Gardens to Visit this Summer

By Admin The Garden Furniture Centre
22 Aug 2011

If you are looking for interesting and exciting destinations to take the family this Summer, their are some wonderful gardens we have available to us. Here are a few of our favourite’s for consideration. Wherever you are in the country you can guarantee there are some dramatic and beautiful gardens to be visited to take in the beauty and even draw some inspiration from.

The Eden Project

If you happen to be in the South West or can find a great excuse to get down there, the Eden Project in St Austell is one of the most famous gardens not only in the UK, but in the world today. Originally opened in 2001, it started life as a disused china clay pit before being transformed into the world's largest greenhouse! Showing how plants are used in the production of consumer goods, you can follow specific trails such as music or food trails amongst other things. The garden has been created to give a fascinating insight of man's relationship with plants and is very highly recommended for a visit.

Hampton Court

Staying in the South of the country, however East not West this time, Hampton Court offers wonderful displays of bedding plants. Along with its 1,350 square metre famous maze, Hampton Court offers a traditional garden experience. The Riverside gardens have been immaculately restored and you will even find the world's oldest vine there, which produces 700lbs of grapes each year even today! A visit to one of the most famous gardens worldwide should never be passed up and Kew Gardens is perhaps one of the most famous.

Kew Gardens

Set in a stunning landscape of 121 hectares beside the River Thames in South West London, this once royal residence is home to more than 30,000 different plants from all over the world. 6 stunning glasshouses contain the finest collection of tropical plants available, together with seasonal borders and a majestic collection of grasses. Kew Gardens offers a superb day out for anyone interested in the garden and one that should not be missed.

Blenheim Palace

Originally landscaped by Capability Brown, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire offers the visitor a mix of sweeping lawns and formal gardens together with water terraces, a beautiful Rose Garden and an Italian Garden. There is also a Secret Garden, which will appeal to keen gardeners. The gardens offer beauty and tranquility to all who visit and of course the Palace is open for viewing should you wish to extend your time there.

Shugborough Hall

Dating back to the 18th Century Shugborough Hall in Shropshire offers the keen horticulturist the opportunity to explore formal terraces, together with a victorian style rose garden. A variety of temples and monuments extend into the landscape. Woodland walks and guided tours are available if required.

The National Wildflower Centre

In the North West, The National Wildflower Centre can be found which features various habitats to show the range of places and surfaces where wildflowers will thrive. A wildlife pond filled with rainwater from the roof is present, containing wildlife such as dragonflies and newts. You will find lots of interesting ideas on how you can welcome wildflowers into your own garden. A very interesting day out for both young and old.

Alnwick Gardens

Officially opened in April 2002, Alnwick Gardens main feature is the Grand Cascade, a magnificent tumbling mass of water ending in an eruption of fountains sending 350 litres of water into the air every second. An Ornamental Garden is also well featured together with a formal walled garden with water pools and a Rose Garden. Prepare yourself for a full day out taking in all there is to see here at this North East garden treasure.

These are just a few of the main gardens within the English counties and do not cover Scotland or Wales where such gems can easily be found.