Today we had our picnic under an apple tree in the romantic garden at Sanderumgaard, Odense, Denmark. The sun was soft, and the blossom full. It was the perfect spot to pause, and although the roses and peonies were still to bloom, it was easy to imagine their colour and fragrance taking over the top lawns around the small orchard where we sat.

We’d arrived a few hours earlier and wandered through the garden, beginning amongst the apple trees, and then walking through the long arched tunnel of young limes, to the acres of beech trees and water features beyond. It was peaceful and cool, with occasional glimpses back to the imposing manor house.

The garden, restored after well over a century and a half of neglect, are managed mostly by volunteers, and the owners Erik and Susanne Vind, who have brought the garden back to life following the plans and pictures of its creation under the care of owner Johan Bülow, in the late 18th century.

I loved the feel of the garden – the water, the ducks, the enormous, gnarled old stump, the swing in the beech trees, the bridges, the field of peonies, and the promise of the roses encircling a statue of Hermes on his rock. Everything felt right, and all protected by the long low arms of old red roofed barns.

It was such a pleasure to be there, and easy to understand why the famous Danish artist, Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg, had wanted to paint this place.

Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2023