Spring has finally and truly sprung in the 18th century garden at Quarry Bank Mill.

Alan Knapper, the Mill’s Head Gardener says: “The garden is looking absolutely fantastic at the moment. It’s a riot of colour with the sizzling hues of the tulips in the Ladies’ Garden and the flamboyant azaleas and rhododendrons along the riverbank. Meanwhile up on the cliff top we’ve got swathes of cool bluebells and our Handkerchief tree which is just about to come into flower. Interestingly, the garden colour would certainly have pleased the Victorians who were very keen on bright colour schemes for their planting – we tend to think of them as rather reserved in their outlook, but when it comes to gardens they just let rip!”

Apart from enjoying working in such a cacophony of colour, Alan and his volunteer gardeners are busy planting another Victorian favourite – ferns. “We have a natural spring at one end of the garden” says Alan, “so we’re planting ferns and other plants with large foliage as they favour warm, moist conditions. We’re also starting to plant a collection of ferns on the cliff top where it is slightly cooler and damper. We can’t yet rival the national fern collection which is held at another National Trust property in the region – Sizergh Castle in Cumbria – but everyone has to start somewhere!

I would really encourage people to come and visit the garden over the next few weeks – it‘s looking at its best and is a wonderful place to relax and spend some quality time – and don’t forget to bring your camera! If you really want to treat yourself, make sure you visit our newly refurbished pantry in the Mill courtyard, buy a delicious Snugbury’s ice cream and then just sit while away a few hours amongst the flowers – what better way to spend an afternoon!”

Quarry Bank Mill, garden and Styal estate are open daily, 11am – 5pm. For further information go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarrybankmill or call the Infoline on 01625 445896.