ON THE gardening front one of the most stunning sights of the four seasons are the glorious pinks, whites and purples of the astilbes that grace Holehird Gardens, home to Lakeland Horticultural Society.
From around mid-June until August they look quite amazing with apparently more than 200 separately identified plants in the collection. For the record, Lakeland Horticultural Society holds the national collection and is actually the International Registration Authority for Astilbe.
On a hillside overlooking Windermere, with terrific views to the Lakeland fells, Holehird Gardens is a pure delight for visitors all year round; even in winter there is still something magical about the 12-acre garden, which is open each day from dawn to dusk and includes a walled garden, natural water features, specimen trees and shrubs, extensive rock and heather gardens, glasshouses and hard-working volunteer gardeners who are always happy to share their knowledge.
Holehird is run entirely by volunteers of LHS, who can't guarantee you will see the Daphne bholua Jacqueline Postill, which was so beautifully highlighted by last week's snow, but they say you will not be able to miss its stunning scent as you approach the Walled Garden. The whole garden and surrounding landscape is a joy even in February.
Holehird Gardens has been home to the Lakeland Horticultural Society since 1969; this year LHS celebrates its 50th anniversary. Visitor donations make an important contribution to the cost of maintaining the gardens.
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