Remarkable "R" gardens to revisit this year!

Race for Ramster (above) when it opens in the spring because you'll be treated to bulb and blossom displays that will lift your heart! This glorious garden is open for just three months when spring is at its best in Britain, starting with spectacular daffodil displays in April and followed by the bluebells in May. Wonderful woodland walks are a feature here, and it's always interesting to see how the Millenium Garden is progressing. Combine this with nearby Vann when it opens for the during the first week of April, May or June (check Vann website for details) and you won't be disappointed.
Put a snow leopard in your memory tank at the wonderful Rare Species Conservation Centre in Kent - all the animals live in a glorious garden setting and if you're looking for somewhere to take the kids during the holidays, this is the place to go because you'll be treated to many unusual sights besides the snow leopards including sun bears and extremely noisy toucans. This makes a really interesting day out and you could always combine it with Godinton House if you want to see another magnificent garden.
It was Mable who put the "R" in Ringling when it came to roses in her garden in Florida. Wife of a circus millionaire, this lady brought a new style of gardening to her Venetian palazzo in Sarasota, when she planted her legendary rose garden, which survives today as one of the finest examples in the United States. I was astounded by the displays I saw when I visited in December, and I'm told that the roses bloom all year, so one to put on your list if you're down in the Sunshine State in 2011.
Riverhill House (above) has one of the best bluebell woods I've seen and, with the garden in progress, there'll be more to see elsewhere on the property this year than last. Set high on a hill and close enough to Titsey Place with its wonderful walled garden, to make a day out seeing both, this is a sight not to be missed when spring arrives in England. The bluebell displays here are really spectacular and it's worth making a special pilgrimage to see them!
I haven't yet had a chance to do the gardens at Rousham House justice, because a fleeting visit on a rainy day is definitely not the right time to see the magnificent grounds - one of the great examples of William Kent's work and given the highest accolade by Monty Don in his television series last year - this is a garden that I must return to (and easy for me now because my son is at college nearby, so no excuse for missing this one!).  Open year round, so I shall head off there next week if the sun stays out.

Comments

  1. Some lovely suggestions Charlotte - wish there were more days in the year :-) Particularly like the bluebell wood! Miranda x

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  2. As long as I can walk in my garden, I cannot stop thanking my creator for the wonders he has created for us!

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  3. Charlotte, this post should have been titled, Aahhh Gardens. That bluebell wood is stunning!

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  4. Visiting them vicariously through you, of course...I think the Rare Species place would be my favourite stop.

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  5. Of course, I won't get to see that wonderful display this year....but perhaps down the road. Beautiful pics to inspire.

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  6. The bluebells are really gorgeous in this setting. I clicked on your post to see more. I did the same for the Rare Species Conservation Centre. The image of the snow leopard is beautiful and the sun bears looked like they were having fun atop that pole.

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  7. Just look at all of those gorgeous Bluebells. What a marvelous sight that has to be. The Rare Species center would be a wonderful place to visit.

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  8. My favourite is the bluebell lined path. Lovely and inviting.

    Thank you for stopping by my place and leaving such a lovely note. You're welcome to visit any time.

    Blessings,
    Carolynn

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  9. Beautiful...that wooded path with the bluebells is STUNNING!

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  10. The bluebell wood looks like a fairytale. A sight like that makes me want to move to England right away.....
    :o) How I wish I could see such an English bluebell-scenery with my own 2 eyes one day. it would make a dream come true. Yes, the word "pilgrimage" is very suitable here.

    Hope you had a happy landing into 2011 and all the best for the new year, Charlotte:o)

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  11. Would be lovely to see a bluebell garden! That is one of my most favorite flowers...

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