Garden 1: Relaxed and Informal

Claremont Avenue SK6 6JE

Map Link 

G1: A suburban garden with a tranquil atmosphere despite being close to Stockport Road

Our south-facing suburban garden has evolved from a fairly blank canvas during the 46 years that we have lived and gardened here. It has a sunny aspect but has plenty of shade provided by a mature apple tree, ornamental trees and mature trees ‘borrowed’ from neighbouring gardens.

The planting is relaxed and informal and includes perennials, both sun and shade lovers, roses, clematis and flowering shrubs, as well as collections of potted hostas and agapanthus. Additional colour is provided by hanging baskets and potted tubs.

The garden has a tranquil atmosphere even though we are close to Stockport Road. Come and enjoy tea and cake on our lawn or patio.

Garden 2: Mixed Borders

Stuart Avenue SK6 6JE

Map Link  

G2: Corner plot packed with small trees, shrubs, bulbs, plants and pots to give year-round interest.

Situated in the corner plot of a cul-de-sac, my garden is south-west facing with an open aspect and yet with a secluded feel.

It is densely planted for year-round colour and interest with mixed perennials, bulbs, shrubs and trees. Some of them are in pots because there is no room for them in the ground!

One corner of the garden has raised beds and is set aside for growing fruits and vegetables. It is on one level, and so is suitable for wheelchairs.

Please park on Marple Hall Drive and walk to Stuart Avenue as there is limited access for vehicles and turning in the cul-de-sac.

Garden 3: Paradise for Birds

Nab Lane, SK6 6NW

Map Link    

G3: Wildlife and child-friendly garden with lovely views and a woodland dedicated to Pooh Bear.

A place with something for everyone, this lovely garden is friendly to both wildlife and children. Extending to half an acre, it features well-stocked beds and mature shrubs and trees, with topiary a particular feature in the front garden. There are plenty of benches in the garden to rest your legs and enjoy far-reaching views down the Goyt Valley to Holme Moss.

One corner of the garden is wooded and has some special occupants - Pooh Bear and his friends! First thing in the morning I love filling my many bird feeders and am rewarded by the arrival of literally dozens of garden and woodland birds.

Vehicle access on Nab Lane and the Dale Road approach is extremely restricted. We recommend parking near the junction of Dale Road and Bowden Lane and walk down to Nab Lane. It’s a pleasant short stroll!

Garden 4: A Profusion of Planting

Woodville Drive, SK6 7QX

Map Link  

G4: Corner plot where flowerbeds and pots packed with colour surround the home on three sides.

Home to Marple Memorial Park's Head Gardener, the plot was surrounded by conifers and laid to lawn without a flower in sight when we moved here in 1989. The front garden was turf laid directly over an old tarmac drive - we wondered why it was always so yellow!

Trench borders had to be dug through solid clay, dozens of conifers removed, patios built and borders filled with topsoil gradually took hold, planted by instinct rather than to a specific plan.

More recently the dilapidated often repaired shed was replaced with a summer house built during Lockdowns and the crumbling double-garage was finally replaced at long last. So 34 short years after arriving we finally feel comfortable sharing for Cancer Research UK, which is fitting really, as one of us is a recent cancer survivor too.

Garden 5: Wander into the Wild

Woodville Drive, SK6 7QX

Map Link

G5: Backing onto a woodland brook and wildlife corridor, it's Heaven on earth for creatures and owner alike.

Bees, butterflies, bats and badgers all belong here.

This was a new home for me just before Covid lockdown so I spent a quiet time enjoying the sunshine, removing surplus conifers, seeing what appeared and welcoming nature.

I’m still learning about the plants, but this is my little piece of Heaven on earth.

Garden 6: Terraces and Trees

Woodville Drive, SK6 7QX

Map Link  

G6: Sixty years of evolution has resulted in an interesting terraced garden merging steeply with nature.

A 60-year-old south-facing plot, this garden has had two owners and experienced many changes (with photos to show them).

The ground drops sharply down to the stream which is backed by a shelter-belt of trees.

Three terraces provide varied views and are filled with many flowers together with two lawns and large vegetable beds.

The garden has interest all year round.

Garden 7: An In-Town Oasis

Stockport Road, SK6 6AH

Map Link

G7: Small walled town centre garden jam-packed with fabulous trees, plants and bamboos.

A small north-facing garden packed with interest and featuring a magnificent mature walnut tree.

Acers and hostas are on display as you walk in, followed by a reclaimed-sleeper raised bed full of cottage garden planting, including climbing roses, clematis, foxgloves, lupins, agapanthus and more…

Since the last Open Gardens in Marple I’ve laid two York stone seating areas and a path linking the two together, erected a pergola for jasmine and honeysuckle to climb and I’ve had a batten fence put in, again for jasmine, clematis and wisteria to climb.

