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A walk in the hills above Budapest today revealed all the signs that spring is on our doorstep. The browns of last year's leaves smell refreshingly of early spring, and the vibrant greens of the moss covered stones and trunks are striking. Galantus hides itself, scattered on the forest floor. Deer, mouflon, boar, fox and golden jackals are still easily spotted, and their pungent odour is in the air. The dainty yellow flower of the Cornus mas covers the understory while woodpeckers and blue tits flit nearby. Follow the red trail home.
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I found an old photo from a time when I was a Garden History student. Remembering Stowe landscape park is still vivid in my mind. The disbelief that a wooded structure such as this could be left out to the elements to deteriorate, dumbfounded me. During the past 275 years or so, it has been moved, sold, and finally relocated to the place that it began its life. Care must be taken of such structures, as they represent an interesting time when East and West were much less understood by one other. William Chambers was only the beginning of the infatuation with the Far East by Europe, leading to Delftware, English landscape gardens, Sharawadgi, and all other things 'Chinese'.
When approaching Vienna International Airport from the west, and if you are lucky, you will be able to peer down on the Summer Palace, otherwise known as Schoenbrunn. This magnificent historic property is located just outside central Vienna. It is a great spot for a family stroll, jogging, and exploring a well preserved formal garden. Designed around 1695 by Jean Trehet, a pupil of Andre Le Notre, and developed further during Maria Theresa's era, it serves as a living example of the formal gardens of Europe before they were widely transformed to the English Landscape style. Especially remarkable is the combining of modern and traditional as is illustrated by the stainless steel viewing structure set into the formal privy gardens.
I was wondering who would take these babies home to be potted on and nurtured.
It is a case of right plant, right place, I think? Phoenix, Arizona skating rink. We often speak of gardens as being a welcome place for wildlife. True, kitchen or healing gardens may also be a focus. But here, the emphasis is on the good that a garden can do for the general populous, whether a nature lover, plant enthusiast or supporter of the Arts. Chihuly, Desert Towers, 2008; Bruce Monro, 2015 Recently I had the pleasure of visiting The Desert Botanic Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. This was a wonderful surprise and a good reminder of the reasons that we garden. My last visit had been 30 years ago, and in the daylight. So the Las Noches De Las Luminarias combined with an exhibition called Bruce Munro: Sonoran Light at Desert Botanical Garden, was an absolute treat! The combination of this light exhibition, the lantern walks, a diverse selection of musical stages, and a number of astronomical telescopes, illustrated that gardens have a use for people who may not be there for the plants alone. And at a temperature of +4c, it was sold out night after night. I was reminded once again of the phrase 'Art in the Garden'. Even at night, fine lighting accentuates the form, structures and colour of individual plants, as well as the various compositions within the garden. A stunning visual treat surrounded by music and crisp air. Vizcaya is the result of an in-depth study of European garden design. The influence is easily observed, yet the tropical feel is wonderfully incorporated.
Stourhead is never disappointing. One of my favourites not far from home.
Our ornamental apple was one of the two trees original to the site. I had it tied and protected in order to save it during the renovation of the house. We love it, not because of the few exquisitely fragrant days that we cherish in spring, but for the months of pleasure that the Regal Black birds get from its bright red fruit in winter. In summer, it provides a cool microenvironment on the west side of the house for ferns and other shade loving plants.
Hedervar was one of the properties that I visited 10 years ago while writing my dissertation. It is sad to see it closed. There is a sign on the door in 3 languages telling visitors that it is closed for technical reasons. The garden statuary is interesting and rare in the historic gardens of Hungary today. The bridge was in good repair when I last visited, and one can only hope that the estate will be adopted and restored.
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DouglasHas lived in Budapest for many years. He loves the climate and the gardens that flourish there. He has travelled extensively in North America, Europe and Asia in search for gardens of inspiration. Archives
February 2018
Garden Design |