We hadn’t visited Croft Castle for a few years. We set off this morning with low expectations of the day’s weather which we had gleaned from various weather apps. We were expecting a cold day with the possibility of a few showers and cold winds. But we were surprised to see the sun appearing and with it a little warmth.
We decided to have a quick coffee followed by a wander around the walled garden and then an amble up the gently sloping hillside beyond the cafe.
The walled garden has long been the favourite part of this National Trust property and we have seen many changes over the years. We were expecting to see changes on this visit too.
On the short walk from the cafe to the walled garden we followed alongside a broad border between the pathway and a tall brick wall. The border has different ground covering plants throughout the seasons and interesting views all around. If we turn around we get completely views.
We entered the walled garden through a blue gate in the brick wall.
We always follow the same route around the walled garden.We turn right once we enter through the gate and basically look at all four wall borders. Once we have looked at all the walls then we look inwards to study the borders in the central area.
As we began to look along the first wall the first plant that caught our eyes was this tree peony, with its large buds fattening up as it gets ready to open and allow the petals within to unfurl.
Euphorbia short and tall.
The sloping ground of the walled garden, presumably south facing, supports an impressively organised vineyard. In complete contrast on the other side of the garden is an orchard with old, lichen covered apple trees.
Rustic plant supports made by the gardeners fit into the walled garden well.
Blue painted doors and gates are a feature of the gardens at Croft. The Victorian glasshouse has been refurbished so looks good as we explored its features.
Returning back into the main walled garden we continued to find interesting plants in the borders. In places the gardeners have used interestingly shaped pieces of wood to become features on the walls and borders.
After wandering around the walled garden and discovering interesting artefacts and plants beginning to show spring growth, we made our way back to the sloping ground that was home to ancient oaks and sweet chestnuts. That will be the subject of my next posting.
greenbenchramblings 