Garden 8: A Garden or a Nursery?

Hollins Lane, SK6 6AW

Map Link    

G8: A 'cottage garden' that's been constantly evolving and changing since 1980.

This is a plant-lover’s town garden, full of perennials and with plenty for sale.

It reflects the gardener’s fascination and interest in an alphabet of plants from Acer to Weigela (sorry, no Zinnia). There’s a small pond in which most of the frogs have been displaced by a recent influx of newts which sadly don’t seem as keen on slugs! It seems the more I squeeze in, the less weeding I need to do…

Acquiring a greenhouse years ago encouraged me to take cuttings, sow seeds and make a heated propagator. As a result there will (weather permitting) be plenty of perennials including shrubs, for you to buy in aid of Cancer Research UK – please bring some cash and your own bags to carry your purchases away. And there's a tea garden right next door!

Garden 9: Stilish Design!

Stiles Avenue, SK6 6LR

Map Link

G9: Creatively shaped island beds are at the core of this large beautifully landscaped garden.

Creatively-shaped island beds and central steps help to form the character of this large, beautifully landscaped garden.

It slopes down from an extensive area of decking to a quiet dell with a small pond and features many specimen trees and shrubs.

The impressive expanse of lawn is bordered by bold and varied herbaceous borders which include many unusual varieties of perennials and even a collection of ‘giant’ species. The densely planted raised beds in the front garden are also a delight for any passing plant-lover.

Garden 10: Gardening on a Slope

Ashwood Crescent, SK6 6LS

Map Link   

G10: Secret stepping stones, random beds and attractive nooks are highlights of this sloping garden.

The garden envelops the whole house.

The largest area is south facing but with an east to west slope which has been levelled at the west end to provide a sitting area.

The lawn gives way to the azalea bed which is mirrored by the long herbaceous border. Stepping stones make a secret pathway through the random beds to the greenhouse.

Every opportunity has been taken to create attractive nooks with colourful planting.

Garden 11: My Escape

Ashwood Crescent, SK6 6LS

Map Link

G11: Escape along winding paths to all corners of a garden created by a single owner over 48 years.

48 years ago, the garden was just builders’ rubble!

Since then it has evolved gradually in the hands of one loving owner and contains many choice specimen shrubs and trees.

Winding paths of different sizes allow tours to all corners.

My garden is currently a little unkempt, but the gardener’s work is being done well and by the time you see it I hope you will enjoy looking around it and indeed, escaping into it.

Garden 12: A Green Haven

Ashwood Crescent, SK6 6LS

Map Link  

G12: A diverse mix of roses, shrubs, trees, perennials alpines and vegetables in a south-facing garden.

Ours is a large south-facing garden in a tranquil setting backed by woodland.

An eclectic mix of flowers, vegetables and trees, one of the dominant features is a lovely weeping willow tree.

As well as shrub and herbaceous borders, other points of interest are a scree garden and small collections of citrus, salvias and aeoniums.

Vegetables are grown in the greenhouse, two raised beds and old recycling boxes, largely using our own home-made compost – a nod at sustainability.

Garden 13: Callanish - The Standing Stones

Ashwood Crescent, SK6 6LS

Map Link  

G13: 'Rooms' linked by winding pathways feature an acer grove, standing stones, raised beds and a nod to Japan.

The front and rear gardens of this detached bungalow have been thoughtfully designed by the owners and created from scratch in the last eight years.

With the aim of being low maintenance, the different ‘rooms’ include areas for specimen trees, grasses, shrubs and climbers and these are subtly linked by winding pathways and stones set amongst aggregate.

Features include a small acer grove, standing stones, raised beds for vegetables and a secluded Japanese-styled area.

Garden 14: Seven Stiles Allotments

Seven Stiles Allotments, SK6 6PJ

Map Link    

G14: A fertile oasis of calm that has been in continuous use by local plot-holders for over forty years.

Entrances to the allotments are accessible from Manor Hill Road / Ashwood Crescent to the west and from Oakdene Road to the east.

Come and see a working allotment tucked away in a quiet suburban environment – indeed an oasis. It covers over an acre and includes 40 plots.

As well as growing a large and varied selection of fruit, vegetables and flowers, we have, over the years, improved the access around the site.

We have built relaxing areas and even a wildlife pond in a Chinese style.

Light refreshments will be offered over the weekend, so come and be prepared to be amazed!

Garden 15: On Track

Winnington Road SK6 6PT

Map Link    

G15: An imaginatively designed garden with the unexpected bonus of a G Scale train track running around it.

Entry will take you alongside a garage of aged vehicles which may well prove to be a diversion! The garden that lies beyond is large, secluded and full of established shrubs and trees. These include an outstanding ash tree that survived a lightning strike some years ago and is beautifully gnarled.

