The Gardens at Castle Howard

Book excerpt: In keeping with the grandeur of the magnificent house, the grounds at Castle Howard are designed on a heroic scale. First laid out in the early years of the 18th century, the 1,000 acres of gardens are dotted with statues, lakes, and fountains, and delightful walks reveal hidden glades and breathtaking views. With many terrace walks and lakeside paths, memorable sights include the Atlas Fountain and the Temple of the Four Winds. Set within the walled gardens, the rose garden contains 2,000 modern roses of all types, including David Austin's English roses, making this one of England's most comprehensive collections. Set on the site of an ancient woodland, Ray Wood -- a rare combination of the planter's art and botanical science -- holds one of the most extensive plant collections in private hands in Europe. A more recent development is Castle Howard's Ornamental Vegetable Garden, known as the Potager, on the site of the House's original kitchen garden. This book of the extraordinary 18th-century gardens of one of England's finest historic houses through the seasons features a foreword by the Hon. Simon Howard, who lives at Castle Howard.