There is something particularly magical about late spring at Goldstone Hall Hotel and Gardens. The gardens are shifting from the soft freshness of spring into the abundant colour and texture of early summer, creating one of the most beautiful times to visit this hidden gem in the Shropshire countryside.

At the heart of the terrace, the ancient wisteria is now in full bloom. Slightly past its peak perhaps, but still utterly glorious. The scent hangs heavily in the warm air and as petals begin to drift down like confetti across the terrace, it creates a wonderfully romantic atmosphere that guests at Goldstone Hall Hotel so often remember long after their visit.

For St George’s Day, the first roses began to emerge and the climbing roses along the garden walls are flowering beautifully. The warmth retained by the walls within the Goldstone gardens creates a sheltered microclimate that allows many plants to flourish earlier and more vigorously. The striking pink and white foliage of Actinidia kolomikta is now at its very best, while the abutilons have begun their long succession of delicate light blue flowers that will continue throughout the summer months.

Across the borders, the shrub roses are showing impressive height this year, particularly the structural line of Ballerina roses that frame the herbaceous double border. Their soft movement and repeated flowering draw the eye beautifully through the garden.

Turning the corner beside the old Bramley apple tree reveals the view towards the developing trial vineyard — an exciting new addition to the gardens at Goldstone Hall Hotel in Shropshire. On either side, the large borders are patiently awaiting their summer planting of dahlias, although with the lingering threat of late frost still possible, planting has been cautiously delayed.

To the west, the laburnum arch is beginning to open into flower, although one tree appears reluctant to fully awaken this season. Gardening always carries an element of unpredictability and patience, but hope remains that it will eventually burst into life.

Beyond the archways, visitors are greeted by a joyful display of vibrant tulips and abundant peonies. Sweet cicely — often mistaken for cow parsley — fills the borders with its delicate white flowers and subtle aniseed fragrance. Keen gardeners visiting Goldstone Hall’s RHS Partner Garden may also spot two rather adventurous residents: horseradish and wild garlic. Both are wonderfully productive but have determined personalities in the garden and require careful management to prevent them taking over entirely.

The herb walkway remains one of the most distinctive and talked-about features of the gardens. Leading visitors towards the fig tree and distant Lutyens bench, this Mediterranean-inspired planting is unlike anything else in Shropshire. Cowslips have flowered magnificently this year and the aromatic herbs are beginning to spill across the pathways. The copper and purple tones of the fresh beech hedge provide a stunning backdrop to espalier apples and pears, while garlic, rhubarb and globe artichokes bring texture and productivity to the kitchen garden.

This season also sees the planting of Anja, Goldstone Hall’s potato cultivar of the year – a delicious cross between Ratte and Pink Fir Apple. Meanwhile, the earlier crop growing in the polytunnel is already being harvested.

Further along the central herb walk, the productive vegetable gardens are preparing for the busy summer ahead. Rosemary and curry plant combine in beautiful shades of silver-grey and green, while the newly created pathway offers views towards Cheswardine Church and the expanding vineyard below.

Now entering its second year, the vineyard is thriving. The white Solaris vines are already flowering and, weather permitting, should produce fruit this autumn. Nearby, the Pinot Noir vines are developing strongly, holding back slightly on flowering — which may prove beneficial protection against any final frosts of spring.

At Goldstone Hall Hotel and Gardens, every season brings something new to discover. From fragrant wisteria and historic roses to productive kitchen gardens and experimental vineyards, the gardens continue to evolve while offering guests one of the most peaceful and inspiring countryside experiences in Shropshire.

Visitors looking for a luxury hotel in Shropshire, beautiful RHS gardens, garden-to-table dining and relaxing countryside escapes will find late spring at Goldstone Hall particularly special.