Biddulph Grange
Although I have been to Biddulph in the spring time, this time I wanted to go and see the autumn colours. As much as it wasn't a bright sunny day, I still managed to capture some awesome colours. Going around Biddulph's garden is described as travelling on a voyage around the world, it was created by James Bateman in the mid 18th century and shows what a passionate plant collector he was - bringing plants from all over the world. There are several "Garden Rooms" each with its own theme and man-made micro climate; with extraordinary plant collections from places as far away as China, the Himalayas and America.
The first part is described as an Italian Garden with a maze of hedges, parterres and colourful borders.
Past the lake with its water lilies and huge koi carp (you can buy food for them from the shop on your way in).
Then as you go through a rocky area and over some stepping stones........................
Through a dark tunnel..................................
You find yourself in China! My favourite place...................
You can ring the bells dangling from the roof of the pagoda and imagine you are in the Orient.
How colourful the oriental section was!
This tunnel is part of the area known as the Stumpery (the oldest in the country) - I have never seen so may tree stumps and such a marvellous collection of ferns. It felt very spooky - like something from the Jurassic period.
Next you arrive in Egypt with its stone statues ...........................
The views of the Dahlia walk were fabulously colourful.
This is one of my favourite views of the Dahlia Walk from up above.
If you go upstairs and out of the upper door of Cheshire house, you come to the long walk and the wood with various play features to entertain younger ones.
Back down at the garden again different views of the Dahlia Walk - the hedges were cut so precise.
The Geological Gallery has recently been completed and is described as "where Botany meets Geology and Science meets Religion", it is full of fossils and the Seven Days that God created the Earth. This area was the original Victorian entrance to the garden and there is usually a volunteer inside to have a chat to.
Back to the where I began at the entrance/exit there are interesting displays especially about where Biddulph's plants originally came from - every corner of the world. And many of the plants were the first of their kind to be bought into this country.
As well as a delightful cafe selling home made produce, there are plants for sale and a National Trust shop selling a range of interesting items.
Just 1/3 mile away is Biddulph Grange Park (this used to be part of the estate), it is a delightful place to walk round for an hour or so.
I can highly recommend a visit to Biddulph - I will certainly be going back to visit again and to see its magnificent colour at another time of the year.
Thank you for looking,
Lynne
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