In the Georgian period of the 1700’s John Aislabie set about landscaping a water garden at Studley Royal near Ripon. Today it is a verdant green garden with ornamental lakes, cascades and vistas to take the breath away. There are temples, follies, St Marys church and several buildings within this World Heritage site. Not least of the buildings is the 12th century Fountains Abbey a crucial part of the landscape.

Things to look out for

• Spring plants include Primroses, Cowslips and Oxlips.
• Summer plants include Orchids, Pinks, Scabious
• Autumn and winter interest comes from the tree colours and snowdrops
• Wild flower meadow on the walk into Ripon
• Deer in the parkland

Environment

• Soil is limestone and sandstone in a lowland setting.
• Despite being distant from the East and west coasts the site is only 330 feet above sea level.
• The site was well chosen by the Cistercian monks 1000 years ago.
• The first indication of a water garden was the monk’s fish pond that was used to cultivate supper.
• The land is managed by the National Trust and a team of volunteer gardeners.