Wentworth Castle

[Mick McLoughlin]

On sunday we went to the recently opened Wentworth castle gardens, the house is owned by The Northern College where Mandy went for a years residential course. She has often told me about the back garden herself and the boys enjoyed for a year, this was the first chance for me to see it.
The gardens are home to National plant collections of over 300 different species Rhododendron, 30 Magnolia and 100 different Camellia x williamsii hybrids. It is very much an ongoing restoration project and will take a number of years to complete.
You may remember the glasshouse conservatory being featured on the restoration programme with Griff Rhys Jones in 2003. The conservatory is still there but only held up by emergency scaffolding.

[Maggi Young]

Nice "digs" for your course, Mandy!

[Mick McLoughlin]

The grounds are undergoing extensive renovation and reorganisation. The tree canopy has had to be cut back and large parts of the collections relocated to more open aspects with increased light levels.
The first picture shows where the trees have had to be cut back, followed by planting of newly layered Rhododendrons.
There is then the Lime tree walk 'Lady Lucy's walk' said to be haunted by the presence of Lady Lucy who died of a broken heart.
Last in this part is the walk up to Stainborough castle, lined with Rhododendron. Never really a castle, just a folly and picnic area.

[Mick McLoughlin]

Finally a few general shots of the Rhodos. No doubt we shall be returning here on numerous occasions, as the plantings mature, with more detailed pictures.

[David Nicholson]

Nice pictures Mick. I remember going there to perform in a play when I was in primary school (well vaguely anyway!)

[Lesley Cox]

These are very nice Mick. Wentworth looks more palace-like than castle.
Send me your address privately for the Glad. carmineus which will be a while yet but I won't forget.

David, in that play you weren't wearing a donkey's head by any chance were you? Or an ass's? (Sorry )

[David Nicholson]

The nearest I got to Shakespeare was sitting next to Peter Shakespeare at school, and the nearest I got to a donkey was leading in Joseph and Mary in the annual Nativity Play (I really wanted to be a Shepherd). There ended my short, but no less exciting, theatrical career    

[Lesley Cox]

Well done all the same David. Much better than I ever did.

[scatigaz]

     I know this thread is around 3 years old but i have to say Wentworth Castle Gardens is now approaching its best. This weekend is the annual Rhododendron festival (Sunday and Monday} I have worked here for just over 3 years now and walking through the gardens just makes the hairs on my neck stand on end. You may think i am bias (probably am) but it is truly a wonderful experience walking through the gardens on a daily basis and watching the changes take place. The azalea garden in particular is an amazing place, taking in the colour and the scent. The rhododendrons, especially in the middle garden is pure paradise and will only get better as we add to the national collection. A truly beautiful and atmospheric place.

[FrazerHenderson]

Gary

Visited the castle last week - superb. Thanks for bringing the castle to attention.

Only shame is that I missed the rhododendren show - though there were still some out. I didn't appreciate until I walked around that the gardens held over 200 species (and countless cultivars) many from original collections by the great plant hunters.

I'll post some pictures once I've sorted them out

[Arykana]

Mick, thank you for share

[scatigaz]

     Frazer,

     Very pleased that you enjoyed your visit to the castle. Yes we do have over two hundred species and something in the region of almost 350 cultivars. As well as rhododendrons we have around 30 magnolia species and around 100 williamsii camellia hybrids. Look forward to see your pics when you sort them. Many thanks Gary.

[FrazerHenderson]

     Frazer,

     Very pleased that you enjoyed your visit to the castle. Yes we do have over two hundred species and something in the region of almost 350 cultivars. As well as rhododendrons we have around 30 magnolia species and around 100 williamsii camellia hybrids. Look forward to see your pics when you sort them. Many thanks Gary.

Gary
Photographs posted at http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=5682.0

I'll try and get down earlier in the season next year.

Good gardening

Frazer