This Wednesday I took a trip to see the Gardens at Newby Hall. This photograph fails to do the gardens justice but see them in full flower on their web site.  Sylvia’s garden area was in fine form except for the walkway. Until recently the walkway was flanked by special beds of red Roses of Lancaster opposite the White Roses of York to commemorate the Wars of the Roses. Sadly these Roses got rose sickness and had to be replaced. Why on earth Olive trees have been selected to replace them I do not know (it still isn’t time to offer an Olive branch to our old foes.) It also seems to follow that children visiting in future will not be taught (by sight smell and notice board) about our traditional ‘Roses rivalry’.

Following the Rose theme there were some sculptures around the garden and I called this Dog Rose.

Whilst this was called ‘No Bark or Rose.’

It is fitting that a National Collection of Cornus is held at Newby Hall as they are also called Dog Woods. These trees and shrubs were worth visiting on their own and I was taken with the whole garden and would recommend a mid week visit. I guess the childrens attractions including a minature railway will make it a busy spot at weekends.

Dogwood in Bloom

This fine specimen was at least 40 foot tall and was covered in white floral bracts down to ground level. Many of the feature dogwoods were tiered like a wedding cake and looked in great form in the middle of May 2009. An interesting place to visit with something for everyone. I didn’t go inside the house so can’t comment on Georgian elegance of the Christopher Wren Richard Adams combo.