RHS Bridgewater

The former site of Worsley New Hall, in Salford, is a heritage landscape that's been transformed into an iconic RHS Garden. Landscape architect, Tom Stuart-Smith created the masterplan and the Bridgewater team, alongside award-winning garden designers, have brought ‘gardens within a garden’ to life by blending history with world-class horticulture

 

RHS Garden Bridgewater is the fifth RHS garden.

 

The garden opened on 18 May 2021. The 154-acre garden is the biggest hands-on horticultural project undertaken in Europe since planning permission was granted in 2017. Around 7.8 million people living within an hour’s journey time of the garden are now able to access world-class horticultural inspiration and expertise, at the closest RHS Garden to a major conurbation.

Named after the Bridgewater Canal that runs to its side, the garden today is an incredible resource for garden enthusiasts and local communities. Its setting draws both city visitors and water wildlife to its unique location, and in its young life as an RHS garden it has already made a big impact. With future plans to develop new areas in the wider landscape, it is exciting for all to watch how this incredible site is growing and thriving.

 

As part of our visit I have arranges a guided tour of the Chinese Streamside Garden with one of the garden volunteers.

The RHS has been working with the Chinese community in Greater Manchester to create a unique, Chinese-inspired garden at RHS Garden Bridgewater.  Covering just over seven acres, the Chinese Streamside Garden has a central location. Its pretty stream meanders slowly from Ellesmere Lake to Moon Bridge Water. Along the length of the watercourse are a series of smaller pools and weirs, while a sinuous path weaves over five stylised wooden bridges.  This predominantly woodland garden is in its early years but its distinctive character will evolve around specific horticultural themes including a Chinese meadow and a bamboo garden (or ‘Bambusarium’).

Throughout the site, there kiosks where you can purchase drinks and cafes and restaurants where you can purchase snacks and lunch.  There is also a shop and a plant nursery on site.