Ilkley Gardens

Private gardens open to the public

The Ilkley Gardeners Association

The Ilkley Flower Club

The Annual Flower and Vegetable Show

Acknowledgements

Ilkley Gardens

Ilkley has a lot to offer the visitor who loves flowers, plants and gardens. It is colourful all the year round and much of this is due to the hard working and enthusiastic Committee of “Ilkley in Bloom”. This small team work all year round but the fruits of their labours are seen at their best during the summer months leading up to the judging which takes place in July. All the flower beds, urns, containers and small front gardens in the town centre look wonderful and there is not a weed or piece of litter to be seen. Their efforts have been rewarded. Ilkley has won the prestigious prize of Top Small Town in Yorkshire and Humberside in Bloom at least 5 times (2nd in 1996) and once we came second place in Europe in Bloom.

Much praise is given to the amateur gardeners who work alongside the professionals from Bradford Council and are assisted and supported financially by local businesses who sponsor their efforts. Around the town - down by the river Wharfe, along the Grove where many nice shops are to be found, and at the bottom of Kings Road there are gardens and parks - both large and small. Very near Betty’s famous cafe - also on the Grove, on the opposite side is the Garden for the Disabled. The idea came from a local resident who continues to tend and care for the garden that she planted with the disabled in mind, in particular, perfumed plants and shrubs. Most people will find their way down to the River Gardens but the small park at the bottom of Kings Road is worth looking for, especially if you like trees. The collection of acers there are wonderful in spring and autumn. Opposite are the Memorial Gardens with lovely flower beds and seats for visitors and locals alike.

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Private gardens open to the public

In addition to public gardens, Ilkley has a number of private gardens which are open to the public on specified dates - or by appointment. All open for the benefit of various charities.

Netherwood House

Netherwood House owned by Mr and Mrs Peter Marshall and situated on the left of the A65 Skipton Road going out of Ilkley towards Addingham.

Inglemere Lodge

Inglemere Lodge is owned by Mr and Mrs P.C.Walker-Sharp and situated on Easby drive, off Skipton Road also on the left going towards Addingham. These first 2 gardens are in the National Garden Scheme.

Cow and Calf Hotel Garden

Cow and Calf Hotel Garden is owned by Mr and Mrs Norfolk and situated on the left of Cowpasture Road, right up on Ilkley Moor.

Highfield House

Highfield House, owned by Mr and Mrs D.M.Garnett, a little further on, on the same road at Burley Woodhead. These two gardens open to raise money for Harlow Carr, near Harrogate and the HQ of the Northern Horticultural Society.

Beacon Hill House

Beacon Hill House is owned by Mr and Mrs D.H.Boyle at Langbar which is just outside Ilkley. Mr and Mrs Boyle open their garden for both the National Garden Scheme and Harlow Carr.

All these gardens are worthy of a visit - all very different both in size and content.

Other Gardens

Then there are many attractive small gardens in the centre of Ilkley - take a look along Regent Road for example; you will find two stunning, tiny front gardens next door to each other. Small garden owners are encouraged to enter a competition run by the Ilkley in Bloom Committee each summer. They also have a category for residential and nursing homes, and another for business premises.

Finally for the green fingered resident and visitor alike, Ilkley has two clubs and an Annual Flower and Vegetable Show.

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The Ilkley Gardeners Association

Meets once a month in Church House, All Saints Church, on the 1st Thursday at 7.30pm. They have a plant sale in June, and annual summer outings.  Visit their web site at /www.ilkleygardeners.org.uk

The Ilkley Flower Club

Meets every 2nd Monday at the Clarke-Foley Centre at 7.30pm. Demonstrations are given by top demonstrators. There are two competition nights per year and outings take place annually.

The Annual Flower and Vegetable Show

The Ilkley Flower Show Society is in its 44th year, and has its annual show in mid August for people aged 5-90 ! Financed by a Coffee Morning in mid May and local sponsors, there are over 60 special prizes to be won. Also the society gives cash prizes in all classes, as well as cups and trophies. Not all classes are for flowers and vegetables. In addition there is a Floral Art, Home Craft and Children’s section. Homecraft includes bread, cakes, preserves, knitting, needlework, handpainted china and craft work. Classes for children include:-

• Garden on a Plate
• Vegetable Monster
• Decorated Egg or Paper Plate
• Lego Model and Invitation to Bonfire Party

Enquiries or application for entry forms to the Show Secretary Tel: 01943 603049

Aknowledgements

These gardening pages have been kindly provided by Mrs Walker-Sharp

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