The Gardens - Introduction
Waterperry Gardens are a magical place where you are surrounded by beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers, classical borders, modern planting, secret corners and long vistas.
Home to the renowned horticultural college between 1932 and 1971, the emphasis was on food production rather than spectacular ornamental gardens.
Over the past twenty years though the gardens have developed and grown, and many new projects have been undertaken and completed.
You'll now find a Formal Garden, the Mary Rose Garden, a Waterlily Canal and the Long Colour Border, and we recently planted a small arboretum in the meadow area beyond the canal.
Gravel Garden
Just beyond the garden entrance before passing through the old wall is a small area where warm, dry conditions allow us to grow less hardy plants.
Virgin's Walk
This east-facing border with its shade-creating, overhanging trees, makes an ideal place to grow shade tolerant plants
Sebbs and Rock Gardens
This secluded area is a delightfully peaceful place to rest a while, whatever the season.
The Mary Rose Garden
Divided into two distinct areas, one full of deliciously scented old-fashioned and species roses, the second planted with more modern types, the Mary Rose Garden is a beautiful example of skillfully blended colours.
The River Walk
Set with spring flowers, snowdrops, aconites, narcissus and primroses, the river walk is a regular haunt of both moorhen and kingfisher, and a restful place to linger.
The Christie Miller Garden
This small area contains alpine troughs and beds and a secluded seating place beneath pleached hornbeam
The Long Walk
Forming part of the main axis to the gardens, these 100m long mixed borders are a riot of colour throughout the year
Herbaceous Nursery
Beds of herbaceous plants where each cultivar can be compared with the next - a colourful living catalogue.
The Formal Garden
This enclosed area with its formal planting is an ideal place to reflect on Waterperry's long history.
Cordon Avenue and Pear Walk
Apple and pears trained by different methods border the grass walks.
Island Beds
These colourful borders show an interesting way of growing herbaceous perennials.
The Waterlily Canal and Mirandas Border
From this tranquil stretch of water there are beautiful views over the countryside.
Arboretum
Recently planted these carefully selected trees have been chosen to give year round interest.
Alpine Garden
Here low stone walled raised beds hold a collection of delicate mountain flowers.
The Herbaceous Border
From May to October flowers of every shape and hue create a stunning picture in our famous border , set amongst peaceful lawns and shrub borders.
Orange Tree House
Our precious Seville Orange Tree saved!