At Ashwood Nursery - 10th March 2012

This three-acre garden has evolved over the past twelve years and now has sixteen distinct areas, all of which have been created to take advantage of the existing terrain or by modifying it.

The garden slopes gently in a westerly direction and is bordered on its lower edge by the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal, which makes an impressive backdrop.

The garden is packed with plants, some of which are rare and thrive in the optimum growing conditions, made for them.

Trees are an important characteristic of this garden, with some experimentation of shape and form, which brought mixed reactions from our group. Other important features are the structures and sculptures, which are dotted throughout the garden.

 On our visit hellebores and hepaticas were prominent along with spring flowering bulbs. One could not help noticing the pristine condition of the borders and lawns, obviously involving much work maintaining them to such a high standard.

James Reynolds