A Taste of the
Peak District
Dunge Valley Hidden Gardens, Kettleshulme, Cheshire, open garden in the Pennines at an altitude of 1000', inspired by the flora of the Himalaya …
Take a beautiful hidden valley in a wonderful setting
at an altitude of 1000 feet in the rolling Pennine hills. Fill it with exotic
species from the Himalaya. Nirvana? We think so. But come and Judge for yourself
as this is the scene for Dunge Valley Rhododendron Gardens.
The
sound of
curlew and skylark overhead fill the air as you are now deep in the tranquil
countryside.
Here at Dunge Valley, you will see a kaleidoscope of colour in an eight acre garden in the the High Peak. We have a collection of over 550 different species and hybrid Rhododendrons giving the impression of a Himalayan valley with Acers, Magnolias and associated plants - streams, waterfalls, ponds, bridges, bog gardens and a wide variety of unusual perennials and shrubs complete the illusion. A visit to Dunge Valley Rhododendron Gardens makes a fabulous day out in peaceful yet spectacular surroundings.
The Garden, likened to a 'mini-Bodnant' has been a labour of love for David and Elizabeth Ketley since 1984, although they have owned the property since 1976. Dunge Farm House goes back to the 15th Century. The word Dunge comes from the Anglo-Saxon for "of the Valley District" but some people believe it was shortened from "Dungeon". There are stories about Monk's holes, dungeons and tunnels......want to read on? Then visit the ghosts page on the web site! The gardens are constantly changed; existing plants are moved and new plants are added, providing, David and Elizabeth believe, one of the most comprehensive selections of Rhododendrons in the UK. New varieties such as R. 'Midnight Mystique' and R. 'Lemon Dream' together with some of the favourites such as R. 'Hotei', R. 'Nancy Evans and R. 'Loderi King George' with its wonderful scent just sell like hot cakes.Many visitors return year after year remarking on how different it is as we plant up new areas and even those who return after a couple of weeks are amazed as the succession of Rhododendrons makes for a constant changing, vibrant picture. The Hardy Plant Nursery always has a new stock of Rhododendrons and Perennials when Dunge Valley opens its gates in March each year.
To help you decide when to visit, here are the annual highlights of the Dunge Valley Year ...
MARCH is full of anticipation
with early flowering Rhododendrons and Snowdrops, followed by Narcissi
and Daffodils
in profusion.
APRIL brings the first green flush of Spring with many Rhododendrons already
flowering and the Skylarks and Curlew flying and calling overhead.
MAY is a wonderful month as most of the trees now have their fresh green
leaves and many of the Rhododendrons are in full flower giving a kaleidoscope
of colour with the scent of bluebells filling the air.
JUNE still has a wealth of Rhododendrons flowering along with the yellow
Azalea lutea scenting the air in the gardens and many of the early shrub
Roses are coming into bloom.
Click here to find out about the opening times
But the gardens are not just of interest to those of you with an interest in plants. Our rural setting ensures that there is plenty of wildlife too - why not pay us a visit and see what you can spot!!
Lunches and refreshments are available from the Dunge Valley Tea Room with seating inside and out. Please see the web site for more details.
This is a beautiful garden with a wealth of planting in a style designed to blend with the outstanding views over the scenic Pennine hills. Please visit our web site to find out more - Dunge Valley Rhododendron Garden visitor information
Dunge Valley Rhododendron Gardens are open from March to the end of June. Free Parking. Coaches by arrangement. Plant sales. The Gardens are not suitable for wheelchairs but a patio seat gives a panoramic view of the front garden and surrounding hills. There are some steep slopes so children should be supervised at all times.
To contact Dunge Valley Rhododendron Gardens please telephone
01663 733787 or email from their web site.