ARCHIVE PAGE: this website is gradually being updated from April 2022
Such a variety exists in this largest of counties. From the wide landscaped gardens of Castle Howard, Ripley Castle or Fountains Abbey, to the intimate town gardens of Millgate in Richmond, or the densely planted York Gate in Adel; nurseries planted out at Breezy Knees or Poets Cottage; restoration projects at Wentworth Castle, Brodsworth Hall and Helmsley Walled garden; two arboretums - at Castle Howard and Thorp Perrow; the rock garden at Aysgarth; the sculptures at Bretton. There are public parks clinging on to former glories - The Homestead, York; Golden Acre and Temple Newsam in Leeds; the Italian Gardens at Scarborough. And specialist plants at special times - tulips at Constable Burton, vegetables at Burton Agnes, water lilies at Burnby Hall, or rhododendrons at Nawton Towers. All this and more, as well as the stately homes and some beautiful natural landscape.
The rear garden at Riddlesden Hall
Looking up the garden towards the shed
Scarborough's South Cliff has a maze of paths popular with visitors for walking up and down from the roads down to the re-modelled swimming pool beyond the Spa. There are still remnants of the glory days of 100 years ago, when the Italian gardens still planted up would have been spectacular. Now the area offers a detective trail of landscaping and planting - spotting what was, and what has gone.
YorK Gate is a magical one acre garden in Adel on the northern outskirts of Leeds. A late 20th century garden created by the Spencer family, it is now preserved by a garden trust. It is planted with many unusual specimens, a true plant collectors garden, and all set amongst delightful gritstone landscaping.
Parcevall is tucked away at the head of a Wharfedale valley, looking down to Appletreewick. Built on a hillside, it uses the contours to fine effect with terraces, woodland walks, streams and rockery. The variation in height provides wonderful views of both the garden and the Yorkshire Dales. Developing and changing all the time.