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[Oznell]

As spring progresses, the spectator sport of looking at famous gardens (and often their buildings, too) increases in excitement.  These two gardens each have their own unique appeal.

Rowallane, near Saintfield, Northern Ireland.

In scenic County Down, started by the Reverend John Robert Moore at his house in the nineteenth century.  Rowallane means "beautiful clearing". 

This pointed cairn of stones is mysterious....  Cairns are found all over the British Isles...

The walled garden has gooseneck loosestrife, lacecap hydrangea, day lilies and viburnum crowding the winding pathways...

The herb and vegetable garden...

Love this vista of the structured boxwood, leading up to the slightly untamed magnolia...

The way that the antique stone and brick buildings interact with the garden is charming.  The purple parachute-shaped flowers are rhodochiton.

From a traditional garden, to a more "organic" one, in Holland.  It was started by noted gardener Piet Oudolf, at his home in the village of Hummelo.

Piet and his wife, Anja

It's interesting to see a Dutch garden that isn't tulip-centered, ha. (Not that I don't adore tulips!)  Piet Oudolf has always been attracted to meadow flowers, and natural plantings.  Apparently, when he first started, it was hard in Europe to get ahold of the type of botanicals he wanted.

Mexican feather grass.

Mountain fleece.

Japanese anemone.

Love the way the wild grasses and flowers interplay with the strict lines of his architect-designed stone studio!

But there are also more disciplined features, like this interesting circle of maiden-grass in its own roundabout with a path.

And this remarkable "topiary" tunnel...  I bet it's very dark and quiet in there--  peaceful.

But the wildness will out!

Some of these are like Impressionist paintings.

I've always loved both formal gardens, and wild ones, so both Rowallane and Hummelo appeal to me.  They're so calming yet refreshing.  A fun source for interesting gardens is "Flower",  the online magazine, and a bonus is, they have a dual mission-- they showcase both gardens and houses.

[DREAMON]

Just BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

[DSD2]

Oznell, one picture is more beautiful than the next. 

The vivid colors are striking and the settings seem so idyllic and tranquil. Those stones are fascinating.

If I only had that boxwood tree in my yard. Just lovely.

I have to say my vegetable garden bears no resemblance to what I see here. 

[lil spot]

@Oznell 

Love it all. 

Oh just to sit there and drink it in.

[Bookplate]

I feel like I just had a five minute vacation; thank you!

[kindred cats]

Are you kidding me???  Makes me want to move to those places!

Love love love....thank you for the photos. 

[wilma]

Lovely pictures! I would love to have a large beautiful garden. It would be very relaxing to stroll and sit in a garden, but my allergies would make me miserable, and I couldn't handle the upkeep. I prefer the more structured and formal Irish garden. 

[781Florist]

In all my years as a florist I have never seen Japanese anemone.  I am in love.

[Lilysmom1]

@Oznell , delightful!  Thank you for posting.  LM

[Oznell]

@Bookplate  and  @kindred cats ,  I know just what you mean about how viewing gardens like that gives you the feeling of 'vacation', and even wanting to move right there, to be in the middle of it!  Places like that are intoxicating.