Winter Interest at Dartington Hall

During the half term break I made a sneaky visit home to Devon for some much needed fresh air and countryside. I always love visiting the gardens at Dartington Hall for their understated style and elegance. The planting is at its best, for me, during the freshness of spring when swathes of bulbs are combined with magnificent magnolias, camellias and cherry blossom. There is always something beautiful to admire here however and February is no exception.

Fresh white and green, Snowdrops cover the grassy banks

Snowdrops are always a welcome sight and look great amongst these Epimeduim leaves.

In a quiet corner a mass planting of Hamamelis sp. overwhelms you with its citrus scent. Later as the new leaves of the witch hazel begin to open this area is carpeted with a mass of Anemone blanda and other spring bulbs.

For real impact at a particular time of year mass together a single species of plant.

The formal yew hedge acts as a foil to the yellow spidery flowers.

I couldn't resist adding this friendly fellow.

Another plant which appears here en masse at this time of year is the Helleborus x hybridus. Don't forget to trim off last year's leaves to view the flowers at their best.

The pink shade of this one went rather nicely with the fresh green of the leaves

 Since my last visit this beautiful decked viewing platform / walkway has been built. The craftsmanship is superb as with everything here. I love the chunky granite supports echoed by the granite setts which line the inner edge of the deck.

I love a garden where craftmanship is appreciated and supported 

Posted by Jo