SEE THE MAGIC UNFOLD…
If you go down to Holden Clough today, you’re sure of a big surprise – the magical Glasshouse is open, work is underway on the new Potting Shed and Christmas is on the horizon! Photography: Sarah Valentine
At this time of year when the leaves are falling and the rich hues of autumn take over from the bright colours of summer, Holden Clough creates new seasonal displays in the gardens, fresh autumnal menus in the Garden Kitchen and in the vintage style Glasshouse, visitors can discover an inspirational mix of beautiful homeware, garden accessories and antiquities.
This is a place to visit all year round, where each aspect of Holden Clough is showcased at its seasonal best. Walk around the gardens and check out the plants and shrubs that are grown on site and grouped by association – if your garden tends to be a tad waterlogged or is often parched, shaded or in full sun, you will find plants that will thrive there.
Follow the shale paths through to the herb gardens and watch in wonder as the new two-storey Potting Shed and nursery shop, take shape – this will feature a first floor glass atrium, which will be a gallery and library where visitors can read gardening books, surrounded by stunning views of the meadows to one aspect and Pendle to the other.
The development plan for Holden Clough will also see a two-acre plot next to the Glasshouse and Garden Kitchen, where there will be additional parking, plants will be grown in polytunnels and a new orchard will be planted overlooking a wildflower meadow.
A peaceful place in which to contemplate – the Glasshouse collections and displays are inspirational and vibrant, as Holden Clough’s John Foley explains: “Since it opened the Glasshouse has been hugely popular. We have had some fantastic feedback!
“Now that autumn is here, things will be changing – there will be palms, succulents and cacti in there, and we have also chosen some great garden and home accessories that are new for the season.”
There is also a selection of home-grown houseplants showcased in the Glasshouse to add some colour to your kitchen windowsill along with a beautiful collection of stoneware containers and glassware.
New for autumn is a collection of cushions and cosy throws, antique-style furniture in a range of vintage colours sourced from Europe, along with some stunning French chandelier lighting and industrial-chic accessories and storage solutions.
Oversize stone planters showcase huge displays of orchids and palms – reflecting the ambience of the classic Victorian-glasshouse. It is calm and quiet yet the eclectic collections of plants and antiquities surprise and fascinate in equal measure.
Since Holden Clough opened its legendary Garden Kitchen, which is located next to the Glasshouse, food has played a major part in the evolution of this must-visit destination.
Introducing a new autumn menu from 11th October, John and his wife Kate work closely with their talented head chef to keep dishes seasonal and interesting – the chillier weather brings a selection of heart-warming dishes and exquisite homemade patisserie to the Garden Kitchen menu, as well as retaining and adapting the lighter options that are suitable for all diet preferences.
The ever-evolving healthy option menu is inspired by the synergy between the plant nursery and the food produced in the kitchen – together they combine using seasonal vegetables and herbs to create delicious plant-based dishes and salads.
Alternatively, there will be some comforting, modern British classics to suit the season, and of course, we can’t mention the Garden Kitchen without mentioning the famous afternoon tea on a mini picnic bench.
For autumn, visitors can expect an afternoon tea that is ultimately warming and delicious! Expect to find spicy Thai butternut squash soup, smoked cashew and slow roasted tomato pate on a rye crostini, sweet potato and smoked haddock fish cake and shepherd’s pie topped with cheesy mash.
Sweet treats may include spiced pumpkin cupcake, blackberry Bakewell, vanilla scone with pear compote and Chantilly cream, sticky toffee apple sponge accompanied by a mini-welly of ginger beer. And, to make this a real autumnal indulgence add a sparkling glass of Prosecco!
Plans are also underway for Christmas at Holden Clough – there will be the popular wreath-making courses, which will be held for the first time in the Glasshouse with its huge demonstration table and vintage reclaimed stone sink.
There will also be extensive Christmas displays from the beginning of November with a wonderful collection of festive decorations throughout the Glasshouse, while nearing the end of November there will be the much-awaited Holden Clough Christmas Market.
So, with excitement building as the festive season approaches, call into Holden Clough to see the magic unfold!
Holden Clough Nursery & Garden Kitchen
Holden, Bolton-by-Bowland BB7 4PF
www.holdencloughnursery.com
Nursery: 01200 447615
Garden Kitchen: 01200 447447
Open seven days 9am-5pm
