Things to see and do in the garden
- Published:
- 27 February 2024
The Gertrude Jekyll Garden is a small yet perfectly formed jewel in the landscape.
A mindful moment
This tranquil garden was created by Gertrude ‘Bumps’ Jekyll on the site of a vegetable patch that once provided the castle’s soldiers with food.
It’s a peaceful place to sit and admire the view and listen to the bees buzzing from bloom to bloom in the summer, or watch the flocks of wading birds and geese flying past the castle during the winter months.
If you spot a plant that you love and would like to take home with you to your own garden, the chances are we will have it in the plant section of the shop in the village.
Preserving Jekyll's vision
Jekyll's original planting scheme was restored by the Trust in 2003. With its geometric layout of paths and beds, the garden is always interesting to look round.
The combination of hardy annuals, colourful perennials and heritage vegetables provide glorious sights and scents in the summer and a leafy, sheltered oasis all year round. It's green, sustainable and wildlife friendly.
Winter in the Gertrude Jekyll Garden
As the most northerly garden in the National Trust, designed by Jekyll to be at its very best in the summer months, it is awakening slowly from its winter slumber.
Some signs of spring are there if you look closely; The shoots of daffodil and tulip bulbs are beginning to emerge, and with them the promise of spring colour in a few weeks' time. Alongside them, the roses are showing the beginnings of new growth, tiny leaf buds appearing upon the thorny stems.
At this time of year, the garden is a peaceful place to sit and take in the view of the castle and breathe in the sea air. Look out for flocks of wintering geese and waders passing overhead, and listen for the sound of the seals' singing drifting over the island.
Things to do outdoors at Lindisfarne Castle
From Gertrude Jekyll's Garden to fascinating boat sheds and lime kilns offering a window into Holy Island's industrial past, there's plenty to explore around Lindisfarne Castle.