ROCKS OF FUN!
Plantings in Burnby’s newly restored rock garden are establishing well, writes IAN HODGSON
The beautiful water gardens at Burnby Hall, at Pockington, near York, have reopened to visitors. The recently-restored upper and lower lakes, which form a substantial part of the visitor attraction, are home to over 100 varieties of hardy water lily, forming an important National Plant Collection.
While work to improve the water lily collection and introduce new varieties continues, plantings in the recently restored rock garden have established well. Originally created by the famous nursery and landscape firm of James Backhouse of York around 1910 for Burnby’s then owners Percy and Katharine Stewart, the overgrown feature was substantially renovated as part of Burnby’s Golden Jubilee
Restoration Project between 2016 and 2019, using £634,800 given by the National Lottery. The refurbishment used 300 tonnes of rock from a quarry near Leeds, while the original Backhouse plant catalogues were used for sourcing unusual species and varieties, such as Anemone barbulata and Bulbinella hookeri. Fully replanted by 2018, a small group of volunteers attend every two weeks, working alongside gardens supervisor Jill
Ward and her team to maintain it.
“We’ve really missed our visitors and look forward to welcoming them back to the gardens once again,” said Peter Rogers, assistant estate manager.
Entry is by pre-booked ticket only and a one-way system is in operation. Takeaway food from the café and toilet facilities are available. ■ Visit www.burnbyhall gardens.com. Limited bookings on 01759 307125, daily from 10am-12noon.