Coton Manor - February 2025

Where: Coton, Northamptonshire NN6 8RQ

When: There is interest throughout the seasons but the gardens, nursery and café are open from Tuesday 1st April 2025 for the season. 
As well as weekends in February to see the snowdrops and hellebores

Who: Susie and Ian Pasley-Tyler inherited the house and garden some 30 years ago, and it has been in the family for almost 100 years. 

Why:  The garden is known for its "symphony of colour where flamingos mix with flowers". With 10 acres to explore with a variety of plants, boarders, woodlands, meadows and animals its no wonder the Garden Won the 2019 Nation's Favourite Garden Award.

Coton Manor Garden, a 10-acre hillside garden in Northamptonshire, offers a wonderful visit with its varied plant collection, distinctive features like a bluebell wood and wildflower meadow, in a  picturesque 17th-century manor house setting, complemented by the Stableyard Cafe and a large nursery. 

Inspiration:  I've been to Coton Manor a few times now and I always come away with some new ideas.

I loved seeing the flamingos and snowdrops, the burst of pinks and fresh life made ever more poignant in comparison to a dull grey February day.  A reminder that although Spring is around the corner there is still plenty to enjoy in the last part of Winter... to cherish these calmer wonders rather than longing for the rush of Spring. 

The collection of snowdrops and hellebores were truly captivating and brought elegance and charm to the winter garden. Whether planted in borders or artfully arranged in containers, their delicate yet resilient blooms create a striking visual contrast against the muted hues of the season. Their ability to thrive and flourish during this time makes them an essential choice for gardeners seeking to transform their outdoor spaces into vibrant displays of life and serenity.

I saw that the rills at Coton Manor were still flowing, unlike many of us who turn off water features during the winter and it truly made me appreciate how much running water enhances the garden's tranquillity, especially with the stillness of winter. This is something that I will be looking into for next winter, the most effective way to incorporate flowing water into the garden over the winter. 

Coton Manor is a fantastic garden to visit and I'm so lucky it's so close to me. I'm definitely heading back to see the bluebells!

I'll also share photos on the inspirations that I end up incorporating into the garden/end up at the shows.