Sleightholmedale is certainly scenic, 350ft up in the North York Moors National Park, wedged in an ancient wooded valley between heather and beck, but you might not think there would be much hope for a garden. You would be wrong. For while winters are cold and spring comes late, the soft light and cool temperatures of summer encourage plants to give a long and luscious flowering season on these south-facing slopes. They are quite a sight. Border after border of hollyhocks and daisies, roses and delphiniums, campanulas and penstemons, verbascums and lychnis; a free-for-all of colour; clash, jumble and jollity everywhere. It is as if the opportunity has been seized for carnival, a letting-down of hair, and a celebration of life while the austere environment temporarily permits it.

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