I have visited many, many wonderful gardens. Here are some of the best
Ashwood
If you are of a certain age like me then you probably watch TV programmes on gardening. The latest one to hit our screens is the wittily named Great British Gardens with Carol Klein. She featured a garden called Ashwood in South Staffordshire. Let’s have a quick look. It started as you would expect with some rather nice drone shots and then went on from there. Now if you put that on the telly and only open the garden occasionally then people of a certain age will get in their nice cars and go. So let us see what happened
Morton Hall
Morton Hall looks out west over the Vale of Evesham to Welsh mountain ranges on the horizon. The view is framed by the Malvern and Clee Hills to the left and right. The main approach to the house, however, is from the east, through the rolling Worcestershire countryside. A broad expanse of parkland directly in front of the house boasts a range of mature specimen trees and a spectacular fritillary meadow. The elegant east elevation was built around 1780 with an early 19th-century extension on its south side.
Both the garden and house have been extensively renovated to take full advantage of panoramic views. These renovations have created internal vistas and provided ready access to the gardens from every side of the house. The eight acres of gardens and park encircling the house were designed by landscape architect Charles Chesshire as a succession of distinct ‘garden rooms’. While each of these rooms has its individual character, defined by landscape, planting style and colour scheme, there is a strong sense of continuity.
Consall Hall
This movie was shot on Sunday 15 April 2018. Consall Hall Estate was up for sale and wias not be open to the public after 2018. It had become a wedding venue the last time I checked.
Boscabel House
Let’s be clear Boscobel House is not a must visit bucket list property but it’s quite nice in its own unassuming little way.
Wollerton Old Hall
The garden has been designed and developed by Lesley and John Jenkins since 1984. It is set around a 16th Century Hall House and has developed into an important modern garden in the English Garden tradition with echoes of Arts and Crafts. It covers 4 acres, and is intensely cultivated. We have videos here from 2018, the 1st video and 2019
Hodnet Hall
Hodnet Hall Garden is an amazing place. There is a series of lakes with a sublime planting of Rhododendrons and Azaleas and much much more. There are videos from 2017,2018 and 2019 in that order. Tranquillity, epic views, and beauty move the soul. This is England’s green and pleasant land at its very finest.
Dorothy Clive Garden
The Dorothy Clive Garden has long been a favourite of ours. It is a large garden with it’s heart in a disused quarry with Rhododendrons and Azaleas growing in profusion, amid a wild mature woodland. This area is surrounded by other walks and planted areas. In spring, as now, it hosts a spectacular display of tulips. There is also a nice tea room. An oasis of peace to wander around freely. We have been many times, here are my video impressions from 2017, 2018 and 2019 in that order.
Cholomodeley
The romantic gothic style castle at Cholmondeley overlooks 50 acres of ornamental gardens and 670 acres of historic parkland. The gardens at Cholmondeley were extensively developed over the past 60 years and were the life’s work of the Late Lavinia, Dowager Marchioness of Cholmondeley.
Arley
Arley Gardens, which are amongst the finest in Britain, are outstanding for their vitality, variety and historical interest and are particularly celebrated for the magnificent double herbaceous border.
