This summer at Goldstone Hall Hotel in Shropshire will be remembered as one of the greats. Unlike the intense droughts of 1975 and 1976, this year’s warmth has been softened by the occasional shower, which has kept the dust at bay. Still, the long, hot spell has left its mark. The lawns have turned brown, and while most will recover with autumn rain, drier patches will need reseeding in September. Our plan? Scarify, spike, and bravely reseed — though it will briefly turn the lawns into a desert before they spring back to life.

Thanks to our private water supply, we’ve been able to irrigate the borders generously, though it has been a labour of love. An estimated 100,000 gallons have been carefully “ladled” onto the gardens, keeping borders, flowers, and most of the greenery alive.

Garden Highlights in Shropshire

Despite the heat, some plants have thrived spectacularly. The Campsis radicans on the Orangery is ablaze with orange trumpets, while the Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) fills the air with scent. The Crinum lilies (Crinum x powellii) on the herbaceous border are another highlight. Down in the cutting garden, colour bursts from dahlias, sunflowers, and cosmos, all beautifully contrasted by the red orach (Atriplex hortensis). Runner beans climbing on the Ellerton terrace bring both structure and charm to the late summer display.

Our newly planted vines – Pinot Noir and Solaris – are making excellent progress. Their first-year challenge is to reach the fruiting wire, and we’re now nipping out the growing tips and side shoots to encourage strong, frost-resistant stems. Once they thicken, they’ll be ready to bud at fruiting height in April–May 2026.

The Productive Kitchen Garden

In the polytunnel, tomatoes are at their peak, strawberries are producing second flushes, and chillies and peppers are ripening beautifully. Outside, the orchards are heavy with apples and pears, promising a bumper harvest. These will be pressed into our own juices — a refreshing highlight at breakfast in our restaurant in Shropshire.

Featured in English Country Garden

We’re delighted that Goldstone has been featured in the September edition of English Country Garden, with a six-page spread and stunning photography by Joe Wainwright. A copy is proudly displayed on the oak table in the inner hall, and additional complimentary issued for our bedrooms.

Looking Ahead

While Head Gardener Sarah has taken a short break in the Shetlands to escape the heat, she returns full of ideas to keep developing the garden for next year. As ever, our garden in Shropshire remains the beating heart of Goldstone — inspiring the menus in our restaurant near Newport and Market Drayton in Shropshire and providing a unique backdrop for guests to explore and enjoy.

Whether you’re visiting for the gardens, the food, or a stay in our Georgian country house, Goldstone continues to thrive as one of the most welcoming hotels in the Midlands.

Enjoy your stay,

With warm wishes,
John and the Goldstone Garden Team

Goldstone Hall Hotel & Gardens offers an unforgettable countryside escape in the Midlands — with a celebrated restaurant, peaceful gardens, and warm hospitality at its core.

A Georgian manor house and restaurant with 12 comfortable bedrooms overlooking the rolling tree-strewn hills of the North Shropshire countryside. Boasting 5 acres of award-winning gardens, including a productive one-acre kitchen garden.

Located in the ‘golden garden triangle’ close to Wollerton Old Hall Garden, Hodnet Hall Gardens & Bridgemere Show Garden.

A warm welcome awaits you.

Find out more about the hotel and garden opening times here.