York Gate Garden

I recently met friends at York Gate Garden near Leeds. I've been before but not for a few years and, although the garden itself remains much the same, the property next door has been added and converted into a large and pleasant café (always part of the pleasure of visiting places like this!) The one-acre garden was originally created between 1951 and 1994 by the Spencer family, around their home. They bequeathed it to the horticultural charity Perennial, who now own and manage it. 

It is laid out in a series of interlinked 'rooms' and owes much to the Arts and Crafts Movement, with several sculptural pieces and lots of details and textures in the hard landscaping and the lush planting. Sadly we were just a little late for the tulips (which I remember were spectacular in past years) but there were plenty of flowers and lots of beautiful and varied foliage. 

There are straight, formal pathways as well as gentler, more meandering routes around different parts of the garden. 

There is a large pond (top photos) and a 'canal' pool with a fish-shaped fountain. 

I enjoyed just wandering about and, even though it was very busy with visitors, I did manage a few pictures without people photo-bombing.