Garden 1: Relaxed and Informal
Claremont Avenue SK6 6JE
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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.
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Garden 2: Mixed Borders
 Stuart Avenue SK6 6JE
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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.
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Garden 3: Paradise for Birds
 Nab Lane, SK6 6NW
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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!
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Garden 4: A Profusion of Planting
 Woodville Drive, SK6 7QX
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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.
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Garden 5: Wander into the Wild
Woodville Drive, SK6 7QX
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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.
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Garden 6: Terraces and Trees
Woodville Drive, SK6 7QX
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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.
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Garden 7: An In-Town Oasis
Stockport Road, SK6 6AH
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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.
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Garden 8: A Garden or a Nursery?
Hollins Lane, SK6 6AW
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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!
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Garden 9: Stilish Design!
Stiles Avenue, SK6 6LR
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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.
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Garden 10: Gardening on a Slope
Ashwood Crescent, SK6 6LS
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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.
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Garden 11: My Escape
Ashwood Crescent, SK6 6LS
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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.
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Garden 12: A Green Haven
Ashwood Crescent, SK6 6LS
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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.
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Garden 13: Callanish - The Standing Stones
Ashwood Crescent, SK6 6LS
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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.
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Garden 14: Seven Stiles Allotments
Seven Stiles Allotments, SK6 6PJ
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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!
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Garden 15: On Track
Winnington Road SK6 6PT
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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.
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Garden 16: A Canopy of Green
Winnington Road SK6 6PD
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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.
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Garden 17: A Natural Parkland Setting
Winnington Road SK6 6PD
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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!
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Garden 18: Time in the Garden
Winnington Road, SK6 6PD
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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.
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Garden 19: A Hillside Formally Terraced
Strines Road, SK6 7DT
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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!
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Garden 20: A Hillside Informally Terraced
Strines Road, SK6 7DT
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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.
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The following 19 Private Gardens plus Seven Stiles Allotments are accessible by ticket only.
