The Flowers of Arley

Did you know...

• A brick path is laid in basket weave pattern, to reflect the style used in old barns at Arley. The modern bricks have been selected because they closely replicate the 17th Century Cheshire bricks that would have been used at Arley
• A gate at the back of the garden has been borrowed from Arley for use in this Back to Back Garden. Originally commissioned by the Flower family who live at Arley, this allows you to see through into the neighbouring garden, creating an interesting link
• Designer James Youd has selected intense blues, purples and burgundy for the planting in this space, with a view to creating an area that is rich, deep and intense in colour. His favourite plant in the mix is Salvia 'Amistad', for its deep purple flowers that he feels bring the blues and burgundy tones together

About the garden

The Flowers of Arley garden celebrates both the beauty of the Cheshire estate’s historic double herbaceous border and the family who have nurtured it for more than 250 years. The Flower family have lived at Arley for more than 500 years, but the earliest record of a garden on the estate is a map dated 1744.

This garden demonstrates how it is possible to capture the beauty and spirit of Arley’s herbaceous border on a much smaller scale. Vibrant planting showcases the best of mid-to-late-summer flowers and the six columns represent the buttresses from Arley’s borders. A brick path leads the eye through the garden to the ornate gateway and beyond, while a small seating area offers the gardener a chance to enjoy the fruits of their labour surrounded by regal colours and fantastic flowers.