The garden is imaginatively laid out as we were lucky enough to have it designed in 2011 by Janine Crimmins, an award-winning designer.

We are not expert, knowledgeable gardeners, but just enjoy having a lovely space to relax in.

However, there is an unexpected bonus as we also have, for added interest, a G Scale (Garden Scale) train track running round the garden.

Garden 16: A Canopy of Green

Winnington Road SK6 6PD

Map Link    

G16: Four areas of borders, trees and structures created over 25 years lead to a wilder canalside area.

Over 25 years, a virtually empty garden space that leads down to the canal, has gradually been converted into four areas, with borders, trees and structures: at the top, traditional planting with flower beds, pergola and greenhouse (wheelchair accessible); steps down through a rockery lead to a vegetable plot and fruit cage; borders either side of an arch bring you to an open, sloping space (still a work in progress) with two apple trees and some new shrubs being introduced in front of a hawthorn hedge.

Finally, through a gate and across an access road, you reach a wilder space bordering the canal that has been planted with five native trees.

And the Head Gardener is also a wood turner! A range of pots and bowls will be for sale – all proceeds to Cancer Research UK.
 

Garden 17: A Natural Parkland Setting

Winnington Road SK6 6PD

Map Link  

G17: A mature garden with large lawns and specimen trees.

Large lawns and specimen trees predominate in this mature garden, and the three perfectly-sited birch trees at the end of the garden immediately catch the eye. Soft fruit is a dominant feature, much of it protected by a large fruit cage, and a splendid fruiting fig features near the entrance, one of a variety of productive fruit trees. A current project is the construction of a pond which has the ideal position but is as yet at an early stage of development. Don’t miss the story of Grandma’s dahlias – but please forgive the weeds!

Garden 18: Time in the Garden

Winnington Road, SK6 6PD

Map Link  

G18: A triangular garden with protected mature trees created by the heart rather than the head.

A triangular plot subdivided into themes to create a variety of moods.

Entrance to this garden is via a side gate which leads to an open lawn.

As you walk towards the summerhouse, there is a wild area on the right with a seating area behind it. To the left is a spring border. Go around the back of the summerhouse to view a rockery with a water feature at the apex of the garden. Follow the stone wall passing a small woodland area on your left and on your right is a birdbath feature on the second lawn. Pass the pond onto the third lawn and the stone wall will lead you to a secret garden to explore.

Return via the rosebeds then take the conservatory path to the seating area or turn left under the arch to take you to the exit.

Garden 19: A Hillside Formally Terraced

Strines Road, SK6 7DT 

Map Link  

G19: A stunning garden, created and developed over many years and still evolving. Not to be missed!

A long-established garden created on terraces perched above the steep cliff dropping down to the river Goyt.

It is colourful throughout the year but especially in spring and early summer.

Adding to the beauty of the garden are the views of the nearby hill glimpsed through the trees.

As the present owners we can’t claim credit for the garden but see ourselves as custodians building on the efforts of the past and guarding it for the future.

See note under Garden 20 below.

The availability of Prosecco and Cake will make the walk worthwhile!

Garden 20: A Hillside Informally Terraced

Strines Road, SK6 7DT

Map Link

G20: Gloriously sited sloping terraced garden surrounded by trees where rhododendrons and roses thrive.

Gloriously sited, but on a very challenging site, this large sloping garden has been terraced on several levels. Surrounded by trees with the hills beyond, rhododendrons and roses thrive here.

Some of the paths are uneven as they navigate the steep slope leading down to a woodland and with a walk through a woodland glade.

Please note!

Gardens 19 and 20, are situated on the sharp bends of Strines Road where there is virtually no parking. However, the towpath of the Peak Forest Canal is just across the road and accessible via a short footpath. A Linking walks guide is available explaining the scenic route along the canal towpath from Marple centre via the Girlguiding headquarters on Brickbridge Road.

Blacksmith Demonstrations

Marple Recreation Ground SK6 7BX

Map Link  

BD: Metal Artist Wayne Chaisty brings back the nostalgia and magic of the arts and crafts of the past

Wayne got his first live Blacksmith demonstration on Marple Rec under his belt with no fuss and no drama in April 2023. The feedback he received on the day was all very positive and he hopes to turn this into a regular event, giving demonstrations himself and with other guest artists and blacksmiths.

Over the weekend ...

Open Gardens in Marple organisers saw a great opportunity for Wayne to support their event over the two days and his Blacksmith Demonstrations will be sited near to the old Toilet Block on the Recreation Ground.

Ironwood Metal Art

Although they may not realise it, most local people will know Wayne's work. He has collaborated with The Marple Website and Friends of Marple Memorial Park for many years and is responsible for creating the Coronation Bench in Marple Memorial Park (2005), the Nativity Sculptures installed on Market Street at Christmas (since 2006), Lock 17 on Oldknow Gardens (2007), the Diamond Jubilee Flowerbed in front of Marple Library (2011) and refurbishment of the Iron Bridge Viewing Platform in Brabyns Park (2021).

