Almost hidden in a steep sided valley named on the outskirts of Grewelthorpe in North Yorkshire there is a horticultural delight where magnificent magnolias, azaleas and rhododendrons bloom against a backdrop of woodland, trees and by lakes. A veritable feast on the eye and, if this was not enough, at every twist and turn of the meandering paths works of art, statues, sculptures and buildings serve to enhance the experience.
The Hutts, from the norse for ‘head of the valley’, is home to a collection of nearly 20,000 plants and 80 contemporary works of art. With some 1,400 varieties of rhododendron, 250 species of azalea and 150 different magnolias it is hardly surprising that it is considered to be the largest collection of these plants in the north of England. The park covers an area of 45 acres and is definitely a labour of love and a work in progress project for the owners who have been there since 1996.
The Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park is only open at certain times of the year so check before visiting: https://www.himalayangarden.com/
Here are some photographs from a recent visit:-
Words and photographs Copyright © 2019 by Antony J Waller
A Shimmering of Northern Light 