Trentham Gardens and Adventure Play - Regeneration

2004:

• Restoration of 7 fountains, balustrade, sculpture and recreation of Sir Charles Barry’s Upper Parterre.

• Removal of the old caravan site from the parkland and clearance of inappropriate planting to improve the historic landscape.

• Pruning back of yew trees to regenerate these to their intended manicured shape.

• Major programme of tree inspections and safety work undertaken.

• A modern bridge provides a new route into the gardens.

• The historic trellis walk is restored and planted with Wisteria to form one of the countries largest covered walk ways.

2005:

• The 10 acre Italian Garden is replanted with vast contemporary perennial planting by leading British designer Tom Stuart-Smith. In total over 80,000 choice perennials were used together with over 100,000 seasonal bulbs.

• Tom Stuart-Smith creates the Laurent-Perrier “Trentham Garden” at the Chelsea Flower Show – winning gold.

• Garden Apprenticeship established.

• HRH Prince Andrew reopens the restored Italian Gardens.

• Creation of outdoor Amphitheatre by the lake.

2006:

• Twelve Show Gardens, inc three local schools gardens, a Pottager, and a Sensory Garden are introduced.

• Launch of the Great Gardens Scheme (www.greatgardensuk.co.uk)

• The Woodland Stream and stumpery are created and opened by Kim Wilde.

• 60,000 Daffodils are planted to create a “Field of Hope” for the Marie Curie foundation.

• Britain’s first “Barfuss Park” (bare foot walk) is opened.

2007:

• Dutch Garden design guru Piet Oudolf introduces a new 8 acre Floral Prairie and Natural Meadow. In total some 60,000 choice perennials and shrubs were planted.

• The grass amphitheatre is extended to hold a capacity for 5,000 visitors, and is scheduled to hold concerts by Katherine Jenkins and Status Quo.

• The children’s play area is extended to include a JCB Young Drivers course.

• Two Bird hides are added to the woodland garden, together with a woodland tree trail and a children’s dinosaur tree trail.

• ITV Central introduced their own ECO Garden

2008:

• A new maze planted by Easter 2008.

• A new Tea room to replace the previous building.

• A new landscape plan will support the broader range of elements through the western pleasure garden.

• An engaging and interactive water sculpture will be commissioned for the new floral prairie and natural meadow.

• A programme of family entertainment and gardening workshops will be introduced.

• A major programme of woodland conservation work will restore the historic landscape and conserve Trentham’s rich and delicate ecology.

• Restoration of Private Wing Fountain.

• It is planned to introduce at least 70,000 bulbs to the floral prairie as part of our aspiration to introduce over 1 million bulbs to the garden.

The Future:

• A range of other ideas are being considered including extending the season of interest by introducing plants and bulbs to extend interest in the Autumn, Winter and the Spring.

• A woodland Tower is proposed.

• An indoor educational room will be created which will facilitate talks, presentations, exhibitions and provide an undercover space for schools and families to picnic.”