The 4½
acre Walled Garden at Scampston opened for the first time in May
2004. The garden has been created by the internationally renowned
designer Piet Oudolf. It is unashamedly modern but perfectly complements,
and is in balance with, the C18th House and Park.
The garden is divided into a series of spaces, each
with a character of its own. There is a long border walk, under
an avenue of 200 lime trees, around the perimeter wall with mainly
spring flowering shrubs and under planting.
The central area is divided into a series of large
rooms, each with a clearly defined character of its own. The main
focus of the central area is a perennial flower meadow using a rich
palette of reds, yellows, orange and purple. The planting here is
Piet Oudolf’s signature style, and is designed to give a long
season of interest.
Other areas feature structural shapes of clipped box
and yew, waves of different grasses in parallel with close mown
lawn, stunning herbaceous borders with choice plants, and a reflective
pond surrounded by columns of yew. A grassed pyramid 3m high is
an unusual and striking vantage point from which to view the garden
in its entirety.

|
|

Although Piet Oudolf may be best known
for winning a gold medal and “Best in Show” award
at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2000, his most recent commission
is the Gardens of Remembrance in Battery Park, New York, a short
distance from the site of the World Trade Centre. Other Oudolf
gardens are in Chicago USA, Enkoping Sweden, Amsterdam Holland,
the RHS Garden at Wisley.
The
Walled Garden at Scampston
|