Gardens

Gateway to Lyth Hill House, with Welsh (Berwyn) hills in the distance
(Rooms 1 & 2 have similar aspect) Two tier formal fountain at sunset

Our gardens, extending to three quarters of an acre, offer a wealth of interest for everyone: a huge variety of shrubs; wildlife galore and interesting garden features - lots to give you ideas to adapt for your own gardens. The gardens are designed for you to use and enjoy with a variety of seating available throughout. On approaching Lyth Hill House, you are met by a large expanse of lawn and herbaceous borders to the front of the house with a centrepiece fountain and pond at the centre of the roundabout on the driveway. At night this fountain is gently lit and offers a warm welcome to anyone arriving after dark. Rustic benches make this a popular place to relax and enjoy our very special panoramic views and beautiful sunsets. To the side of the house there is a further area laid to lawn with a rose garden, all prize specimens from David Austen Roses, www.davidaustinroses.com one of many famous horticulturalists from Shropshire.

Very early Spring exploration of our rear gardensThe gardens to the rear are our “piece de resistance” with a stream (and stepping stones), waterfall and large wild-life pond as the focal point. The furthermost point is home to a lovely arbour set above the main part of the gardens and offering a shady corner to sit and appreciate superb views over the pond and beyond. The huge rock feature and stream, was built using local Grinshill rock (as was nearby Wroxeter.) The feature takes advantage of the natural slope leading down from the arbour. To one side of the stream, an azalea bed offers a range of deciduous and evergreen varieties.. Hostas and astilbe edge one pathway down to the stream whilst a variety of alpine plants are dotted throughout the rocky bank.

To one side of the pond there is a gravelled area with phormiums as the centre piece and over the bridge another gravelled bed housing a wide range of monocots, providing interest all the year round. This is easily visible from the sun-lounge, swimming pool and from Room Three even in mid-winter. A host of shrubs, mostly bought from the Dingle Nurseries use any remaining space in the rear garden area, where possible avoiding repeat of any particular variety of a species, many of which are now labelled for easy identification.

Azelea mollis in MayA regular visitor to our bird stationsRhododendron in June

Our guest sun-lounge gives easy access to the extensive patio, as does Room Three. On hot summer days, the swimming pool doors also open onto the patio. Birds and wild-life love the tranquillity here so please come ready to see something new. Buzzards, pheasants, wood-peckers, and finches are among our regular visitors and our fish share the pond with a variety of water creatures. We encourage you to explore and enjoy our gardens. Rustic benches are scattered throughout and more comfortable seating is always available on our patio. We encourage you to use our lawned areas - a good set of Boules and other games are available for you to borrow.

Our back patio with seating and hanging
basketsPaul Gwilliam at work in our gardenView across lawns from formal fountain

We can't pretend that we have created our garden retreat on our own: Paul Gwilliam, college trained horticulturalist, created much of what we now enjoy and is largely responsible for its up-keep. He is always happy to discuss your gardening questions should your visit coincide with one of his regular visits.