Brantwood, Coniston. The gardens in May.

Brantwood sits on the eastern shores of Coniston Water and was the home to eminent the victorian John Ruskin from 1871 until his death in January 1900. Since 1951 the house has been held in trust and is open to the public displaying a collection of Ruskin's work as well as some of his collections of art, geology and furnishings. Ruskin spent many years designing the gardens around Brantwood and they too are open to the public and provide something of interest at any time of year.

One very pleasant way of arriving at Brantwood is across the water from Coniston Boating Centre, either on one of Coniston Launches or, on the restored Victorian Steam Yatch Gondola which is operated by the National Trust. (Follow the links for timetables). The pier and harbour were part of the alterations that Ruskin made in his time at Brantwood, though the current pier is not the original one that was installed by Ruskin.

SY Gondola

The path, lined with wild garlic, leads from the lake up to the garden and house.

Yellow Flag Iris

Monkshood and Clemitis

Clematis

Aquilegia or Columbine

Aqualegia

Hydrangea

Lily of the valley

In May, the walks around the gardens are adorned with Rhododendron and azalea.

Solomon's Seal

Bleeding Heart

Although the gardens are never strictly formal, as they spread out into the woodlands they become less formal and more natural. This is Bugle, a naturally shade loving plant.

Self seeded poppy.

The Meconopsis or blue Himalayan poppy are quite a feature in late May.

Later blogs will cover the flowers that I photographed later in the summer and into the autumn months....... Back soon!