Scotney Castle Landscape Gardens (National Trust), Kent, UK
Scotney Castle Gardens are centred on the romantic ruins of a moated, 14th century medieval English castle. An Elizabethan wing was added to the ruins in the 15th century. Together they give a delightful focal point to the gardens.
In Spring, an old quarry in the gardens contains an amazing, colorful display of rhododendrons, azaleas, kalmias and purple acers, often under-planted with bluebells. The ruins of the old castle and surrounding, water filled moat can be seen in the distance from a viewpoint overlooking this stunning floral display.
This photo, taken from the bridge, shows a view of the ancient castle tower and Elizabethan ruins reflected in the moat.
Details: The National Trust gardens at Scotney Castle are a renowned example of a specific 18th century English gardening style called the ’Picturesque’ . This particular style was part of the larger Romantic Movement which greatly influenced artists of the period. It evolved from the aesthetic ideas of William Gilpin and was applied to gardens by the highly influential English garden designer, Humphrey Repton.
Within this particular style, artists and designers were seeking qualities in a painting or landscape that essentially transcended mere beauty and almost conveyed the viewer to a blissful state of higher consciousness because of its ‘pure perfection’. As far as I understand it, these ‘Picturesque’ garden designs were more ‘rugged and natural’ than previous landscape garden designs (e.g. those of Capability Brown) and often incorporated romantic ruins and follies. Well, that at least is the theory.
From my own experience, Scotney Castle is certainly a very beautiful garden. However, it also has unique qualities, hard to put into words and define, that makes it very special indeed. Other people must feel this too, as it is an extremely popular garden with visitors.
Location: Located near the village of Lamberhurst in the valley of the river Bewl in Kent, England. Postcode: TN3 8JN. The nearest large town is Tunbridge Wells.
OSGB Map Reference: TQ688353
© 2012 ukgardenphotos
Darren Frodsham, SmashingPuffin, and 26 other people added this photo to their favorites.
ardealoudonmacadam 14 months ago | reply
Exceptionally beautiful
Lenochka55 14 months ago | reply
Very picturesque!
ardealoudonmacadam 14 months ago | reply
Thank you for your message. Ardea.
Madeleine Dubois 14 months ago | reply
Amazing picture! All is beautiful and I love the most the reflection on the water!
Colin'sPic's 14 months ago | reply
Lovely reflections
foto.phrend 14 months ago | reply
perfectly done, lovely framing
loving summer... 14 months ago | reply
Breathtaking view and reflection!!!
Gorgeous castle !!!!!
*christine** 13 months ago | reply
A beautiful view!
jm - Bollingen 12 months ago | reply
Really cool
cheri228 12 months ago | reply
Gorgeous picture, gorgeous place!
DougRobertson 10 months ago | reply
A superb shot.
rachelj1968 7 months ago | reply
John, thanks for your comments on those photos. I must say i was pretty pleased with them myself! This is a stunning shot, have you gone digital yet?!!
nb-hjwmpa 8 days ago | reply
Great reflection !!!!!