Hampton Court Palace and Gardens (2)

Part 2

The pictures above and the 3 pictures below are of the herbaceous border which is situated in the Great Fountain Garden. It was introduced in the 1920's and is said to be the longest in the world.


I like the varying heights of the plants and the vibrant colour mix.



I have a small walled area in my garden and would like to try and replicate some of the planting shown here. It is quite a soft and 'natural' looking planting scheme compared to the formal flower beds shown in other parts of the garden. I am sure Louise would be able to identify many of the plants shown here!

This picture may give you an idea of the length of the border. Look at those vivid yellows!

I am not sure what this flower is but it is very pretty. I am sure all you green fingered bloggers are shouting the name at the computer screen!

Now I recognise the sweetpeas! I think they look rather unruly but their scent compensates for their untidiness.

If you fancy a summer horse carriage ride then you can join the Shire horses Harry and Jim for a tour around the perimeter of the Great Fountain Garden. I reckon it's the horse manure that keeps the gardens looking so good!

There were a few of these urns around the Privy Garden. I liked the detail of the figure in the handle.

The sign above explains that the area is left un-planted so that other plants do not compete for moisture and nutrients that are required for the Vine. The roots of the vine extend beneath the un-planted area.

This picture is not very clear because it was taken indoors behind glass. You may get a clearer view if you click on the photograph. The picture is of the Great Vine. It is the largest grape vine in the world. It is also the oldest at 230 years old. It was planted in 1768 by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. If you are visiting at the end of August you can purchase grapes from this vine in the palace shops.

So here we end our tour. I was at the Palace and Gardens for over five hours and never got around to trying out the Tiltyard Cafe or Privy Kitchen Coffee Shop. I didn't get to visit the Chapel Royal and many other parts of the garden. I did get to go in the maze though and thought I would never get out! I have never been very good with directions!

If you decide to explore Hampton Court Palace and Gardens I suggest that you make a full day of it to fully appreciate all it has to offer and to soak up the surroundings. I would also recommend that you take advantage of the free audio guides. These really do help to explain things when you are looking around inside the palace.

Hampton Court Palace and Gardens

Part 1

I had never been to Hampton Court Palace and Gardens so last week I took the opportunity of a dry day to go and visit. The following photos are outdoor shots of the palace and gardens because photography was not permitted in the buildings. It is such a shame as there were some splendid rooms with ornate ceilings, tapestries and works of art. The rooms included The Queen's State Apartments (originally intended for Queen Mary II), The Georgian Rooms, The King's Apartments (King William III), The Wolsey Rooms (Cardinal Wolsey's private lodgings), The Tudor Kitchens and the Chapel Royal.

The pictures above and the one below are taken in the Pond Gardens. They are sunken flower gardens that were originally ornamental ponds used for holding freshwater fish, such as carp and bream.

Look at the symmetry each side of the pathway.

The pictures above and below were taken in Clock Court. The clock is very ornate and colourful. My photographs really do not do it justice.

I love these chimneys. They are intricately patterned and show true craftsmanship. The cloud looks like smoke coming out of the tops of them.

This picture is of Fountain Court. At this point we exit through to the Gardens.

Yet another fountain in the Great Fountain Gardens! This fountain turns so you may think you are being rained on as you enjoy a picnic but it is just the spray from the fountain. I spotted some Koi Carp in the pond as they were swimming very close to the surface of the water.

Look at these wonderful clipped yew trees! The shadows made interesting circular patterns beneath the trees. I am not really a fan of formal gardens but I did find the shapes of the trees pleasing to the eye.

Have you ever seen trees that look like this? They remind me of crinoline dresses.

We finish part one of the 'tour' at one of the formal bedding areas. Next time I will be showing you flowers in the long border and the The Great Vine.