Lytes Cary Manor

What could be nicer that a trip out to a local National Trust property on a Sunday afternoon.  With my friend Vickie down from London for the weekend...after a lovely lunch, we ventured out along the green and undulating countryside to Lytes Cary Manor.    It was our first visit too, though we had drawn up into the car park this winter for a driving break and coffee from our thermos, but, in future, when travelling close by I shall be sure to engineer a stop during opening hours just to see where they are with their garden.

The house is lovely...parts are very old, there is fine furniture and tapestries, BUT

their garden is fabulous....it is not very big, you could get round in about half an hour, but if you like plants, and like garden design, and you have the time, and the weather is fine....you could go round two or three times and continue to find interesting plants and planting combination to admire.

Just a few pictures of only some of the interesting plantings and views:

these Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album' plants quite close to the front of the border punctuated the overcast day, giving not only great structure within this white border, but also gaining much admiration from other keen gardeners.  I also the whorls of grey green leaves, and the stout and upright growth.  I'm adding these to my list of plants for the new garden!

 Rushing back to get to the tea rooms....with heavy rain on the horizon....Mr S and Vickie threaten to leave me behind...but I shall be returning soon to the gardens!