Synopsis
The restoration of the Italian Garden, designed by Sir Charles Barry in the nineteenth century, began in 2004.
The existing layout was replanted to a design by Chelsea gold medal winner Tom Stuart Smith and is now one of the largest contemporary perennial plantings in Europe with 80,000 perennials in over 400 different varieties, in 70 flower beds.
During autumn the grasses and perennials turn dry and papery as they die, leaving skeletal forms that will hold frost during the coming winter, framed by strong evergreen forms of yew and box. Alongside the Italian Garden the Eastern Pleasure Ground contains a Floral Labyrinth and a River of Grasses both designed by internationally renowned plantsman Piet Oudolf. Autumn sees the intensely floriferous labyrinth fade to the earthy colours of fawn, russet, ochre and umber.
The scale of Trentham is thrilling, the detail in plant choice and combination something any gardener can learn from, whatever size their own plot.
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