Ike’s Adventures in North Yorkshire – Part 6

Ike has enjoyed his trip to this part of North Yorkshire with Heather and Mark very much. Here is one more Adventure from them, which took place in October, 2020:

On the last day he went to visit Scampston Walled Gardens and Parkland. There were very good Covid measures in place, and Ike and his human companions, all felt very safe and enjoyed all the space to look round at the beautiful plants.

Scampston Walled Garden is a stunningly beautiful contemporary garden, quite unlike any other. Designed by the renowned Dutch plantsman, Piet Oudolf, and featuring modern, perennial meadow planting alongside more traditional areas, the garden is open to the public from Easter to October every year.

Set within the 18th century walls of the original kitchen garden for Scampston Hall, today the Walled Garden has an exciting and unashamedly modern feel to and complements the adjacent 18th century ‘Capability’ Brown parkland.

The garden had been derelict for nearly fifty years when Sir Charles and Lady Legard undertook the huge renovation task. The Legards enlisted the help of leading Dutch garden designer, Piet Oudolf, and the design for the walled garden was conceived in 1999. 

Since opening to the public in 2005, it has received a great deal of international acclaim. Although Oudolf’s planting ideas are now much imitated, the Walled Garden is an outstanding example of how he combines his skill as a designer with his authority and knowledge as a plantsman. It still remains his largest private commission in the UK.

Ike was amazed how many hedges there were! He also enjoyed climbing to the top of the pyramid, as he could get an overview of the whole garden.

Then he set off, walking around the Capability Brown designed parkland and lakes, and admiring the ice house. Ike learnt that the ice house was built in 1759, ice houses were the fridges of their day, and that is one reason why only gentry ate ice cream or sorbets in that time period! This particular ice house was used as a secret observation post during World War 2.

After admiring the beautiful gardens and lakes, Ike went home had a cup of tea and his favourite meal, and reflected on the many things he had learned!