Leaving the formal gardens of Holker Hall in Cumbria the eye is immeditately taken by these two limestone obelisks and a tempting path leading to the steps in the distance.
Those first steps lead to a plateau and fountain, water gushing into the air, and as I discovered, misting over the photographer if you get too close. Continuing past the fountain uphill eventually leads to a god surveying the scene,
Who else but Neptune riding his sea horse (a marble statue created by Italian craftsmen in the 17th Century).
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| The Neptune Cascade |
This is his view down the water cascade which flows over an inlaid zig-zag slate pattern at either side of the path, the fountain can be seen in the distance at the bottom. The owners of Holker Hall, Hugh and Grania Cavendish. were inspired by water features in Rajasthan in creating this cascade. One of the businesses they own is Burlington Slate Quarry whose blue grey slate can be spotted decorating many parts of the gardens but this is the most extensive use.
The mallard ducks don't care about that they just enjoy the water.
And the cranes are forever bathing in the fountain. The cascade climbs through rhododendrons and oaks, and is a good reason to visit the gardens in spring when the rhododendrons are in full flower throughout the 25 acres of garden and woodland.
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| Detail on fountain surround |
An entry to ABC Wednesday, a journey through the alphabet, this week sojouring at
W here
6 comments:
I love the water features this round!
ROG, ABCW
Absolutely lovely garden and water feature. Would make a pleasant stroll.
Ann
I do like the blue herons
Hi Joy! Great choice for the letter W. I always enjoy seeing everyone's interpretation of the letter of the week. Beautiful water features!
You got into Water too! This garden is beautiful, and the cranes are so cool. Great pictures!
These look so amazing! Beautiful!
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