Trentham Gardens

[Plocket]

We visited Trentham's Italian Gardens yesterday, near Stoke on Trent. At the entrance they had a huge banner announcing that they had won gold at Chelsea. Actually the short slot on the Chelsea coverage was what nudged me to visit. I attach some photographs which I hope you enjoy.

The wonderful modern bridge at the entrance to the gardens (£4.00 for adults, kids under 5 free)

This is the first view we had of the Italian Gardens - there was still a lot of work being done and I loved the bright newly restored stonework mixed in with the original (not really visible on the photo!).

Some overviews of the Italian Gardens (the lower terrace) - the planting is "contemporary" apparently and the colours changed  as we moved upwards towards the upper garden.

The upper flower garden, which is planted much more traditionally. Gaggles of gardeners were planting this area, mostly with geraniums. The little box hedges are very immature but the essence is certainly there.

Back to the lower terrace.

This walk is going to be covered in pink wisteria and climbing roses - they are already planted but have a bit of growing to do!

View from a little way around the lake.

There is still a lot of work being done to the Italian Gardens but they are well worth a visit. I for one will be visiting regularly to see how the gardens develop and mature.

[Plocket]

[Twospot Ladybird]

Beautiful, Plocket. I always love looking at Italian Gardens, just a pity it's so far from me as I'd go for a visit myself.

[Heldi]

Impressive or what!  ;D

[Charlotte Sometimes]

Wowee, I am orignally from the Stoke area, and had forgotten all about Trentham Gardens!  Yes, my parents took me there many times.  Like a pleb, I didn't pay much attention to the gardens.  I was more interested in the adventure playground and the ice cream kiosks.  ;D

Perhaps next time I go up to visit my Mum, we can go for a return visit.  I'd like to see the gardens at Biddulph Grange as well, tho that's the other side of the Potteries.

Nice one Plocket, that was a trip down memory lane!  ;D

[Laura]

Lovely photos, Plocket!! Thanks for sharing. I must go and visit!!

[Plocket]

Hello Charlotte! Funnily enough Trentham Gardens are asking people for memorable stories about the gardens - if you have any fond memories they would love to hear from you.

I too love Biddulph Grange - I try and visit at least once a year. My husband organised a mini birthday party for me there a few years ago - we had a picnic table under the tree in the car park, and birthday cake, candles everything! Mum and dad were there, and my sister and her family. Daft hey?

[Mrs Ava]

Love the stonework!  Great pics Plocket.  I am looking forward to September when number one son starts school full time so I can take advantage of days and go visit some of the wonderful Essex gardens.

[Plocket]

Blimey EJ - school in September - that's come around quickly!

The stonework is stunning, and they are trying to replace more in the way of structures too. I'm going to keep visiting to see what develops!

[Plocket]

Hi Laura! I'm so pleased you've made it to A4A! I think you'll find everyone nice and friendly here and if you do make it up to visit Trentham let me know and I'll meet you there! Px

[dibberxxx]

nice pictures all the interesting gardens seem so far from Bristol, never no i might get the chance to visit some soon, of to Bude in Cornwall for hoildays have loads of gardens on the list to visit the kids are going to love me

[honeybee]

Lovely pictures Plocket

I was wondering?  Is Trentham gardens where the Garden festival was held in 1986?

I remember visiting the garden festival, it was lovely.

[Plocket]

Hi Honeybee! I'm afraid I have absolutely no idea - I've only lived in Staffordshire for 4 years. This Trentham Gardens is slightly south of Stoke on Trent.

[Marley Farley]

 :) I say! very nice plocket  :) :) :)

[honeybee]

Thanks for the reply Plocket, I tried to research it, but i didnt really get anywhere with it ::)