What's happening in November

The gardens have a special atmosphere at this time of year, with gentle autumn mists and views of the lake and mountains opening up as the leaves fall.

The Pampas Grass is looking good and the coloured stems of Cornus and Rubus are coming into their own.

What the gardeners are doing this month:

With the arrival of wet and windy weather we are busy trying to keep on top of leaf clearing. We're also getting on to the borders to cut down the herbaceous plants, when we can do so without making too much mess.

Birds and wildlife to look out for:

Deer, foxes and rabbits are regular visitors to the gardens. Winter thrushes are arriving from Scandinavia and large flocks can be seen feeding on yew and holly berries. A flock of sheep have arrived on site to graze the meadow over the winter – essential for maintaining the wild flower meadow in good condition.

Designer gardens

Come explore the 30 acre Thomas Mawson designed Arts and Crafts garden. With views over Windermere and towards the Langdale Pikes, this is a garden with a magnificent backdrop.

Depending on the season you can walk along the terraces to see dazzling displays of camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons filling the air with delicate fragrances.

Elsewhere there's the cherished Handkerchief Tree with its fluttering white flowers and the beautiful vivid crimson blooms of the Chilean Lantern Tree. Other features include:

• Herbaceous and mixed borders
• Old fashioned and shrub roses
• Wildflower meadow
• Kitchen garden with fruit, vegetables, herbs and cut flowers

We use environmentally friendly techniques including composting, recycling and the minimal use of pesticides, peat and water resources. The gardens are home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife and are open 365 days from dawn until 6pm.