to call in again when I go back to Scarborough next year. Seeing a garden in different seasons is always a treat and a joy.
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