Nunnington Hall, UK

Some gardens come across as straight-laced – prim and proper; and then there are gardens where it’s more about relaxing, being free and easy and just having fun. And Nunnington Hall falls squarely in the latter category. It’s not just about the plants; this is a garden to let your hair down in. Fancy a croquet match on the main lawn or would you prefer to chill-out in a deck chair? Then, you’re in luck. But of course as with any garden, there are plants, in this case lots of plants. The herbaceous borders are stuffed to bursting – voluptuous even. There’s a veg patch as well as an orchard – slap bang next to a historic house. And then, there are the wildflowers – everywhere – but there are also weeds – everywhere. It’s a tricky balancing act, and by July I’m not sure that the garden hasn’t tipped over the edge. But there can be a charm in looking a little bedraggled in places and in need of a good haircut!