In a Kitchen Garden….

I recognise that many bloggers will find it hard to understand why we here in the U.K. are so pre-occupied with the weather, but after a wet summer last year, and an equally wet autumn, winter and spring, so it is remarkable and a joy that we have enjoyed 4 really great summer days on the run.  Not to be wasted either, so we headed off to an old house and estate not far from us for an explore. 

The house and estate is Calke Abbey, once the  home of the Harpur Crewe family, and now in the care of the National Trust.  The estate is a mixture of parkland, deer park and several farms and in days long gone employed a very large work force and was to all intents self sufficient.

On that theme of self sufficiency I thought we could take a look at the Kitchen Garden which forms part of a larger Walled Garden.  A garden it may be, but it also gives us a glimpse of life on the estate for both worker and family.  From the once plush ‘Orangery’ and ‘Fernery’ to the humble glasshouse for bringing on crops it was a way of life long gone but also a mix of hard work, a food source and a place of leisure….

A Scarecrow with an eye for the Lady

Definitely a ‘snappy’ dresser!

 

Take a peak in into the glasshouses, fernery and orangery….

 

The Potting Shed is something to be envied!

Back in the ornamental area of the Walled Garden the gardeners were just starting to set out the bedding plants and another visit in a few months time is needed.  But there is still much to see, like this Auricular Theatre, currently display geraniums…..

 

Whilst a lush Wisteria graces the garden walls……….

In the meadow in front of the Hall the spring and early summer wild flowers merge to a soft carpet….

 

Another taste of summer to enjoy….

4th June

© David Oakes 2013