A pair of quite different gardens, dating from a century apart, that both fell into disrepair in the 20th century and have been lovingly restored since. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens were started in the mid 19th century, using the latest exotic species imported from overseas, while Painshill is an 18th century English landscape garden.
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens were started by John Rogers in 1840, and the gardens and house remain in the Rogers family. He was one of the founders of the Royal Horticultural Society. The gardens fell into disrepair in the late 20th century but in part thanks to the Channel 4 TV series Country House Rescue they have been able to restore them to their former glory.
Visiting in July there was plenty of colour in the garden.
But also thankfully plenty of shade.
From the top of the garden, across a wild meadow filled slope, were views of the surrounding landscape.
Below here is an entertaining, and quite tricky, maze.
There are a number of sculptures around the gardens, fitting in well with their surroundings.
Painshill was laid out, and the lake dug, in the mid 18th century, but fell into disrepair in the mid 20th century. It has been restored over the past few decades to its former glory.
It is very much a pleasure garden, designed for strolling around from sight to sight, such as these follys, and replicia temple.
The lake is home to these unusual purple footed ducks.
The lake also offers good reflections.
The highlight is the intricate Crystal Grotto, painstakingly restored by 2010.
I particularly love the framed views out from the grotto.
This was my second visit to Painshill, there are more photos on a more consistently sunny day following this link.
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