Biddulph Grange is a great example of the Victorian desire for learning. From 1842 trees, shrubs and plants from all around the world were brought to the site and set amongst an assortment of eccentric rockeries and buildings. Biddulph was the first garden in the world to use natural planting screens for separating out different rooms or gardens and it is appropriate that yew is the major tree in the more formal hedging nearest the main house.

Egyptian Temple

The garden at Biddulph was mainly created by James and Maria Bateman its owners and their friend the marine painter Edward Cooke. James Bateman was fascinated by Orchids and he established an important collection at his first home Knypersley Hall. in 1838 he married Maria who came from a gardening family and was particularly interested in lilies, fuchsias and camellias. In 1840 the Bateman's moved to Biddulph taking their collections with them. In 1849 Edward Cooke paid the first of his many visits to the garden. Son-in-law to a nurseryman, he was passionate about designing gardens and so the saga of Biddulph began.

The gardens were laid out on a b shaped plot of land and the formal parterres near the house were laid out first. The mosaic parterre was laid out using coloured gravels, clipped box and hybrid china roses.

The dahlia walk has giant yew hedges with buttressing and is an impressive site although the plants are relatively new having been planted as part of the National Trust's authentic restoration in 1990. Perhaps the most romantic part of the garden is one called Egypt where yew hedges form the walls of an Egyptian temple. This is a must see on any topiarists tour.

The Dahlia Walk

All photographs by Anthony Blagg.

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