Topiary

 I had such a lovely time at Sizergh Castle, the gardens are really wonderful. I didn't get to explore everywhere because I didn't have an awful lot of time but I made the most of what time I had.

One of my favourite parts of the gardens was the topiary, it was just so peaceful and I like the view looking through the gates as they welcome you into this hidden gem.

I would normally try to avoid getting people in my shots and anyone who has been with me when I take photos will have been frustrated as they wait for me as I wait to get the perfect shot. As it happens I didn't have to wait long to get people free shots in this part of the garden however as you can see in the second image there is someone there. I had watched them walking towards the end of this passage and I knew that they added something special to the image.

I love the third image because I had sat for a few minutes just soaking up the atmosphere and wishing I could stay a bit longer

The Long Border

Today's offering is another view of Chirk Castle from the bottom of the informal garden. 

I have titled today's post "the long border" but actually the hawk house and shrub garden are more visible in the view leading up to the castle. There are some simple but elegant yew topiary as well.

National Treasures

I have taken many photos of Chirk Castle in the past but when I visited last weekend it was my first visit since I got my 17-40mm lens so I was keen to try it out and I really like the perspective in this shot. 
The sky was a bit flat so I have made a slight adjustment in Lightroom to bring the exposure down and introduce a little contrast. I hope you like it.

Around Chirk

I have been frustrated over the past few days because I haven't been able to post anything due to a problem with the Blogger upload  but fortunately there is a work around and I am back and smiling...

Today's pictures are three different winter scenes from around Chirk castle. The first is a view of one of the turrets that is rarely seen on a visit to the castle, a walk in the woodlands around the castle however is full of little treats and I love the perspective in this shot of the tower.

The second is one of many views of the topiary that I have taken on my visits to Chirk, I think the deep green stands out against the wintry sky.

I really like the final image of the snowdrops, there were lots of people visiting the castle on this particular day, specifically to see its now famous display of these wonderful winter flowers.

Tea House and gardens

These pictures were all taken on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice.  The first image of the box topiary maze was taken from the top of the belfry which can be seen in the final picture. It was really peaceful in the garden of "Isola San Giorgio Maggiore" and I wanted to get inside to have a look around but it was closed off to the public.  In the third picture I was trying to get just high enough to get a view but was shouted at by a passing workman on his bike so didn't manage to get the shot I wanted but I don't think this one is too bad.

The second picture might seem slightly out of place given how modern it is in contrast to the other ancient buildings and garden, however this Japanese Tea House has been built within the grounds of the church and was the most tranquil of settings.  It is the work of a Japanese artist called Hiroshi Sugimoto, it is called "Glass Tea House Mondrian", it is a temporary work which opened in June 2014 and will be in place until November 2015.  If you click on the link you will be able to find out more about this work and the artist.

Not the Hanging Gardens...

Another large helping of photos for today, these are from Powis Castle and gardens.  One of the main notable features of the gardens are the well manicured topiary. As you can see they are sculpted into fairly random shapes and they are impressive in scale and size.

At this time of year there is a good display of Magnolia and as can be seen in the last picture lots of grape hyacinth.  The cottage in the final picture can be rented as a holiday home, it looks like a lovely place but if you were staying there you would have to put up with the castle visitors during the day.  Of course in the evening after the visitors have gone you would have uninterrupted access to the gardens.

I really like the sixth picture looking out from the orangery, it was a cool place to rest for a while and I like the view.  I also like the shot of the arch and its' shadow, I can imagine how beautiful it will look later in the summer when it is in full bloom, perhaps I will go back to get some pictures then.

Chirk Castle and Gardens

Chirk is one of my favourite castles, it has such character and having been in use for over 700 years there is so much interesting to see.  The gardens too are really beautiful with sculptured Yew hedges, expansive lawns and colourful beds.  There are secluded gardens to sit and relax and there are sculptures dotted around which add extra interest.  In the winter the woodland walk is a mass of snowdrops and well worth the drive to see it.

Today I have selected a few images of the castle and grounds.  I like the simplicity of the latch in the first photo and it works well as a black and white image.  I wonder how many hands have worked the latch and what lies on the other side of the door.

The picture of the castle itself reminds me a little of the castle in the opening credits of The Blackadder, I know it really isn't that similar but there is something about viewing the castle from this angle which makes me think about that scene.

The avenue of yews is part of the more formal garden close to the castle itself and I love the precision and attention to detail.

I am really pleased with the final picture, I love the round towers but I also love the ironwork of the gate which really is the main focus of this image.

I hope that you have enjoyed today's pictures, tomorrow I will post more of the grounds and the Chirk estate.