The Dorothy Clive Gardens, Staffordshire
Colonel Harry Clive and his wife Dorothy lived in large house with extensive grounds, much of which were unkept. A hillside was once a gravel quarry, overgrown and surrounded by trees and covered in brambles. Dorothy became unwell and was unable to travel far from home,…. but took pleasure from exploring the grounds.
Thus began a labour of love by the Colonel to create a garden of colour and variety for all seasons and to be named “The Dorothy Clive Gardens”… a safe place for Dorothy to explore.
Much of the Wooded Hillside is home to a collection of Rhododendron and Azealia and now, in late spring is a mass of colours. Pathways and take you up through the woods, past glens and waterfalls… you could be miles from civilisation it is so peaceful….
Spring is when the edges of the woods spring into life. Bluebells are fading but are being replaced by wildflowers. Together with the many mature trees and the occasional sculpture they add to the woodland walk.
There is lots more to explore. Wide grass walkways edged with herbaceous plants. At the moment Allium rein supreme with Iris waiting in the wings, before the colour of summer explodes… even a Laburnum Walkway… plus a newly created RHS Glass House where exotics are being reared
After all that exploring, maybe a Cream Tea is in order and maybe even buy a plant from the garden for your garden…
I hope you have enjoyed another afternoon walk in a Spring garden with us…. but time for home with lots of ideas and memories…
In the garden or out and about…. busy at work or away on a break….. as always….
Please Remember ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other
30th May
(C) David Oakes 2023
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 
I jumped into this garden from my screen…. So beautiful. Thank you dear David, Love, nia
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It is a lovely immersive garden …. glad you liked the visit
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What, a stunning garden! I loved my Virtual stroll, David
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Glad you could join us…. it is a garden to explore with lots of twists and turns making the most of its ‘natural’ surrounds. Views from the garden are also an added benefit. 🙂
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Sounds a great place to explore!
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what a lovely garden made even more beautiful by the act that brought it to life
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Indeed the story behind the garden is interesting. Not sure that gardens like this are created on such a scale as ‘initially’ private gardens. Colonel Clive also looked to the future and set up a Charitable Trust to care for the gardens.
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brilliant
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Oh my goodness, what a beautiful place! Thank you for taking us into this special garden with you. And what a thoughtful man Colonel Clive must have been, especially since he provided for the garden’s future as well.
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Very unlikely to happen again…..
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Beauty all over, what a dream place to visit! Thank you so much for taking us, David!
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Glad you joined us…. it was a blistering hot day, the first of a mini heatwave, bright searching sunshine, which is not the best light for photographing flowers and gardens.
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I love these gardens but haven’t had chance to visit for a while. You have caught them at the perfect time.
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The herbaceous borders have yet to make its colourful move. I have not visited in the autumn, so maybe i should make a note in the diary…. could be interesting
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