April 1st, All Fools Day, and it flitted through my mind that it was just the day for paying the pink pineapple pavilion a second visit. It was anyway a piece of happenstance. We were driving back from the Malverns and the need for lunch was pressing. And, since you can pretty much rely on a National Trust property for a decent snack, we decided to call in at Berrington Hall.
The last time we were here it was a gloomy October day back in 2017 when Berrington was hosting all manner of art installations inspired by different aspects of the estateโs history. Taking photos then had proved a challenge so it was good to see the gardens full of sunshine. And though the pineapple may not be to everyoneโs taste, I was quite pleased to see it was still in residence. And if it seems quite balmy, then it is probably not half as balmy as the kind of extravaganzas created by the overbearingly rich and idle during the 18th century. You can read more about this in the original post A Giant Pineapple In The Garden.
On Monday we were simply happy to have a quick mooch around the walled garden where the ancient apple orchard is currently being revivified, each tree carefully pruned and curated, with big name tags and the dates of species origins. So many varieties, andย these days youโre lucky to see six sorts in the supermarket. What treasures we deprive ourselves of and for no good reason. So full marks National Trust for taking pains to restore the garden and nurture these old varieties.
Now for some more garden views:
Lens-Artists #39: Hello Aprilย ย All thanks to Amy for this weekโs challenge. Please pay the Lens-Artists a visit.
Vines growing on old brick…you just can’t get any better.
I agree!
A very enjoyable tour of this garden, Tish! Love these photos of These spring flowers. ๐
Thank you, Amy.
That pineapple! Great photos Trish
Thanks, June ๐
I love when heritage varieties are preserved; it makes so much sense.
There is an organisation here that works tirelessly to do so, set up originally by a young mother trying to feed her kids. She got seeds and cuttings from neighbours, friends, etc and realised the diversity of plants in her garden and how that gave her a much better, more reliable harvest. So much good has come from that simple need to put food on her table.
That’s a brilliant story, Su. The sort of thing I was thinking of.
Itโs so lovely to see these photos, Tish. We were only at Berrington Hall a few weeks ago, when our Grandaughter stayed with us for a few days over the February half term. The spring blooms look beautiful, what a difference, in such a short time..and that Magnolia tree, wow! I knew it would look stunning, but itโs incredible! I love walled gardens, they remind me of reading โThe Secret Gardenโ when I was a child. We had a lovely day there, & hope to go back again, when the renovations to the house are finished.
Walled gardens are my favourite too, Debbie, also because of The Secret Garden. My grandfather was a pukka head gardener too. Aren’t we lucky to have Berrington and Croft on our respective doorsteps.
Aww I bet you had some lovely gardening adventures with your Grandfather, Tish. He mustโve had such knowledge to be a head gardener too! Weโve yet to go to Croft Castle, but Iโve heard great reports, so itโs next on the list, but we did enjoy Berrington Hall..indeed, weโre very lucky! ๐
Grandfather Ashford was indeed a font of knowledge, though I didn’t see him very often. I remember him sieving soil with a big riddle ๐
Thanks for my Virtual wander, Tish!
Happy to have you wandering here, Sue.
๐๐
For a moment, I thought you were referring to Barrington Court (also NT) but discovered Berrington Hall’s website!
We liked visiting Berrington and Croft Castle. Not sure about the pink pineapple though!
I suppose it provides a sense of spectacle while the garden is being restored. Perhaps a reminder too that in the past these great gardens were more to do with showing off than actual gardening as we think about it now.
OMG the pineapple! It’s awful! All the rest is so impeccably lovely in that formal English garden kind of way. Thanks for the tour Tish. Your photos as usual are wonderful.
Alison
Take your point about the pineapple. I can’t make up my mind whether I like it or not. But just saying to Jude, I think the pineapple maybe an apt reminder of how ‘big house’ owners of the past thought about their gardens. Certainly they wanted the produce of the walled gardens, but so much was very about status and oneupmanship, including the growing of pineapples.
Once you get past the pineapple, it’s all quite lovely.
janet
Lovely gardens Indeed Tish but a pink pineapple!?!? One wonders how the originator sold the concept LOL. Quite perfect for April 1 tho ๐๐
Can imagine interesting discussions at the pineapple’s formative stage ๐
That pineapple is quite something!
I certainly like its attitude, if not necessarily its substance. I like the NT for keeping it there too!
Everyone needs a garden shed, Tish, as your man will tell you. ๐ ๐ The glory of those magnolias! Happy Saturday!
A shed. Now you’re talking! Happy weekend.
Lovely!!
I think I remember the 2017 post!
and the blooms are my fav here- that large close up – such nice details
but truly a cool pavillion
Thanks, Yvette.
Marvelous, Tish. I love that pineapple and your flower shots. Beautiful! Happy April!
I would move to England just purely to avail of what the National Trust has to offer, I have visited some of its gardens and was very impressed indeed, what a luxury! So I always enjoy reading and looking at photos of other people’s visits to any of the gardens or houses. And your photos are stunning again Tish.
Thank you, Agnes.
What a peculiar pineapple! And lovely garden views.