Capel Manor Gardens is a beautiful horticultural and educational site located in Enfield, North London. Spanning over 30 acres, it features a diverse collection of themed gardens, landscapes, and plant collections. The gardens are part of Capel Manor College, a specialist land-based institution offering courses in gardening, animal care, and related subjects, so the gardens also serve as a practical training ground for students.
Key Highlights:
Themed Gardens: Capel Manor Gardens is renowned for its range of imaginative and beautifully designed gardens, each with its own unique theme and planting scheme. These include:
Italianate Maze: A formal garden with clipped hedges and pathways leading to a central feature.
Japanese Garden: A peaceful space with traditional Japanese elements like bamboo, stone, and water features.
Cottage Gardens: Showcasing traditional English cottage-style plantings with vibrant flowers.
Wildlife Garden: Designed to attract and support local wildlife, with native plants and habitats for bees, birds, and butterflies.
Historic Buildings: The site includes Capel Manor House, a Georgian-style building that provides a charming backdrop to some of the gardens, and a 15th-century manor house ruin that adds to the sense of history.
Special Features:
Sunflower Street: A unique area showcasing front gardens and backyards in different styles, offering inspiration for visitors with small urban gardens.
National Gardening Centre: Demonstration gardens developed in collaboration with leading horticultural brands and designers.
Woodland Walk: A serene woodland area with paths winding through trees and shaded plants.
Events and Attractions: Capel Manor Gardens hosts a variety of seasonal events, including flower shows, gardening workshops, and family-friendly activities, making it an engaging destination for horticulture enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Educational Role: As part of the college, the gardens are a living classroom where students learn horticulture, garden design, and landscaping. This educational focus ensures that the gardens are not only beautiful but also innovative and expertly maintained.
In addition to its horticultural features, the gardens include a petting zoo, which makes it a popular spot for families with children. Capel Manor Gardens strikes a balance between being a space of natural beauty and a hub for learning and inspiration.
