Wildflower Club at Wyken
Wyken Hall Gardens was one of the first gardens I contacted to ask if our club could visit; they graciously agreed and our June date was arranged. With the gardens not opening to the public until 1pm, the club met outside The Leaping Hare onsite restaurant at 10am and then the second meeting of The Wildflower Club began with the group enjoying some truly scrumptious cake before heading off to an exclusive viewing of the gardens before they officially opened. The 12 of us had it all to ourselves and soon we were wandering in small groups and pairs, discovering the maze and trying to find the centre first (we didn’t cheat!!).
This garden deserves a slow pace to absorb it all, but initially there was a flurry of activity as club members tried to fill their garden bingo card first! Once the four winners had been called and mini jars of honey awarded, then the garden exploration could commence.
Wyken Hall dominates the centre of the plot and our first stop was an orchard that’s home to chickens and an enormous turkey, the kitchen garden at the end of this area is fenced off from being overly pecked with three entrance gates at different points on it’s edge. A quiet space sits in the corner with a beautiful pet cemetery. Wrapping around the house are formal gardens with different herbaceous borders and formal hedging. My favourite area being the rose garden with it’s heavenly scent and blowsy blooms. As you move away from the house the spaces become less formal but still loved, with wild areas tamed with intersecting mown paths, ponds and avenues of trees, all with appropriate seating to stop and enjoy the vistas.
I think Mark and I sat on nearly every bench or seat in the garden, taking a moment to absorb the peace and beauty, whilst also plotting jobs for when we get home… new garden gates being top of our wish list.
The weather was glorious, warm but a slight breeze to blow around the garden fragrance and cool us a little as we explored. I would happily return again and again, the space is tranquil, beautiful and inspirational. The company was truly lovely and friendly. A very special way to spend a Sunday morning and I am so happy that the club is being embraced and enjoyed.
