Seaton Delaval Hall gardens

On Monday many of you joined me for a walk at Seaton Sluice, on the Northumberland coast. There I discovered a wonderful piece of shoreline, but my real purpose that day was to make a return visit to Seaton Delaval Hall.

It was August last year, on a cool, turning to dampish day, that I first saw these gardens.  I knew then that I’d be back.  As luck would have it, I was just in time to rescue the water lilies from the mischievous fingers of a small boy.  Caught in the act!

The frog needed to take a tougher stance

The frog needed to take a tougher stance

Water and small boys.  Inevitable temptation!  But let’s wander elsewhere.  There are plenty of temptations in this garden, and even a small nursery where you might find a little something to add to your collection.  The house and gardens are owned by the National Trust, and the bank of volunteer gardeners are highly enthusiastic about their subject.  Gardener Chris Brock keeps a blog which enthusiasts among you might like.

The Hall is a lovely backdrop to the Rose Garden

The Hall is a lovely backdrop to the Rose Garden

The roses date back to the 1950s

With roses dating back to the 1950s

There are roses a-plenty!

This is my ‘best in show’

The borders thickly weave their spell, in subtle but beautiful swathes of colour.  Here and there, an unapologetic ‘show off’ plant.  If you’ve got it…

Much more than a flounce!

Flaunt it!

You might remember that the ‘Gay Delavals’ liked a little flaunting.  They were fond of masquerade balls and staged their own theatrical productions.  An invitation to one of their parties might have included anything from rope dancers to a sack race in these beautiful gardens. I browsed a little…  sniffing here, sniffing there.

Here's another Bobby Dazzler, as my Mam would say

Here’s another Bobby Dazzler, as my Mam would say

The gardens were designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and include everything from French formal design to the landscape style of Capability Brown.  The National Trust is working hard to make these gardens a success, and throughout the summer there are 15- minute Table Top talks from the gardeners and guided walks through the grounds.  You can even join a Teddy Bears Picnic, if you’ve a mind.  Full details of events are on the website.

A rose bower, anyone?

A rose bower, anyone?

The formal French style garden
With fountain centrepiece
The house is ever present

And the ever present house

I hope you’ve enjoyed my garden tour, and if you’re ever in the area you make an effort to see Seaton Delaval Hall for yourself.  Next Thursday I will be taking you inside the house on a follow up to Restoration.  I’ll say goodbye for now with a nod from the poppies.

Just a little more flamboyance

Just a little more flamboyance

95 comments

  1. I am forever the wicked witch chasing young boys away from our fragile, tempting ponds across the streets. I try to do it nicely, but their adventure is shattered in the process. So glad I grew up when we were able to rove ‘the country’ for real creeks and ponds.

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      1. Oh, no…..we couldn’t do without the walking tours too…..am afraid you’re just stuck in for double duty now! 🙂

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  5. Such a lovely garden as well, Jo! Thanks for taking me along to wander and to enjoy . I love these Bobby Dazzler ‘s. I saw them once in a castle garden and was smitten by them! Thanks for sharing!

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  7. what a lovely garden tour, Jo! the flowers are exquisite and love them all. your best show is my favorite too 🙂 the hall’s interior must be a show, too! thanks as always 🙂

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  19. Thanks for sharing your pictures! Now I have do look where Northumberland is situated in England. I live in Belgum and I already visited (of course) Sissinghurst in Kent and some gardens near Cheltenham. By looking at your pictures it looks like I’m visiting another garden.

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    1. You’ll have to come a long way north, I’m afraid. Funny- I’ve just been asked by a lady in India where Hartlepool is. I must be putting the north east on the map 🙂 I hope you make it sometime, Margot 🙂

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