Autumn’s Golden Glow
Stunning seasonal displays, spring bulbs and the vintage glasshouse make Holden Clough Nursery a must-do destination this autumn. Photography: Kirsten Platt
Glowing golden hues and the fading glory of beautiful summer blooms combine to make autumn a magical season. And, in the tucked-away hamlet of Holden visitors will discover some wonderful new additions to Holden Clough Nursery which, as always, is evolving organically to offer an exclusive experience.
At this time of year when the leaves are falling and the rich shades of autumn take over, Holden Clough creates new and rejuvenated seasonal displays in the gardens and Glasshouse, and this year it has excelled!
Currently serving a selection of drinks, cakes and toasted bagels, the nursery will soon be offering warming stews, hot chocolate and other tasty treats served from a new shepherd’s hut arriving this month, which will wonderfully complement the romantic vintage Glasshouse.
Visitors can wander through the nursery enjoying the plants and shrubs, or they can choose spring bulbs from a huge selection – all displayed in old-fashioned wooden crates.
From alliums and tulips to brightly coloured dahlias that will add splashes of springtime colour, now is the time to select and plant your bulbs and prepare your garden for the months ahead.
Expert John Foley of Holden Clough advises: “It is also the season to plant autumn perennials and shrubs as you can place your different heights and colours more easily.
“We have also set out beds to suit different themes or conditions in the garden such as cottage garden, wildlife friendly, wet or dry shade to name a few, this helps make it easy for customers picking plants that will succeed in some of the problem places in the garden.”
All set for Halloween at Holden Clough, there is a huge selection of gourdes, full of autumn colour and of all shapes and sizes – choose one to make a spooky candlelit lantern with a difference!
In the Glasshouse, visitors will discover an inspirational mix of beautiful homeware, garden accessories, lanterns and antiquities.
A peaceful place in which to contemplate – the Glasshouse features a selection of houseplants along with a collection of ceramics, stoneware containers and glassware all displayed to perfection with a central fireplace the focal point, decorated with blooms and featuring a traditional log burner to add warmth and ambience.
Perfect for the changing seasons is a collection of cushions and cosy throws, antique-style furniture in a range of vintage colours along with some stunning French chandelier lighting and industrial-chic accessories.
Like the nursery itself the Glasshouse is calm and quiet, yet the eclectic collection of antiquities will surprise and fascinate in equal measure.
Wander outdoors and follow the pretty shale paths to discover the herb garden alongside plants and shrubs that are grown on site and grouped by association – if your garden tends to be waterlogged or is often parched, shaded or in full sun, you will find plants that will thrive there.
Seating and benches are also dotted around the nursery so visitors can watch the world go by whilst enjoying a snack or drink from the quaint shepherd’s hut that has a selection of delicious cakes and pastries, warming soups, sandwiches, cappuccino and lattes along with refreshing fruit presses.
A visit to Holden Clough is a wonderful way to enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience that is satisfyingly safe – a calm and definitely cool way to spend a day pottering, selecting your spring bulbs, learning about the unusual collections of plants and shrubs and appreciating the fading hues of summer as the golden shades of autumn predominate.
With their winter brochure out now, excitement is building as the seasons change and with Christmas on the horizon, call into Holden Clough to see the magic unfold!
Holden Clough Nursery
Holden, Bolton-by-Bowland BB7 4PF
holdencloughnursery.com
Nursery: 01200 447615
Open seven days: 9am-5pm
