Spring has definitely sprung. Well, today is officially the first day of Spring, but lets be honest, after what's felt like the longest, wettest Winter ever, Spring began when the Daffodils started to flower. (Iris reticulata for me - purple loveliness from end January onwards).
It is Easter in 11 days time, so its time to get outside. Many of you will be taking a well earned break, so here's a couple of amazing places to go and get some great ideas for your own space.
RHS Bridgewater - Worsley, Manchester
If you haven't yet made it to the 5th RHS Garden, do. Its amazing. It has areas to keep everyone in the family happy.
There is a great woodland walk with a play area. Follow this walk round and go around the large lake, and you'll come to the Chinese garden with stunning streams and waterfalls. The walled garden is simply perfect. Split in 2 distinct areas, and designed by 2 great Garden Designers. The Paradise garden by the iconic Tom Stuart Smith is my favourite. I'd encourage you to visit 3/4 times in a year and see how it changes and manages to look good all year round - even in winter- as the picture on the right above.
Below is a picture I took a few years ago in the other walled garden space, the Kitchen garden. Designed by Harris Bugg. Design icons in the making. Just tulip heaven.
I really can't list everything this garden has to offer - so just go. There will be special events for children over Easter, so check out the website nearer the time. Plan your visit to Bridgewater / RHS Gardening. Dogs unfortunately are not allowed on a regular basis, so check when the dog entry days are on - you'll need to book.
2. Trentham Gardens - Staffordshire
(Oh, and Arley Hall. But for this time of year, Trentham is no. 1. But then there is the woodland walk at Arley Hall…..It is a bit early for the Bluebells and Rhododendrons. Plan that in for end April / early May. See, its a top 3 really....)
Why is it perfect visit. The choice and size. The Garden Design greats you can name drop with confidence after a visit, is impressive.
Choose from a walk around the mile long Capability Brown lake with some great sculpture exhibits. (Nice café half way round).
Wander beautiful natural and Italianate Gardens designed by icons such as Piet Oudolf and Tom Stuart Smith. Come back in summer for the David Austin Rose border. Looking great a this time of year is the new Woodland Spring planting areas by Nigel Dunnet. The children will love the multiple adventure play areas and following the fairy sculpture trail. Its also dog friendly all year round.
Back to the important stuff, the gardens for Easter. There is a Spring bulb festival that runs from March 1 - May 31. Just look at the picture below. We all need this in our life. Pure joy.
There is more to Trentham than the gardens. Wildlife conservation under pins everything that the estate does. With over 50 species of birds and 42 pairs of breeding herons, its a birdwatches paradise. You can cruise the lake....you may even spot the flash of blue of the King fishers and who knows, you may spot the newly introduced beaver family.
(I am very tempted to book a Dusk Beaver safari in April. No giggling at the back please, you should know better).
If this isn't enough for you - what's wrong with you???? Well there is also a large shopping village next door... but seriously, you've got enough stuff already right?
Happy Spring everyone