Garden Club members & guests left a rather damp Asby on Wednesday 22nd August to visit Eggleston Hall Gardens & Nursery near Barnard Castle. Fortunately the weather there was much better, even dry, so strolling around the gardens was very pleasant, waterproofs not needed!
The gardens are described as the “Secret Garden of the North”, a good description as they felt very quiet & private. Lots of different areas to explore, with beautiful unusual plants, there is even a ruined chapel with two huge trees growing from the centre. From the gnarled beech tree to the Wedding cake tree, the greenhouses & fountain, the marvellously coloured hydrangeas, of various types, the glorious colours of the phlox, lilies & crocosmia, and many, many more I don’t know the names of – everything was beautiful & so well tended.
The nursery sales area is vast with a magnificent selection of plants for sale – it gave us lots of ideas for our gardens.
We did of course conclude our visit at the cafe for a late lunch, we even sat outside for that. Delicious food, with a very wide & varied menu too. An excellent day out which is highly recommended if you’re looking for an afternoon away from the labours your own garden or some inspiration.