See the spectacular RHS Bridgewater in full bloom with Tom Stuart-Smith
CELEBRATE the anniversary of the opening of the Royal Horticultural Society’s newest garden with a visit to RHS Garden Bridgewater this summer in the company of the man who came up with the masterplan for it – landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith.
Last May, after multiple Covidrelated delays, Bridgewater – one of Europe’s biggest-ever garden projects – was opened, thanks to a dedicated group of gardeners who spent the first lockdown planting 25,000 plants across the 154 acres.
The result is the spectacular RHS Garden Bridgewater, complete with 40,000 more plants than planned, and with features including a lakeside path. You can visit the fifth Royal Horticultural Society garden on this exclusive four-day tour.
Making the trip even more unforgettable, you’ll be joined by the man behind the vision for the project, who will take an exclusive tour of the garden with you, followed by a talk and a Q&A session.
Tom says: ‘I have known the amazing site that became RHS Garden Bridgewater for some time and it is really remarkable. It is a great honour and a huge challenge to be able to contribute to this very exciting project.’
Your holiday will also take in some of the finest gardens in the northwest of the country, including the Trentham Estate, which also features gardens designed by Tom, as well as Dunham Massey and Tatton Park – its gardens have developed over 200 years. In addition, you’ll visit Ness Botanic Gardens in the Wirral, with its own weather station, and Arley Hall, where herbaceous borders were first laid in 1846.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Exclusive events with Tom StuartSmith: Tom, who has designed eight gold medal-winning gardens for the Chelsea Flower Show, will join you for a tour of RHS Garden Bridgewater, Salford, which he planned. He’ll also deliver an illustrated talk and answer your horticultural questions.
Visit the RHS’ newest garden: The creation of RHS Garden Bridgewater is one of the most significant events in the 215-year history of the RHS and its first new garden for nearly 20 years. Its centrepiece is the 11-acre Weston Walled Garden, one of the UK’s biggest, measuring the size of six football pitches and comprising 11 gardens, including The Paradise Garden, Kitchen Garden, Community Wellbeing Garden and Community Grow Garden.
Tour Trentham estate: Begin your break with a visit to the Staffordshire gardens where the contemporary revival of Italian Gardens was led by Tom. Explore the Piet Oudolf-designed Rivers of Grass and Floral Labyrinth and the Trentham Lake, created by Capability Brown.
Discover delightful gardens: The year-round Ness Botanic Gardens feature lilies, primulas and terrace gardens with climbing plants, herb and water gardens in the summer months.
Dunham Massey was planted in regimental fashion by the 2nd Earl of Stamford and Warrington before being abandoned in 1856.
Joseph Paxton, the architect of Crystal Palace, designed aspects of Tatton Park and you’ll end your trip with a visit to the beautifully maintained gardens at Arley Hall.