The gardens of Blenheim Palace

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After I toured the apartments within Blenheim Palace, I stepped out into the glorious day to explore the grounds. I had heard the grounds were both expansive and beautiful, so I was looking forward to exploring some of them. I hadn't been overly enthused with the inside, so I had high hopes for the outside.

When I stepped outside, I was greeted by what I consider a stereotypical posh English garden complete with ponds, fountains, and classical statues. The lake and forest caught my eye, though.

I have never seen a harpy with such a long neck before. I'm pretty sure the Greeks didn't include giraffe into this mythological mix.

There are people writhing around the monolith's rock base. There is also a crown. Is it some commentary on the struggle for power? 

The entire bank was covered in roses. This photo does not do it justice.

A bit of fall foliage on top of the pergola.

The fishermen's lodge on the lake.

On August 11, 1908,Winston Churchill proposed to Clementine Hozier in this temple. She said yes. Well, I assume she said yes. I can't imagine them putting a plaque commemorating the proposal if she said no. 

The grounds were home to some spectacular trees. They oozed character.

Like this old fellow standing guard over the path.

This tree is incredible. I was so happy the family was gathered at its base so you can see just how huge it is. They are all adults.

A pheasant! And I'm not at a zoo!

Another great tree. Just look at that bark.

That huge tree from a different point on the path.

A hint of autumn in the leaves. I was just so happy walking here.

The Cascades at the end of the path.

I took this from a small bridge that spanned the stream.

The view on the other side of the bridge. Beautiful, eh?

These berry trees are everywhere. I'm not sure if they're a type of holly or not. I imagine they look gorgeous in winter if it snows.

I don't know what kind of bird this is. A female pheasant, I'm guessing. She reminded me of my Easter egger hen, Pascua, and made me miss her. She was a sweet chicken.

This is that huge tree again. I stood at its base and looked up.

Some of the huge tree's friends.

As I walked by this tree, I caught a glimmer of silver out of the corner of my eye. I've never seen a silver birch before. They really are silver!

Look at this gnarled old tree. It was obviously a victim of some kind of parasitic or fungal infection, but it made it look cool.

I love roses and spent a fair chunk of time in the Blenheim's formal rose garden. I like doing macro shots of flowers, and these roses were just screaming for their close-ups.

My two favorite color palettes are autumn and sunset. That's why these roses are among my favorites.

The different pink hues gave this flower beautiful depth.

A lovely pink blush.

Mom loves yellow roses. This shot of the pretty yellow tea rose is for her.

This yellow English rose is also for Mom.

A gorgeous blood red bloom.

A cluster of candy apple red roses.

I am normally not a fan of roses that open all the way. I prefer the cluster of closed petals. But this white rose caught my eye. This open rose I like.

A shot to give you an idea what the rose garden looks like when you aren't right on top of the flowers.

Getting a bit artistic, as I do.

Back to the formal gardens behind the house.

One final shot of Blenheim Palace from the garden. 


































Comments

  1. M.CoffeeSnobOctober 18, 2013 at 8:25 PM

    Oh! It's just lovely! I've always felt a garden should be...interactive. Those TREES take my breath away. So glad you shared.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DM AshtonOctober 18, 2013 at 9:20 PM

      I knew you'd like the trees. I thought of you when I saw them. :-)

      Delete

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