An Afternoon in the Garden…….Just Perfect

Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

As Septembers “summer weather” seeps into October it is a perfect afternoon for the garden.

Not our garden I hasten to add but the Walled Gardens at Calke Abbey here in Derbyshire.

In reality the Walled gardens are only a small part of the Calke estate which is consists mainly of open Parkland with ancient trees and where Deer roam.

The Parkland stretches all about the House with views from every window.  The Stable Block itself is worth a visit and is hidden on the hill behind the House whilst the Walled garden is a leg stretch away from the House.

In fact the Walled Garden is a series of gardens all encased by high red brick walls.  There is of course a decorative garden with Palms and colourful flower borders. However the emphasis is very much on the practical to make the estate self sufficient.  Vegetable gardens, Hot Houses and an Orchard all helped feed the household.

The  Potting Shed is worth a visit all of its own and each time I stroll round the gardens I just cannot help sticking my nose in for another glimpse into the past.There is even a Grotto styled on a Derbyshire Limestone cavern.

So lets take another look….

Calke Abbey

Orangery

Potting Shed

Potting Shed

Well Dressed

Humour on the sign

Grotto

Red Deer

To the Pig Styes

Frontage of Calke Abbey

Painted FALSE Door

Stable Block and Blacksmiths Workshop

If October can continue as September left off then we will really have an Autumnal Bonus….whether or not the happens we can only wait and see……

…….So who can blame this Red Stag from taking sometime to relax in the shade, after all the rut will soon be here

2nd October

(C) David Oakes 2015