Stagshaw Garden, Woodland garden in Ambleside, England
Stagshaw Garden is a woodland garden spread across 8 acres near Lake Windermere with collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, ericaceous plants, and camellias planted on steep slopes. The plantings create layers of color and texture across different elevations throughout the site.
The National Trust acquired the property in 1957 from the Wansfell Estate, and Cubby Acland created the garden beginning in 1959. Acland's management of the site until 1979 shaped its current character.
The garden shows the gardenesque style of the 19th century through how plants integrate naturally into the woodland. Visitors notice rhododendrons and azaleas spreading among ancient trees in a way that feels unforced.
Parking is limited to four or five cars at the entrance, so visitors often leave their vehicles at Waterhead and walk to the site instead. The paths are steep in places and require sturdy shoes and some effort to navigate the hillsides.
A woodland stream runs through the garden and crosses several wooden bridges while creating small waterfalls along the way. The flowing water adds a refreshing element as visitors walk among the plants.
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