A “garden of delights” and a “serpent garden” are among the new horticultural highlights in England this spring. Visitors will also be able to peep behind the scenes in London’s squares and at Arundel Castle.
Ever wondered what secrets are hidden behind the railings of London’s garden squares? There is a chance to find out on June 11-12 when more than 80 of the capital’s beautiful private garden squares unlock their gates for an open weekend. Participating gardens include Middle Temple off the Embankment, traditional scene of the plucking of the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York; and Fitzroy Square, the only one designed by architect Robert Adam and fully restored over the last 40 years. Tickets cost £5 (children free) for entry to all the gardens. Tel: 0208 347 3230. Website: www.opensquares.org
Manchester in North West England will be home to a “Garden of Delights” from June 3-5. This 21st century pleasure garden is specially created around lakeside, woodland and grass areas of Platt Fields Park, Rusholme. Installations, sculptures, and trails combine with music, street theatre, dance, circus, puppets and fire effects to create an extravaganza set amid trees, pathways and glades. Look out for the furniture follies, including a “bed of roses” and a camomile sofa! Website: www.visitmanchester.com
A Serpent Garden is the latest attraction to open at the ever-expanding Alnwick Castle Garden, creation of the Duchess of Northumberland in North East England. Home to a giant holly serpent that holds interactive water sculptures by leading sculptor William Pye, each shows a different aspect of water and how it can be made to move and look. It joins the Poison Garden, Tree house and the Labyrinth, other recent additions at one of Europe’s most ambitious new gardens. Alnwick is 32 miles north of Newcastle and opens daily, tel. 01665 511350. Website: www.alnwickgarden.com.
The head gardener at Arundel Castle, home of the Duchess of Norfolk near England’s South Coast, will be giving personal tours of the grounds this summer. Gerry Kelsey has worked hard alongside the Duchess to create a garden which combines Mediterranean and sub-tropical planting with traditional Victorian design, in the shadow of the 11th century castle. Tours take place on June 24, July 8 and 22, August 5 and 19 and September 2, 16 and 23, price £10: for tickets, tel. 01903 883136. Website: www.arundelcastle.org.
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