The last time we visited the gardens at Trentham on the outskirts of the city of Stoke-on-Trent was just after the Covid 19 lockdown period and we were so disappointed. The lack of volunteers to help the employed gardeners seemed to be at the root of it but during that time the whole complex came up for sale.
We recently thought we would return in the hope of seeing enough of an improvement to make the journey worthwhile.
Things had improved but invasive weed problems still persisted with mare’s tail, annual weed grasses and rosebay still spoiling borders.
The best part now is the lakeside walk where meadow planting by Nigel Dunnett is once again providing colour and attracting pollinators.
The area designed by Piet Oudolf is showing signs of its previous glory but you need to look past the weeds which is so disheartening! Here are a few photos.
Similarly the original Italian Garden redesigned and planted by Tom Stuart-Smith is spoilt by so many weeds, but again it is possible to find some joy there.
So we did see some hopeful signs of revival on this visit to Trentham Gardens but sadly still plenty of disappointment. We will return in the future and hope for better things to come.
greenbenchramblings 
2 replies on “Checking out Trentham Gardens”
It is a tribute to head gardener, Bernie, that our local Loseley Gardens still looks good if reduced. My friend Russell is one of the few volunteer gardeners who has returned since lockdown. I don’t quite know why this is?
Where have all the volunteers disappeared to?!