GARDENS

THE GARDENS

Forty years ago, when the present owner's father inherited Mirehouse, much of the garden was overgrown. Mirehouse had become something of a 'Sleeping Beauty' unknown even to people living in Keswick. The work of restoration continues along with the change and development which are in the nature of any garden.


The long history of this garden is clear when we realise that the huge Scots Pines beside the drive were planted in 1784. Beneath them is a collection of Rhododendrons and Hydrangeas planted over the last hundred years.


From the cover of the wood we emerge into the spacious, sheltered Bee Garden. In the mid 1990s extensive restoration took place. Bee hives were set up in a sheltered corner. An orchard of traditional Cumbrian fruit trees was planted, a heather path maze was made, based on the design of the famous turf mazes by the Solway.

In front of the House is a rare ancient wildflower meadow with forty three species of plants. Behind the house are terraced lawns and the Canada garden which houses a rhododendron tunnel, a snuff garden and simple wooden structures.

A circular walk of about a mile goes through the parkland from the house, through woods, along the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake and back to the entrance.