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- ⁄ Gardener's Delights
Morning
The Bluebell Arboretum & Nursery at Smisby has a wonderful 9-acre woodland garden. Planting started in 1992 with British native trees and into the wood that this created, were planted hundreds of the choice, rare and unusual plants in which the nursery specialises. Whatever the season, it is easy to see why this gardeners' gem is listed as one of the Royal Horticultural Society's recommended gardens. And a great mail order service means that you don't need to limit your purchases to your style of transport!
A quick stop at Staunton Harold Nurseries will also let you explore the Ferrers Centre for Arts & Crafts and see the hand-crafted stoneware of Green Man Ceramics - a perfect addition to any garden.
Moving on towards Melbourne, you will pass the woodlands of Dimminsdale, which boasts fabulous displays of snowdrops in February and Spring Wood which is carpeted with bluebells in late spring.
Lunch
Melbourne has lots of tea rooms, pubs and restaurants so there is plenty of choice for lunch in this historic town.
Afternoon
The beautiful gardens of Melbourne Hall date from 1704. The walks, vistas and statuary, much favoured in the early 18th century, have been restored in the influential French formal style of the time and are now the best surviving example of gardens in the manner of the famous designer Le Notre to be seen in England today.
Just outside the gates to the hall you will discover Melbourne Pool, originally a mill pond but now a haven for wildlife and water fowl. Take a stroll or just sit and soak up the tranquility.
A 20 minute drive away you will discover the grounds and gardens of Elvaston Castle Country Park. Landscaped during the 19th century by William Barron, his passion for evergreens led him to create a winter garden to give colour and texture throughout the year. His skill for grafting and transplanting trees and shrubs are still evident and the grounds are a testimony to his vision.
Evening
Nearby Shardlow, Aston on Trent and Weston on Trent all have great pubs serving local ales and home cooked food to round off the day.
