Walkden Gardens (also known as The Secret Garden, The Maze)6979

Sale, Greater Manchester, England

Brief Description

The gardens feature an ornamental grassed walkway, with individual garden 'rooms' attached. Features include a fuschia garden, a Japanese garden and a dovecote re-sited from Sale Old Hall. The site is modelled on Hidcote gardens in Gloucestershire.

History

Harry Walkden gifted the land, which had previously been in use as a plant nursery, to Sale Borough Council in 1949. The gardens were laid out by Louis Bell, Parks Superintendent, over a number of years.

Visitor Facilities

This is a municipal site, open daily for general public use.
Features
  • Lawn
  • Description: The theatre lawn, which consists of an auditorium and raised mound surrounded by a hedge.
  • Planting
  • Description: The Fuschia Garden.
  • Exedra
  • Description: This is now known as the Beech Circle.
  • Planting
  • Description: The Conifer Garden.
  • Dovecote
  • Description: The dovecote has been moved to this site from the grounds of Sale Old Hall. The reconstructed building opened in 2004.
  • Earliest Date:
  • Latest Date:
  • Arch
  • Description: Wisteria arch.
  • Tree Feature
  • Description: A small arboretum has replaced the rose garden.
  • Walk
  • Description: Cherry walk.
  • Planting
  • Description: Japanese Garden, divided into three distinctive areas.
  • Wall
  • Description: There is a section of drystone walling created by Andrew Loudon. This incorporates two benches.
  • Walk
  • Description: There are gravel walks edged by old stones.
Access & Directions

Access Contact Details

This is a municipal site, open daily for general public use.
Authorities

Electoral Ward

  • Sale Moor
Contact