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The Lake District has a long history of distinguished gardens in many different styles, thanks to its dramatic landscape - lakes and mountains that make unbeatable backdrops - and unique conditions - including reliable moisture - which suit a wide range of plants. This book selects thirty-six gardens (all open to the public) that exemplify this heritage and will delight both readers at home and visitors to the area.
Among the gardens are seventeenth-century Levens Hall, renowned for its topiary; Picturesque gardens such as Rydal Hall; woodland and parkland gardens; gardens made by Wordsworth and Ruskin; grand nineteenth-century rhododendron gardens; elaborate gardens designed by or in the style of Windermere-based Thomas Mawson; and contemporary plantsman's gardens. While Val Corbett's truly outstanding photographs capture their beauty, Tim Longville describes the history of each garden and the 'philosophy' behind its creation. It presents a different view of one of Britain's most popular tourist destinations: takes readers beyond the lakes and fells to other treasures of the area; superb photography; all the gardens described are open to visitors; and includes each garden owner's choice of favourite plants, with explanations of the plants' virtues and the purposes and situations for which they are suited.
Tim Longville writes regularly on gardens for Cumbria Life and Hortus and contributes to many national magazines, including Country Life and The English Garden. He lives in Cumbria. Val Corbett has been a freelance photographer for twenty years. She has had several books on the Lake District published by Alan Sutton and Myriad Books and her garden photographs appear regularly in national magazines such as The English Garden and Country Life.
This impressive tome takes the reader on a beautifully illustrated tour. Sunday Telegraph This is one of the most alluring gardening books I have seen in a long time, giving a real sense of a unique location. What a refreshing change from all those good-looking coffee-table books that try to cram a whole world of gardening into one breathless, door-stopping volume. Tim Longville's engaging and informative text draws us into the green-fingered worlds of an eclectic range of owners and gardeners, and Val Corbett's sensitive, evocative photography has been faithfully reproduced to the highest standards. All are in a generous format that enables you to wallow in the green glories of a compellingly scenic region far more blessed than bothered by its climate. -- Kathryn Bradley-Hole Country Life Leaves you with a fierce pride of Cumbria's rich and varied landscape, and buying this as a gift is the perfect excuse to share it all. Cumbria Life Insider knowledge about the history and secrets of the gardens and, if you're a regular visitor to the area, this is a must-have. Garden Answers
