Cool Gardens: A sunken garden, cafe, heritage centre and gift shop
A Mediterranean sunken garden is the star attraction at Perennial’s York Gate garden, the horticultural charity’s home in Adel, North Leeds. Other attractions include a cafe, sun terrace, gift shop, plus a plant and heritage centre, dedicated to the Spencer family who bequeathed the garden to the charity.
Designed in the Arts & Crafts style, York Gate has a series of beautifully crafted outdoor rooms, created by the Spencer family during the 20th century. Award-winning landscape architect Alistair Baldwin and York Gate head gardener Ben Preston created the new Mediterranean garden.
York Gate garden – Andalusian vibe
Mature olive trees, pines and local sandstone boulders create the feeling of a derelict olive grove in Andalusia. The south-facing slope will be planted with drought-tolerant perennials and shrubs. In spring, irises and narcissus will be followed by dainty species tulips. Hardy Aloes, Agave and Euphorbia will be dotted between feathery European grasses. By midsummer, there will be Kniphofia, Eryngium and Agapanthus.
The cafe and sun terrace have a menu of homemade food promoting local produce. The facilities include a larger plant centre. There’s a wide range of plants, including those grown on-site by the garden team. The gift shop has a range of goodies for the home and garden. York Gate has a traditional wildflower meadow where visitors can enjoy a picnic. Mown paths and winter-flowering fruit trees surround the ancient Adel woods.
‘Working hard’
Peter Newman, Perennial’s chief executive, said: “The York Gate team has been working hard over the winter to build these wonderful new additions to the garden. The sunken garden creates a dramatic entrance to York Gate, making the visitor experience even more memorable. Our gardens are also a great way for people to learn more about the work of Perennial and how we help build better lives for people in horticulture.”
Established in 1839, Perennial helps everyone in the horticultural industry and their families. It receives no government support. Perennial provides free, confidential advice, support and financial assistance to horticultural workers or retirees. Raise money for the charity with its popular Naked Gardeners Calendar.
Essential information on the York Gate garden
- Address: Back Church Lane, Adel, Leeds, LS16 8DW. Tel: 0113 267 8240.
- To find out more about opening times and booking requirements, visit www.yorkgate.org.uk.
If you enjoy visiting gardens, read about the lovely Whickham Hermitage Community Garden on Tyneside. Or why not try that Rowntree Park in York?
