Written by: Linda Viney
Cascades Gardens. Bonsall, Derbyshire
When Alan and Elizabeth Clements bought Cascades in Bonsall ten years ago, the garden was overgrown and dark, with 30-foot high holly trees along the southern border. There were few plants and shrubs, but plenty of six feet high hogweed, brambles and nettles.

Ancient elderberry trees were another problem, while the pond was completely choked with weed and full of silt. Once they had put the house in order, which has been built for the son of the owner of the corn mill that once dominated the site, work started outside.

‘Alan has a grand vision, which is great when deciding on the main structure of the garden,’ explained Elizabeth. I am better at the nitty gritty of planting out, so it is a good working combination. I would dearly love to buy him a JCB, as we always seem to be hiring one.

The fascinating landscape of Cascades was mapped out in the early 18th century and now surrounds the ruins of the corn mill with ponds, stream, canal and waterfalls. An old lead mine, which at one time thrived and provided work for local people, stands within the grounds.

As both Bonsall Brook and a canal run through the garden there was no need to add a water feature. The cascades, after which the house is named, can fall as a raging torrent or a small trickle, sometimes drying up altogether.

Backed by limestone cliffs, azaleas and camellias have been grown in pots filled with ericaceous compost. Elizabeth has managed to source a lime tolerant rhododendron. Two hebes were lost this year as the four-acre garden lies within a frost pocket. If a plant dies, the Clements never try it again because there are always others that will cope with the elements.

As the plot is situated on many levels, surrounded by mature trees, high cliffs and banks, there is always something of interest to suit all tastes.

A zigzag path leads up to the glebe and a cliff walk, which has been established as a wild flower area with seats where you can pause to enjoy the views of the Peak District beyond. It’s also an ideal spot to get an Ariel view of the garden, which has been designed as a series of ‘rooms’ each with its own identity.

There is an area of lawn surrounded by herbaceous plants, plus a striking vegetable garden sheltered by a steep cliff. The large pond is planted with marginal water plants and has recently been enlarged. Surrounding gravel paths lead to the next area. The water and plants carefully chosen to provide nectar bees and butterflies have attracted wildlife.

Once Elizabeth had filled the garden with plants, the couple began collecting seeds and propagating some of them. Alan became enthusiastic, started learning all the Latin names and discovered it was relaxing to spend time in the poly tunnel seeing plants grow.

He now spends most weekends nurturing the seedlings in the ‘baby factory’ as they have named this area. As the plants grew in abundance, they decided to start a small nursery selling specialist hardy perennials.

Statues found in the garden remind Elizabeth of her childhood and add an extra dimension. She and her brother were brought up on Charles Kingsley and acted out parts of Greek mythology.

Cascades is very much a garden for all seasons. Trees and shrubs start turning to rich gold and red as autumn approaches and the cascade really comes into its own. During winter, there is plenty of structure and snowdrops herald the first signs of a new year. There are lots of spring bulbs and by summer the herbaceous perennials are flourishing.

When Bonsall held an open garden day for charity, the Clements decided to follow suit and were immediately approached by the National Garden Scheme to open for the ‘Yellow Book’. To be open for this scheme, the garden has to offer at least 45 minutes of interest. You could easily spend half a day in Cascades and still not see everything.

Published in “Peak District Life magazine”