Boxwood brochure 2022

Programme
Day 1
The tour departs from Lancaster Railway Station at 12:00 heading to
the atmospheric formal gardens of Holker Hall where, following lunch
we will have an exclusive introduction to the grounds before time to
explore the garden in more detail. Fine topiary and colourful flower
borders give way to extensive woodland gardens. Both Lord & Lady
Cavendish are very much involved with the gardens, with a passion for
collecting trees and shrubs. We travel on the The Lakeside Hotel with
time to settle in before an evening meal together. This is our base for
the next three nights.
Day 2
Our first stop is Levens Hall, known for its remarkable topiary. We will
we meet head gardener Chris Crowder who will show us the ancient,
clipped yews, holly, beech, and box that frame the wonderful, richly
planted borders. After a special welcome lunch we visit Yewbarrow
House with its sensational panorama of Morecambe Bay and miles of
tidal sands, grassy salt flats and glinting sea. Here the owner Jonathan
Denby has filled richly planted southfacing terraces with glorious
exotic species, at their best in late summer.
Day 3
Today we travel North to Lowther Castle, an exciting new project
designed by Dan Pearson. We are honoured to be joined here by
by Head Gardener Martin Ogle who will spend the morning unveiling
the story of the rejuvenated and reinterpreted historic gardens, the
ruined castle remains and the wider landscape. Here you will discover
the Courtyard dominated by clipped hornbeam sentinels, their
sculptured shape reflecting the castle architecture; the Parterre planted
with bold combinations of herbaceous perennials, woolly grasses and
clipped yews; the Garden-in-the-Ruins, a fine example of naturalistic
planting with a collection of botanical rarities; a new Orchard and,
further afield, The Rose Garden, inspired by Sleeping Beauty. The
impressive 17th-Century ‘prospect’ terrace, one kilometre in length,
offers an unparalleled view across parkland and the River Lowther
towards the Northern Lake District. After lunch together at Lowther we
travel the short distance to Chapelside, a charming one-acre garden
wrapped around the small 18th-Century farmhouse. The dramatic
fell-side setting contrasts with intimate skilful planting surrounding
the dwelling.
Day 4
Time this morning to call by Tom’s own nursery, Abi & Tom’s Garden
Plants at Halecat. Both Tom and Abi are genuine plant enthusiasts
who propagate, grow, sell, write and advise on, eat sleep and breathe
herbaceous perennials with an additional in-depth knowledge of
plants that thrive in the Lake District. After a light lunch in a local
inn, we visit Gresgarth Hall. This rare and wonderful garden is the
country home of Lady Arabella Lennox-Boyd, an Italian born garden
designer with an international reputation. Every detail is carefully
thought through with much to see at all times of the year, including the
fine productive kitchen garden. We then return to Lancaster Railway
Station for 16:00.
A garden tour hosted by Tom Attwood,
writer, nurseryman, garden designer and
joint owner of Abi & Toms Garden Plants
and led by Sophie Piebenga.
Tour Dates
27 – 30 September 2022
4 days
Tour Prices
£2,650 per person
Double room for sole use supplement £250
Deposit £350 per person
What’s Included
• All transportation from Lancaster Railway Station
• Three nights’ bed and breakfast in the four-star
Lakeside Hotel, Windermere
• Three evening meals at the hotel plus four lunches
with wine
• Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
• Services of the Tour Leader and Hosts
• Detailed programme and garden notes
• All entrance fees, taxes and gratuities for coach drivers
and waiters
Your Accommodation
The Lakeside Hotel, Windermere
The Lakeside Hotel is a four-star Superior Hotel resting
exclusively on the southern shore of Lake Windermere.
With restful bedrooms, delicious fine dining inspired
by fresh local produce and indulgent treatments in the
luxury spa and pool, Lakeside is the perfect place to
escape. A seamless blend of country-house character
and contemporary four-star luxury will make you
feel completely at home – whether taking tea in the
conservatory, relaxing in the pool, or enjoying a glass of
Champagne on the lake terrace.
Lowther Castle
To book call 01341 241717 or visit boxwoodtours.co.uk
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