The Gardens at the Jinney Ring have, until recently, been the ongoing love and a great deal of hard work for our former Head Gardener Jean Hubball and her helpers.

 

Jean, who is sister to Mike Evans of Arkle plants, has transformed the gardens over the last 10 years and really put us on the map for those who just love the views and the tranquility to those who enjoy looking at the specimen plants growing in the beds! Mike has helped out in the Gardens too both with plants and design over the years.  Jean has just retired from the Jinney Ring but will still be seen helping out in the Plant Stall so we do not lose her!

 

During the Spring/Summer of 2009, Rachel Pearson joined us as our new gardener and is taking us forward with lots of new ideas and developments. Rachel who decided that an office life was not for her after spending several years as a tax accountant, has recently finished her horticulture degree at Pershore college. 

 

 

Within the gardens are two large ponds which are home to domesticated white ducks as well as many other wild creatures including Mallards, Moorhens and some very large Carp.   In the fields beyond the gardens we have cows and horses (not in winter) so there is always plenty to see.  There is a small wood at the end of the site (down the ramp by the carpark) - this is called "Sophie's Wood" (named after the previous owners daughter), it is well worth a visit and contains mainly English deciduous trees.   Through these woods you can get onto the network of footpaths that cross the fields in front of the Centre. 

 

The gardens are the setting for our annual sculpture trail (early September each year) as well as marquee events.  Customers are also most welcome to eat and drink in the gardens and we have tables and chairs available.  (Please note - we do not allow picnics - any food/drink consumed must be purchased from the Centre).