Gardeners' World Season 43 Episode 23 The Alnwick Garden

In season 43 episode 23 of Gardeners' World, viewers get a tour of The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, England, led by head gardener Trevor Jones. The Alnwick Garden was created in 1997 by Jane Percy, the Duchess of Northumberland, and is now a popular public attraction, with 12 acres of formal gardens, water features, and exciting contemporary designs.

The episode begins with a brief tour of the gardens, including the impressive Grand Cascade, where 7260 gallons of water per minute cascade down a series of 120 jets. Jones explains that the cascade is fed by a 130-meter water pipe that brings water from the nearby River Aln.

Next, Jones takes viewers to the Ornamental Garden, where he shows off a range of colorful herbaceous borders, including a pink and white border and a purple and gold border. He explains that the gardens are designed to be in bloom from spring through autumn, with a mix of perennials and annuals creating a constantly changing landscape.

Jones then introduces viewers to one of the most exciting and unusual features of the Alnwick Garden: the Poison Garden. This enclosed space contains more than 100 species of toxic plants, including aconite, hemlock, and deadly nightshade. Jones explains that the garden is designed to educate visitors about the dangers of these plants and to raise awareness of the risks of accidental poisoning. He also discusses the importance of responsible gardening and handling of toxic plants.

Moving on from the Poison Garden, Jones takes viewers to the Bamboo Labyrinth, a maze created with more than 5000 fast-growing bamboo plants. He explains that the maze was inspired by ancient Japanese gardens and is designed to be both fun and meditative.

Finally, Jones takes viewers to the Cherry Orchard, where he shows off the 329 cherry trees that were planted to celebrate the turn of the millennium. He explains that the orchard is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation, and that the trees provide an important habitat for bees and other pollinators.

Throughout the episode, there are also tips and advice on gardening techniques and plant care, including how to create effective herbaceous borders, how to grow bamboo, and how to keep your compost bin healthy. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started, there's something in this episode to inspire and inform.