GARDEN enthusiasts from around the country visited Arley as part of a trip to see Cheshire’s finest gardens.
More than 90 from as far as Devon and Northumberland enjoyed a tour of the gardens, which boast herbaceous borders, an Ilex Avenue and a walled garden.
It is hoped the members of the Association of Gardens Trusts will now spread the word about the horticultural attractions that Arley and other gardens in the county have to offer. “Everyone was really impressed with Arley and went away with a wonderful impression of the gardens and their history,” said Ruth Brown, of the Cheshire Gardens Trust.
Lord Ashbrook, who is patron of the trust, gave the visitors a guided tour of Arley’s varied and beautiful gardens.
Together with renowned Cheshire gardener Sam Youd he provided one of the highlights of their weekend visit with an In Conversation event held at the Queen Hotel, in Chester.
The visit coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Cheshire Gardens Trust whose chairman is Barry Grain, head gardener at Cholmondeley.
The delegates also visited Grosvenor Park, Port Sunlight, Thornton Manor, Burton Manor and Cholmondeley Castle.
A panel of international judges awarded Arley Hall and Gardens the Special Award of the Foundation Schloss Dyck at the 2011 European Garden Heritage Network awards. 
The gardens were commended for their ‘unusual blend of long history and traditional design with inspired modern ideas and additions’. 

Pictured are former Tatton head gardener Sam Youd, left, and Lord Ashbrook.