Hardwick's gardens - a carnival of colour

Visitors in the Herb Garden at Hardwick

At every turn you'll likely find your senses stirred by the palette of summer colour throughout Hardwick's historic gardens; pops from flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs, coupled with the scent of freshly cut grass and tended blooms, and the gentle hum of insects.

Every colour imaginable

Working your way along the paths in the West Court you'll pass a spectrum of colour provided by annuals. Starting from the gatehouse with white flowers, to the deep reds and purples by the house. It was here that the famous Gertrude Jekyll's helped influence the planting.

The south borders are in full bloom, filled with pale and golden yellows, vivid purples, indigos, violets and burgundys. 

Come June the south border is in full bloom
The south border at Hardwick Hall
Come June the south border is in full bloom

Roses of the East

Duchess Evelyn (the last Lady of Hardwick) helped to create what you see today in the East Court. In the 1950s she introduced shrub roses into the borders, with their muted, pastel shades and delicious scent.

The roses of the East Courtyard are a legacy of Duchess Evelyn
Hardwick garden roses in the the East Courtyard
The roses of the East Courtyard are a legacy of Duchess Evelyn

Green and pleasant produce

You'll find verdent swathes throughout the well-stocked vegetable and herb gardens, which produce from both is used daily in the Great Barn Restaurant.  Bright green peas, mangetout, yellow dwarf beans, and courgettes amongst other things will work their way into the kitchens.

The herb garden at Hardwick is full of delights
Hardwick Hall viewed from the herb garden
The herb garden at Hardwick is full of delights

The herb garden - one of the finest in the country - grows both culinary and medicinal herbs, which would have been used to help cure or sooth ailments in Bess' time.

Stop and relax

Enjoy relax in a deckchair at Hardwick
Colourful deckchairs in the Hardwick gardens
Enjoy relax in a deckchair at Hardwick

Enjoy these summer delights at your leisure. There are plenty of paths to wander and spots to pause a while.