A coach full of plant hunters set off for a trip to Yorkshire, prepared for anything with waterproofs, umbrellas and sunglasses as well as plant crates! 

First stop was Yorkshire Lavender; a 60 acre farm and garden set up by a family sixteen years ago.

Nigel, the founder and father of the family, gave us an entertaining talk about how Yorkshire Lavender was set up from scratch and with absolutely no gardening or farming background at all!

His son and daughter now run the business which includes selling lavender plants and products both nationally and internationally.

As well as lavender, the nursery on site also had a small range of unusual herbs and herbaceous perennials. 

The gardens didn’t look their best in the wind and rain, but I can imagine the lavender garden would smell fantastic on a warm summer’s day. 

Last but not least I must mention the tea rooms (lovely food and friendly service) and lavender-themed gift shop.

As we set off from Yorkshire Lavender the weather improved and by the time we got to Breezy Knees Gardens, just north east of York, we had some sunshine to light up the 15 acres of gardens showcasing the astounding range of herbaceous perennials produced by the nursery. 

The gardens included a range of garden styles from the naturalistic block planting in the September Garden, to the more formal symmetrical layout of the Peony and Daylily Garden (the Peonies were the stars on the day we visited).

In between, there was a Cottage Garden, Rock Garden, Double Herbaceous Borders and Pond Garden and more.

The range of plant genera, species and varieties was quite amazing and most were clearly labelled, a welcome feature which helped us to increase our plant purchasing at the end of our tour. 

The prices were very reasonable; a great place to visit for plant combinations ideas in the gardens and to see (and buy!) so many unusual herbaceous perennials.

Sue Jeffries