Manchester oasis

Walkden Gardens is a beautiful little place tucked away near Sale, a suburban area of south Manchester.

I visited for the first time on a hot day and was struck by the peace, quiet and cool little corners.

It’s a relatively small plot, criss-crossed with hedges and pathways which make it feel like a maze. I ran into someone who was lost and asked where the entrance was!

The gardens are understated but peppered with delightful blooms, while the dovecote and pergola walk are special features. Enjoy this little tour…


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Chelsea’s oasis

Just a stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the King’s Road is a true botanical oasis which I’ve only just got around to visiting after 13 years in London.

The Chelsea Physic Garden has been in existence since 1673, and is bulging with beautiful plants, many of them medicinal or edible. In this golden summer we’ve been enjoying for a couple of weeks now, the garden is bristling with blossoms and looks wonderful.

Visitors come to study the plants, relax on the lawns, take photographs – and even enjoy a spot of watercolour painting. Our visit will always be memorable for other reasons – we returned home to watch homegrown tennis ace Andy Murray seal a historic Wimbledon title. All in all, the best of summer.

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If you like this, you will like The walled garden