Early spring visit to York Gate Garden.
Seven of us went to see this beautiful garden on the northern fringe of Leeds.
This tranquil and seemingly long-established garden has been created from farmland surrounding York Gate House in a relatively short time by three generations of the Spencer family, who bought the property in 1951.
The Spencers took their inspiration from the Arts & Crafts movement and laid out a series of garden ‘rooms’ connected by paved paths, cleverly connected by a natural stream and a series of vistas and focal points. Over 50 years and in only one acre, they created what many believe to be one of the best small gardens in the world.
We all enjoyed seeing the early snowdrops, most of which have been propagated from the original plants bought by Sybil Spencer, wife of the creator. She is credited with donating York Gate to the Perennial garden charity in 1994, fulfilling her wish to ensure the beauty her family had created would be maintained in perpetuity for all to admire.
After visiting the gift shop and plant sales, we all enjoyed an excellent lunch in the York Gate café.
Many thanks to Ruth R for these words and pictures.
