Tags
Acer grisium, Bergenia Bressingham Ruby, Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Cornus alba sibirica, Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire', garden visit, Helleborus foetidus, Rubus cockburnianus, stinking hellebore, weather report, white stemmed bramble, Winter garden
In the depths of Winter it can be hard to stay enthused about the garden yet if you know where to look there are some stunning examples of a Winter garden. One such place in the Cambridge University Botanic Garden and yesterday was the day I went to see for myself. I was not disappointed.

Winter Garden
I did not see any where near 8,000 plants but those that I did see were very beautiful, just look at the Acer Grisium in the picture above, surrounded by the stunning bank of Cornus ‘Midwinter Fire’

Acer grisium

Cornus alba sibirica with Hellebore

Bergenia Bressingham Ruby


Rubus Goldenvale
After looking at the Winter garden on such a cold day it was necessary to warm up in the cafe. The food is very good and reasonably priced with a great selection of vegetarian dishes.

Stylish cafe area, note the trained Lime trees

Trailing hellebore, corten steel
Anyway, if the weather is getting you down, don’t let it. Grab your coat and hat and get out there to see some something beautiful,

Maximum? no reading.
Enjoy your weekend.
The Acer is stunning and the evergreens are very useful in setting off the brighter colors.
You’re right Marian I think the evergreens contribute to the strength of colour.
A most enjoyable post and lovely pictures. xx
Thanks Flighty 🙂
Thank you for the tour and potted history, a shot of colour on a grey day is very welcome. Winter gardens like this are a great source of inspiration!
Thanks Kate I am glad you liked it. Worth a visit.
The Winter Garden is an interesting tapestry and has some beautiful trees. That Acer is definitely a star. Did you find the path that creeps round the back and gives you immersive views?
I am not sure I did! Will have to go back
That bank of cornus is stunning! Perhaps one of these days my A griseum will be as majestic but in truth I am in no rush for it to get bigger! Iam most intrigued by the ‘trailing’ hellebore – can’t see how that would work unless they grow differently when planted downwards like this…
I guess it will take a few years to get that size Cathy. I think the hellebore was trailing on its own accord by the weight of its blooms, by planting it close to the edge I think it was encouraged to trail. Maybe. ?!
It’s an interesting concept, and it looked as if the wole plant was ‘longer’ and lankier
I love visiting winter gardens; they rarely disappoint.
Have you been to any this Winter Christina?
No Doris there aren’t any in this area. Usually I would have visited at least one st Christmas but with my MIL’s passing there wasn’t enough time so I am especially enjoying all those I see on blogs. Do you live near Cambridge?
Sorry about your MiL x
I am about an hours drive from Cambridge so not really.
This is always a winter treat, I try to go every year. Lovely photos Dorris. I am just reading a book about Henslow called Henslow of Hitcham. He was a thoroughly good egg, loved by everybody. He started a school and allotments in Hitcham which is near where I live.
Thanks Cathy, I hope they did the garden justice, it was my first visit. I shall have search your Henslow, not a n ame I am familiar with
As well as Cambridge Botanical Gardens he was responsible for the museum in Ipswich.
Looks like you had a wonderful trip, I like the park and ride too. Have you visited in the summer? You’d like it very much. I’ve recently taken over a garden where the former gardener cut off the limbs half way along each branch on a Acer Griseum, its such a sad looking tree now and makes me feel quite sad every time I see it. So lovely to see your photo of such a great specimen.
beautiful pictures with lovely coloured flowers and plants. Great, blog, keep up the good work!
Check out my latest blog post about my day back at University while away on my placement year in London! It’s all about working life versus student life. Hope you like it and let me know what you think!
https://tootinghustle.wordpress.com/2017/02/05/nostalgia/
Hi there and thank you. I took a look and you’ve made a good start. Your nostalgia post is spot on based on my daughters experiences, (living in the library and value foods.) I will pop back from time to time to see what’s new.
Thank you very much for having a look! I really appreciate it