Seasonal spectaculars at the treasure houses of England

Seasonal spectaculars at the treasure houses of England – The treasure houses of England feature some of the most beautiful formal gardens and parkland in England.

From Flower Festivals to Victorian Gardeners and Living History, there is much for garden-lovers to enjoy this summer. Among the best are:-

Beaulieu has a Topiary Display running throughout 2016. Based on Lewis Carroll’s endearing children’s book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, written in 1865, this topiary display is based on a ‘mad’ tea party in Wonderland.

Burghley’s Flower Festival will transform the magnificent State Rooms with beautiful floral displays created by local flower societies from October 1 to 9. Offering a new perspective on England’s greatest Elizabethan House each room will inspire floral arrangements with societies taking their inspiration from the Royal Households of Europe in celebration of the Queens 90th birthday, in addition to the painted ceilings and 17th Century art.

2016 will also see the return of the Leicestershire Society of Botanical Illustrators who artworks will be displayed in the Great Hall.

Discover the Art of Landscape at Harewood until 30 November. “Capability” Brown’s work made him the best-known landscape designer in English history. The Art of Landscape will show works from great masters who have engaged intimately with the vistas at Harewood. Watercolours of Harewood, produced in the late eighteenth century by celebrated artists including JMW Turner, Cotman, and Girtin will be displayed alongside photographs by pioneering Victorian photographer Roger Fenton, who captured the Brownian views in 1860.

A contemporary response by Simon Warner will take you through the landscape in a new film titled “North and South”. The Art of Landscape presents a full and fresh assessment of the cultural influence of the “Capability” Brown design at Harewood and invites you to explore the innovations made by artists across the centuries.

Join one of the spring tours of the private gardens at Holkham Hall on 29 May. Gardeners will also love the Plant Fair in the 18th Century walled garden on 24 – 25 September. There will be talks by the Holkham gardeners and the opportunity to stock up on plants and other gardening essentials from regional nurseries.

And enjoy the Festival of Flowers from 24 – 28 September at Leeds Castle, when the Castle is transformed by award winning floral designers and budding florists under the guidance of the Castle Florists. Take part in floral workshops, talks and demonstrations throughout the event.