Bluebell Cottage Gardens
Owned and managed by the former BBC Gardener of the Year, Sue Beesley, the colourful Bluebell Cottage Gardens, are set in a quiet rural lane by the Trent-Mersey Canal at Dutton in Cheshire, has a nursery, wildflower meadows and bluebell woods make a perfect half day out for keen gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts alike. In spring the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells, wild garlic, celandine and wild anemones.
The tranquil and secluded 1.5 acre garden, which consists of seven different areas, wraps around Bluebell Cottage, with winding paths enticing the visitor to explore its many different sections. There's a very productive small orchard, undersown with a pretty wildflower meadow. At the top of the garden, modern perennial planting draws the eye across wide borders.
Around the house are a pond with water lilies and smaller cottage borders are packed with paeonies, roses, vividly coloured oriental poppies and a wide range of herbacous perennials. Through a small arch the exotic garden beckons, rich in late summer with bold foliage and bright colours. Beyond lies the cottage vegetable plot, neatly set out in smart box hedges, with resident chickens. Finally, the grasses garden, a quiet still space to hide away for a while and just listen to the bird song around you.
Adjoining the garden is a 3 acre wildflower meadow (best from mid-May- July) with Lady's bedstraw, meadow vetchling, ox eye daisy, ragged robin, cowslip and self- heal. The nursery specialises in flowering perennials., 700 varieties are stocked, from old favourites like Lupins and Hostas to more unusual plants such as Pimpinella and Dictamnus.
Hot and cold drinks, locally make cakes and Cheshire Farm Ice Cream are offered on a self-service basis in the nursery tearoom during the week.
Directions
Bluebell Cottage Gardens are situated at Dutton, between Warrington and Northwich, just off A533, approximately 1.5 miles north of A49/A533. Leave M56, jct 10 and follow A533.