A cold start to the year might not sound ideal, but the damp Spring and recent sunshine has meant that the Historic Gardens at Dalemain have never been as full of colour!
Dalemain was delighted to welcome record numbers of visitors to the gardens for their annual Plant Fair, with well over 1500 people coming to peruse the fantastic variety of plants on offer from the finest nurseries in the north west. As well as arrays of roses, perennials, palms, giant daisies, dahlias, rhododendrons and much more from expert plantsmen, there was a selection of fine crafts and artisan foods, a botanical exhibition from Cumbria Printmakers and guided tours of the historic gardens.
Visitors commented that the gardens have never looked better, and with nine different types of bees hard at work and over 100 old-fashioned roses, it is the perfect time to visit. The gardeners at Dalemain have been working hard to ensure that all areas are looking glorious, and are thrilled with the results.
Dalemain owner Jane Hasell-McCosh commented “It is always so lovely to receive positive feedback, and we have been overwhelmed with how many visitors have told us how beautiful the gardens are looking. We are constantly making changes to keep the garden feeling vibrant, and it is a tribute to the hard work of our small garden team that it is so evident.”
The array of blooms is due in part to the cold Spring, which meant that plants came out late and are lasting longer. Even the famous Dalemain meconopsis Blue Poppy has lasted right into July, instead of fading as usual by mid-June. The recent hot patch has allowed visitors to see the gardens in all their glory.
Everyone at Dalemain hopes that visitors will enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the gardens and this beautiful valley.