Wentworth Castle Gardens in February 

In about 1711, the first head gardener appointed by Thomas Strafford at Wentworth Castle Gardens was called John Arnold. The first garden section, located in front of the mansion, is named in his honour. The fact that it is planted in a contemporary style highlights the long tradition of head gardeners, skilled gardeners, garden labourers, women and boys…and now staff and volunteers – that reaches across three centuries.  

Find out a little more about these “retired” gardeners of Wentworth Castle during the second half of February. The first part of the Wentworth Welly Boot Wander leads you to the area that recalls stories of these long-retired gardeners. Find out the what the annual pay was in 1790 for a year’s hard work or who almost beat Joseph Paxton for growing show fruit.   

Follow the welly prompts until you reach the Victorian conservatory where the plants, garden areas and seasons most loved by our volunteer garden team are revealed in an ‘arty’ welly form. 

Looking for some pre-loved garden books to inspire your own gardening? Visit the Bookshop and Reading room as it celebrates its first birthday on 20 February with a chance to meet local author Diane Chesterton. Story -telling will also form part of the day’s celebration.  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/wentworth-castle-gardens/events. 

 During February half-term (Mon 17 – Fri 21 stroll along to the Blackbourn room and learn how to turn unloved book pages into beautiful bookmarks. Complete the day with some plant spotting of early bloomers, including plants from three national collections, Camellia Williamsii, Magnolia and Rhododendron species. Gardens at Wentworth Castle I Yorkshire | National Trust 

Can’t make February? Then make a date in the diary to visit during ‘Heavenly Hellebore week, the first week of March, that kickstarts a month of celebrating the building of Wentworth Castle.