Staunton Country Park is an RHS Partner Garden set within 300 acres of historic Regency parkland. It is home to sweeping vistas, a tranquil lake, and plant treasures from around the world.
This special free session shines a spotlight on our National Collection of Lardizabalaceae – a fascinating and lesser-known family of woody climbers originating from Asia and South America. With seven genera and around forty species, the collection can be explored at its best in our formal gardens, where many plants will be in flower at this time.
Of particular interest is the genus Stauntonia, named after George Leonard Staunton, father of our namesake Sir George Staunton, offering a direct botanical link to the park’s history.
What to expect
Led by our Lead Volunteer for Horticulture and former Park Manager, the session begins with a guided walk through the gardens. You’ll learn how the National Collection is curated, the stories behind the plants, and what makes this group so special.
After the walk, we’ll move on to a hands-on practical session, exploring how we use mulch, compost, and leaf mould made onsite. These materials are fundamental to our approach – supporting healthy plants, improving soil structure, and encouraging biodiversity throughout the park.
You’ll also have the chance to pot on and take home an Akebia seedling, propagated from our National Collection, as a living reminder of your visit.
Before we finish, you’ll be invited to join us for a rustic tea break, very familiar to our volunteers. Using ingredients foraged from the gardens, we’ll share tea and simple homemade treats while you meet members of our gardening team and have the chance to learn more about the volunteer groups that help care for the park.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener, a plant enthusiast keen to learn something new, or simply curious about how historic gardens are cared for sustainably, this is a welcoming and enjoyable way to mark National Gardening Week.
Practical details
Cost: Free session but booking is required
Meeting Point: The courtyard of the Coach House Visitor Centre
Parking: Normal onsite parking charges apply
Further info: Please wear suitable clothing and footwear as terrain may be rough underfoot. Please bring gardening gloves if you have them. Dogs are welcome to attend but must be kept on a lead
For more information about our activities please contact us on 0370 779 7522 or email [email protected]