Community Orchard

Marple Recreation Ground SK6 7BX

Map Link  

CO: Created and cared for by Climate Action Marple volunteers to provide free produce for the local community

The Community Orchard on Arkwright Road was planted in March 2017 with the Mayor planting the first tree. Stockport Council were keen to have community orchards throughout the Borough and offered the land. MESS members raised the money to buy the trees by encouraging donations from local people.

There are 85 trees of various types: pears, apples, plums, cherries, damsons, nuts.

A group of volunteers help to care for the orchard weeding around the trees and pruning at the appropriate times. Apples, pears in the early Spring and plums and cherries in May, June July or August (months without the letter ‘r’)

As soon as Lockdown 2 in ended in 2021 a group of 16 volunteers met at the Orchard on a beautiful sunny Saturday to catch up with delayed tasks. All the apple and pear trees were pruned and 8 new trees were planted to replace those that had unfortunately died.

In 2023 a further eight were bought and planted to replace those which did not survive the drought of summer 2022.

Over the weekend ...

The orchard will have people on hand to talk about the history and reasons for the orchard with posters explaining the importance of trees, why we planted fruit trees and all the varieties we planted. There will be a "Treasure hunt" for the children and there is lots of room for them to run around and play. We will also have some of our "How to.." leaflets.

Climate Action Marple (CAM) started in 2009 originally called MESS, trying to raise awareness of climate change issues and find local solutions to some of the resulting problems. Initially we promoted carbon reduction measures such as home insulation and solar panels but then after a visit to Incredible Edible in Todmorden, looked to encourage people to grow food, and we built the planters you see in Market street and elsewhere. When Stockport Council wanted to have a community orchard in every ward, we stepped up and raised funds by asking people to sponsor a tree.

GirlGuiding HQ

21 Brickbridge Rd, SK6 7BQ

Map Link      

GH: Providing Cream Teas and Refreshments between 11am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday

GirlGuiding Marple will be displaying ther results of their "Grow Your Own Badge" in planters created for them by Marple Men in Sheds.

Order via this link, tap the image above or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Marple Memorial Park

Marple Memorial Park, SK6 6BB

Map Link      

Refreshments provided in the park by Coffee Bean Dream

MP: Marple's glorious town centre park with flowerbeds maintained by local volunteers.

The land for Marple Memorial Park was given in Memory of the men of Marple who fell in the Great War 1914 - 1918 and the laying-out was done by Public Subscription. The park was formally opened on 22 July 1922 with a Dedication Ceremony and Historical Pageant attended by thousands.

Friends of Marple Memorial Park began helping to look after the park in 2003.

In 2011 the group learned that the council were planning to grass-over the flowerbeds to save money and stepped-up to save them. Their volunteers now maintain all the fabulous flowerbeds, shrub beds, borders and benches in the park on their own.

The group has also led many successful projects to improve the park's facilities and will be delighted to chat to Open Garden visitors about their activities.

On Saturday and Sunday there will be a stall in the park for ticket sales and information. There are also public toilets in the park.

Sunday 9th July 2pm to 4pm

Werneth Concert Band: Summer Concert in the Park

Werneth Concert Band will be playing a programme of light music between 2pm and 4pm by the War Memorial in the park.

Rose Hill Station

Rose Hill Station, SK6 6HU

Map Link  

RH: The station is brightened by gardens and artwork created by Friends of Rose Hill Station volunteers

The garden areas at the station have been created and are maintained by a small group of volunteers, the Friends of Rose Hill Station.

Working since 2011, we have cultivated considerable areas around the car park area and installed planters along the platform. The planting includes a community orchard and a ‘help yourself’ herb bed. While we use a selection of bedding plants each summer to provide splashes of colour, much of our planting focusses on perennials and shrubs and we have always to keep in mind reducing both the amount of watering and the degree of attention our beds will need. We are not there on a daily basis and we must conserve water as much as we can. We aim for a long season of insect friendly flowering plants.

Over the weekend ...

With support from the Rose Hill Allotments, volunteers from the Friends of Rose Hill Station will be available to greet visitors over the Open Gardens weekend, 8th and 9th July between the period 11am - 5pm each day. They will be reviewing the different parts of the areas on which they have been working over the years along with the further improvements planned.

A plant sale is also planned, for as long as plants are available, and plant expert, Jane Massam, from Angelica Flowers and Gardens, will also be visiting the Station to give a free Garden Advice session on Saturday 8th between 11am – 12noon.

The Scout Hut

Memorial Park Drive, SK6 6BA

Map Link    

SC: Refuge and Information

Open as a place of refuge, housing the raffle prizes and with promotional stands from Climate Action Marple and CRUK.