With spring on the way, a Northumberland garden has been named one of the best in the UK for viewing spring flowers.
The Alnwick Garden, which will soon open the world's largest play structure, opened its doors in 2001. Once a forgotten plot, the Duchess of Northumberland's vision has transformed it into a 21st century experience said to be full of fun, inspiration and imagination.
Split across several sections around the centrepiece of the Grand Cascade Waterfall, the garden is home to water sculptures, one of the world's largest treehouses, and there's even a section where every plant can cause you harm - the Poison Garden. It scooped three golds at last year's North East Tourism Awards and it is hoped that the opening of Lilidorei this spring will bring as many as 280,000 tourists to Northumberland out of the usual summer high season.
Read more: A look around Lilidorei at the Alnwick Garden where it’s Christmas all year round
And now, it has been named by the Times as one of the seven best gardens in the UK to view spring flowers. Ian McAllister, Head of Marketing and Communications, said: "It’s amazing for us to be recognised as one of the best gardens to visit for spring flowers – it really is a testimony to the amazing gardening team and all of the work that they have put into The Garden over the years.
"The Garden is set to look amazing this spring – the snowdrops are already out around the pond, daffodils are poking their heads out across the site and the aconitum is also starting to make an appearance. We have planted over 300 pots with varying varieties for a Tulip Festival this year and have just finished planted at least 50 new varieties of David Austin roses.
"If everything stays on our side and there is no return of the Beast from the East, then our Taihaku orchard will be in full bloom at the end of April which is always a spectacular sight and brings visitors from all over the world."
Of the Alnwick Garden, the Times wrote: "Fifty swinging benches stand among the blossoming branches of the world’s largest Tai-haku cherry orchard in Alnwick Garden. In these elegant gardens, dreamt up by Jane Percy, Duchess of Northumberland, the lemony fragrance of wintersweet flowers mixes with lily-of-the-valley-scented mahonia and zesty witch hazel in the ornamental garden.
"There are mesmerising fountains in the grand cascade, an intriguing collection of toxic plants and — if that doesn’t put you off your lunch — a fire-warmed treehouse restaurant (alnwickgarden.com). Free homemade biscuits are one of many luxurious touches at the tasteful Cookie Jar retreat near Alnwick Castle."
To read the full article on seven of the best UK gardens for spring flowers, click here. For more information on the Alnwick Garden, visit its website.
Where is your favourite place to view flowers in the spring? Let us know!
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