Jessamine Cottage Gardens

Having spent many years in New Zealand where the seasons are not as marked as in England, Lee and Pam were very keen to have interest in the garden throughout the year.  When the garden is open in May, a number of unusual shrubs are in flower. In May, the New Zealand Kowhai (Sophora tetraptera) is hung with hundreds of golden bells and the beautiful Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus controversa variegata) glows in the sun and lightens up the garden, truly living up to its name.  In June, the roses in the new rose garden send their fragrance all over the garden.  Sit here and enjoy the sunshine, the colour and the perfume.  The lavender in the boxed parterre is also at its best and is providing nectar for the bees.  In July and August the perennials in the large island beds are at their best and provide a wonderful splash of  high summer colour.  In the parterre, the lavender has given way to the oreganum laevigatum and the beds are alive with insects enjoying the harvest of pollen.

A number of seats provide the opportunity for a welcome rest. The best seat is located under a large oak tree where you can sit and enjoy the view across the large wildlife pond towards Wenlock Edge or across the wildflower meadow towards the rose garden. 

Relax in the new tearoom and enjoy a cream tea. All cakes, scones and preserves are homemade and the preserves are made from fruits gleaned in the garden and hedgerows.  Try Pam’s Shropshire Damson jam: a preserve much vaunted by the National Trust. After your tea, take a leisurely look at the exhibition of photos that show the development of the garden.

Jessamine Cottage Gardens will be of interest to plantsmen and plantswomen. Having been described many times as a ‘slice of heaven’, it will also suit those who want to enjoy the relaxed peaceful ambience of a serene garden in a delightful locality - or even those who just want a friendly place to spend an afternoon and have an excellent cream tea.

Jessamine Cottage Gardens are located 4 miles SW of Much Wenlock, between the villages if Hughley and Kenley. They are signposted off the A458 at Harley and of the B4371 Much Wenlock to Church Stretton road. It is open from 2pm to 6pm every Wednesday through to Sunday, plus Bank Holidays, from the beginning of May to the end of August.

Telephone 01694 771279.