The gardens at Beningbrough

The second exciting and most significant development to date for Beningbrough’s garden transformation was completed in spring 2018; planted to Chelsea standards and creating an instant garden. Wisteria 'Alba' grows over oak beams and is underplanted with bulbs, flowering shrubs and topiary. The south facing wall makes it the perfect spot to sit for a moment and soak in the sunshine.

A stroll around Beningbrough's walled garden will take you through the historic pear arch, by the vines in the greenhouse and all the other growing produce. Over 90 varieties of fruit are grown here on 170 trees and shrubs. A wide range of vegetables are cultivated using traditional methods in two acres of enclosed kitchen garden. Harvested produce is used in the restaurant adding to the flavours on the menu.

Where possible, the gardens work to help wildlife thrive. 300,000 bulbs emerge in spring along the ha-ha overlooking the south parkland. As the carpets fade the area is left to naturalise with vetches, clovers and buttercups. Beyond the ha-ha, the American garden is a haven for wildlife, at its best with spring magnolia blooms and autumn colour. Until the Mediterranean plan continues, this area is sown with wildflowers and the summer impact is proving as popular with visitors as it is with insects.

Sitting next to the Victorian conservatory, is the hot west formal and the perfect place to bed out the boldest and brightest colours twice a year, as was the fashion of the time. In contrast the east formal is a cool, scented space to watch the fish or sit for a while in the summer house surrounded by scent. The south lawn offers views to the parkland beyond and is framed on all sides by mature trees.

The south border is known anecdotally as the St. Leger border, after Lady Chesterfield’s love of horse racing and having the area at its best for the meet. Expect late colours until the first frosts from dahlias and asters to follow summer bulbs including swathes of alliums. The relatively new orchard planted in the walled garden slip has several Yorkshire varieties and a small nuttery.

The heady scent of mock orange fills the air along the pathway through this part of the garden – a corridor for bees and butterflies with view to the parkland beyond. At its best in early summer, bulbs and climbers prolonging the interest. Pastel colours prevail in swathes of perennials including geraniums, peonies and wisteria growing up obelisk frames.