Garden Review

The Japanese Garden At Cowden

We don’t often get the time to escape and explore other gardens, but this one has been on our list of places to visit for a while. It might seem like an odd time of year to visit, but it was the most glorious day and so peaceful. I think we both agreed it was worth taking the time to head up.

The team were so lovely on arrival talking us through the gardens and what there is to see. Sadly due to Storm Éowyn, the woodland had taken quite a battering so we weren’t able to walk through it as they had quite a bit of work to do to make the area safe. This didn’t matter as there was plenty to see.

The lake had been frozen so seeing the ice on the water was so beautiful, particularly with the snow covered hills and blue sky reflected in it. We walked all the way around the edge of the ponds, and then across the bridges. The design of a Japanese garden is generally quite static, but perhaps combined with the subtle movement of water, it creates the most magical and almost healing environment to be in.

I had also never seen a Red Squirrel so this was so lovely to see. We sat for at least twenty minutes watching this little guy take the nuts and it was amazing to watch. They are much for engaging then grey squirrels and definitely more attractive with their big furry ears.

All in all, worth a visit.