The Rock and Water Garden

The Rock and Water Garden is a striking example of Arts and Crafts landscape design, using stone and water to form a dramatic, naturalistic landform with views across, over and beneath its bridges.

A Landmark Rock Garden

Large quantities of red sandstone and grey limestone were used to shape two contrasting sections, linked by ponds and waterfalls. Mature specimens of dwarf conifers are planted throughout with a wide range of perennials, including Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’, Lamprocapnos spectabilis, Stipa tenuissima and Libertia grandiflora. Shrubs such as Hypericum from the Magical Series add autumn berries, while self-seeded Echium pininana attracts pollinators through the warmer months.

Careful long-term planting has created year-round interest, from autumn colour in Prunus ‘Pandora’ to spring displays from species tulips, including Tulipa batalinii and Tulipa clusiana. The garden is widely regarded as one of the largest privately owned rock gardens in the country.