We were fortunate to be able to visit Bridgewater after a night of snowfall this week. As we didn’t win the garden visit lottery by having a bright blue sky too, my pictures are a little sombre – some, even Gothic.
The cold weather had deterred most visitors: were it not for the snow, January isn’t the most exciting time to visit this garden. Don’t get me wrong – it is beautifully maintained and presented and I always enjoy visiting.
But while the RHS do a wonderful job at Bridgewater of all the things they traditionally do well – training and pruning trees and climbers, masterclasses in growing vegetables, winter protection, plant supports, plants trials, developing themed garden areas with celebrated designers – this is a young garden and some blind spots or compromises are evident.
Just one example: there are remarkably few plants in flower for a prestigious garden of this magnitude, so if you plan to visit in the next week or so, be prepared to seek them out and don’t expect much variety. I believe a large number of plants for winter interest will soon be added for future years.
Despite my feelings about missed opportunities, I do love the garden. It was wonderful to stand and watch a fine kestrel hovering nearby in the walled kitchen garden.
If you’re looking for refinement, repetition, rhythm, and a large helping of peace, you’ll find it at RHS Bridgewater in any season.
The drifts of perennials in the Paradise Garden had been cut back and repurposed in the Kitchen Garden as knee-high dead-hedges that would shelter small creatures from the cold.
The more tender plants had been protected too.
I have faith that, in time, this could be the go-to destination for gardeners in the North West of England. Until then, I’ll savour what we’ve got.
Advance booking is needed for RHS Garden Bridgewater entry, although you can normally book on the day of your visit. The garden has been closed today due to the slippery conditions, so it’s wise to check before setting out.
Susan Rushton 
Loving the look of the snow-covered Chinese streamside garden especially.
The astilbe seed heads were looking good in that part of the garden.