TOP 9 GARDENS
Gardening has always been a passion for folk in this neck of the woods. And with such an abundance of nationally important gardens, that’s hardly surprising. Just take a look at this brief selection – you’ll be blooming well spoilt for choice. A full list of events happening at the gardens can be found at www.gardensofsouthyorkshire.com
This country house prides itself on its gardens. Explore the restored ‘grand gardens in miniature’, once again looking their Victorian best. Then rest awhile in the elegant summerhouse before taking in the heady scent of the Rose Dell with its hundreds of rose varieties.
Dating back to 1836, Sheffield’s Botanical Gardens are spread over 19 acres. Originally designed in the Gardenesque style, you can discover 15 distinct gardens featuring collections of plants from all over the world, including the National Collections of Weigela and Diervilla.
Renishaw Hall’s outstanding garden features a striking geometric design, with yew hedges, pyramids, antique statues and mixed borders. On either side of the formal gardens are more naturalistic plantings with specimen trees, unusual shrubs and towering rambling roses. The Orangery houses the National Collection of Yuccas.
You’ll find the Winter Garden in the centre of Sheffield. With striking wooden arches and exotic plants from around the globe, this is the largest temperate glasshouse in any European city. The Peace Gardens are set against the backdrop of the Town Hall and feature spectacular fountains, water features and manicured lawns.
Dating back over 500 years, Wortley Hall was the ancestral home of the Earls of Wharncliffe. The wonderful gardens lie mainly to the south and west of the Hall, and feature a set of grass terraces with steps and a sunken garden.
Sitting in the rolling Pennine foothills, Cannon Hall offers a selection of walks to enjoy the splendid natural surroundings. And there’s a bustling farm and tea rooms to visit too.
Stroll around the 50 acre garden, admire the 26 listed buildings and monuments and take in the atmospheric views, woodland walks and majestic follies - including a dramatic viewing platform at the top of a castle folly 600 feet above sea level.
Originally belonging to a grand house in Wentworth and now open to the public, this is a truly fascinating garden. Check out the Bear Pit with its staircase to a serene Japanese garden complete with Weeping Beech, Larch and Maple.
This fine building boasts a marvellous Shrubbery Walk complete with rare ornamental trees including the Strawberry tree, Redwood and Ginkgo. Stroll by the lakes and admire the mallard, coot and moorhen.
