Gardens to visit

At this time of year, there are not many local gardens open or with much to see, but Stourhead is always worth a visit - the photo was taken in the frost and pale winter sunlight of Boxing Day.  Stourhead, which is owned by the National Trust, can be found at Stourton, near Mere, and the garden is open every day.  It is a picturesque English landscape garden designed by Henry Hoare II between 1741 and 1780, combining lakes and follies, including a grotto, amidst landscaped trees such as swamp cypresses, and drifts of daffodils in spring.

Christine Whatley, December 2004