Chirk Castle's Head Gardener visits Tattenhall – 8th February

After the resounding success of the joint TWIG/Tattenhall Garden Society meeting in January, TGS is pleased to host David Lock, head gardener at Chirk Castle, Wednesday 8 February.

Chirk is one of our closest National Trust properties, such that on a good day you can see the Peckforton Hills from its gardens. (The National Trust app suggests Chirk is 19 miles from the centre of Tattenhall, and easy to reach). Clearly the Castle is the main attraction for many visitors, and you may be quite happy never going much beyond the clipped yew hedges.

However, there is much more to the gardens when you venture beyond the ticket booth. They are great for walks and are open for much of the year. At this time of year, head for the Pleasure Ground Wood and experience the magical snowdrop walk. It's a veritable smorgasbord of varieties, not just Galanthus nivalis (the common snowdrop), with subtle variations of shapes and different coloured highlights. The impact of so many thousands of bulbs must be seen to be believed. And it is free to enter and free of dogs! What more could you want on a brisk February day?

David Lock will talk about how he and his team of gardeners (paid and volunteers) manage all the castle gardens through the seasons. Come along to the Barbour Institute, go upstairs and turn left, in time for the proceedings that get underway at 19.45 (quarter to eight in real money!). Members can attend for free but guests can pay £3 on the door to join us. No advanced bookings are needed but the sooner you get there, the better your choice of seat. There is good access into and within the building for those with mobility challenges, and we offer tea and coffee at no charge.