The formal gardens have been in existence since Lady Daresbury first created them for her award-winning blooms.
And not much has changed, thanks to the hard work of our grounds staff. Whenever you visit, they’re still an utter delight, changing dramatically with every season.
Formal gardens
Lady Daresbury helped shape the formal gardens at Walton Hall Estate between 1900 and 1930, with chrysanthemums being a particular favourite. However, her real pride and joy were her extraordinary collection of rhododendrons. They were so spectacular that many considered them to be one of the finest in the north of England.
Lady Daresbury’s expertise didn’t stop with her rhododendrons. The Warrington Guardian described the rose garden as ‘a magnificent spectacle’. With red, scarlet and pink roses on one side and contrasting yellow and bronze roses on the opposite.
Formal gardens legacy
Many of the estate’s plants, including the bright pink azaleas, can be traced back to Lady Daresbury’s tenure. Even the hall has traces of her obsession with flowers. If you take a close look at the fireplace within Walton Hall, you’ll notice a decorative tile that has an image of a chrysanthemum on it. This is no coincidence.
Gallery
Lady Daresbury’s flowers
Here are illustrations of some of the variety of flowers that would have adorned Lady Daresbury’s famous ‘Kew Gardens’ of the north. So, whether you’ve packed a summer picnic, or you’re just coming for a pleasant stroll, be sure to find a bench and take in the views of the current crop of beautiful flowers.
