About the Gardens
Italian Garden
The Italian Garden planting is designed within the historic framework of Sir Charles Barry’s original Italianate Garden of the 19th Century.
The gardens have never stood still at Trentham, and in our approach to restoration it’s important to allow the garden to continue to move forward, not back. We commissioned renowned Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medallist Tom Stuart-Smith, to revive The Italian Garden with one of the largest contemporary perennial plantings in Europe.
Upper Flower Garden
The Upper Flower Garden has been restored based on the original layout of Sir Charles Barry’s design. The horticultural schemes it once contained were amongst the most innovative and horticulturally trend setting in the country, and we hope to continue this reputation.
Rivers of Grass
The Rivers of Grass evoke a sense of intimacy for the visitor amongst the unrestricted flow of plant form and texture, developing within the garden throughout the year.
A naturalistic weave of grasses and punctuating herbaceous perennials, have been specifically selected to grow en masse. They are adapted to thrive in naturally challenging growing conditions. A first class example of man working with nature and not against it.
Floral Labyrinth
A labyrinth of paths meanders through 30 beds of tall perennial planting, offering up bold colours and wonderful aromas.
Piet Oudolf’s contemporary scheme is set against a backdrop of historic parkland, containing old Yew trees, a Tulip tree and an Acer Capidoccium-Cappadocia maple - which has the largest girth in the British Isles. The depth of colour and shadow of the majestic Cedar of Lebanon, contrasts beautifully with the bold drifts of herbaceous perennials.
Show Gardens at Trentham
Don't miss Trentham's ever-growing and evolving display of show gardens which provides hundreds of ideas for garden inspiration on a domestic scale. Here you'll find The Sensory Garden, Secret Garden, Potager Garden and our hens, Heather and Hazel.
Trentham Hall Remains
In the northern-most part of the Eastern Pleasure Ground stands the remains of Trentham Hall including the sculpture gallery and clock tower. Demolished almost a Century ago, this former seat of the Dukes of Sutherland, was once one of England’s grandest country houses.
The remains of the sculpture gallery are now covered in wisteria and continue to age beautifully and draw the attention of visiting photographers.