Biddulph Grange Garden

If you are looking for a unique and fascinating garden to visit, you might want to consider Biddulph Grange Garden in Staffordshire, England. This garden is not a typical English landscape, but a collection of different garden rooms that take you on a global expedition. You can explore the exotic plants and features of China, Egypt, Italy and more, all within a few acres of land. The garden was created by James Bateman, a wealthy Victorian plant collector and horticulturist, who wanted to showcase his rare and unusual specimens from around the world. He also incorporated his interests in geology, archaeology and architecture into the design of the garden, creating a whimsical and playful paradise for visitors to enjoy.

Some of the highlights of Biddulph Grange Garden include:

- The China Garden, with its colourful pagoda, bridge, joss house, Great Wall and tower, inspired by Bateman's travels to the Far East.

- The Egypt Garden, with its stone temple doorway, sphinxes, obelisks and pyramid, all made from clipped yew.

- The Italian Garden, with its formal terraces, colourful bedding plants and banks of holly, rhododendrons and azaleas.

- The Dahlia Walk, with its spectacular display of dahlias in various shapes and colours, blooming from late summer to autumn.

Biddulph Grange Garden is a National Trust property that is open to the public throughout the year. You can also visit the Geological Gallery, a museum of fossils and minerals that Bateman built to display his collection. The garden is built on the side of a valley and has many gradients, steps and tunnels, so it may not be suitable for visitors with limited mobility. However, there are plenty of benches and resting places along the way to enjoy the views and the atmosphere. Biddulph Grange Garden is a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of nature, as well as the creativity and curiosity of a Victorian gentleman.