Ryton Gardens

June 22, 2011 | Post Author

sproutgarden

I returned on Tuesday from a trip to Liverpool where we celebrated the Golden Wedding anniversary of my Godparents. I always like to sneak in a trip to some gardens on the journey there or back.

On this occasion we chose Ryton Gardens, in Warwickshire. But on the Journey to Liverpool we passed the sign for Stapley Water Gardens as we always do, and as always happens Mum says have you been there and I say no and Mum says its quite nice (shes been before) and we agree one day we will do the detour and go.

Well this weekend was the time, but we were very disappointed to find it very run down and although the garden centre itself was well stocked with both plants and nik-knacks the display gardens and water gardens are no longer there; or those that are still there are in bad repair. A small sign at the exit was slightly encouraging as it seems there are plans to re-develop and not close as we has assumed. So it will be another trip on another occasion.

After this setback we pressed on and headed for our intended destination of Ryton Gardens (Previously the Henry Doubleday Research Association HDRA) and it really did make up for earlier disappointments. It a lovely series of organic gardens all planted with fantastic wildflowers, brimming with wildlife most of the gardens have an organic produce growing theme but others are simply ornamental. A real gem and free to enter for RHS members and some other associations (check there website for details http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/gardens/ryton.php )

Highly recommended, there is also an organic gardening & produce shop and of course a cafe/restaurant. We only sampled the tea but if everything else is to the standard of the tea it will be excellent.

Click the link for the pictures

https://picasaweb.google.com/jacqueline.prout/RytonGardens?authkey=Gv1sRgCPvBie6b9u3DOw