We had a lovely sunny day for our visit to Yewbarrow House and Gardens on 19th May.
Set in the seaside area of Grange-over-sands in Cumbria, these stunning coastal gardens have expansive views across the estuary. They enjoy a micro climate more similar to that of Torquay in Cornwall than to its northern neighbours. Indeed, it is said to benefit from more hours of winter sunshine than Cornwall.
Started in 1999 by Jonathan Denby, who is said to have been inspired by renowned garden writers such as Shirley Hibberd, the gardens are set out in nine separate parts each designed to take into account the lie of the land, making the most of the free draining soil and emphasising the magnificent views.
We toured the first of these gardens to be developed, the Sunken garden, which has grown up around a
palm tree planted in the centre of the lawn. The Italian garden is filled with large exotic 
plants which we might not expect to find or be thriving on the coast of Cumbria. The Japanese garden displayed a circular pool as a centre-piece which has an infinity edge overlooking Morecambe Bay. We also took in the Palm House and the Maple Walk as we enjoyed the sunshine and gentle breeze from the estuary.
We enjoyed a cream tea on the Tea Lawn whilst we learned that work on the gardens have been ongoing for the last 20 years and is now preparing for the official opening for the NGS scheme.
On our return journey we called at Beetham Nurseries and Garden Centre. All enjoyed the day albeit a bit sun burnt!
For details of the Thornton Cleveleys Horticultural Society trips and garden talks, please see https://thorntoncleveleyshorticulturalsociety41.com/
Thornton Cleveleys Horticultural Society 