This spring has brought exciting changes to the gardening team here at Goldstone.

We said farewell to Ross, who has taken up a new role as Head Gardener at the Dorothy Clive Garden in Willoughbridge. During his time with us, Ross made a lasting impact and was a fantastic mentor to Sarah Smith-Roe, who has now blossomed into the role of Head Gardener. Sarah has flourished through dedication and skill, and we’re thrilled to see her confidently leading the continued development of the Goldstone gardens.

Joining Sarah is Christian, who’s currently shaping our box hedging, and the trusty “grass man,” who—after years of dedicated mowing—has just worn out our Honda Pro roller mower. We’re looking at a robotic alternative (ride-ons are off the cards here!).

A New Vineyard at Goldstone

To add to the work load, we have just planted 140 young vines on the new western terrace by the polytunnel—an exciting new chapter for Goldstone Hall Hotel & Gardens. The selection includes Solaris, known for producing fresh, fruity whites ideal for our Shropshire terroir, and Pinot Noir, the noble red grape of Burgundy.

I am not sure Nuits-Saint-Georges needs to tremble just yet but this tricky but noble vine is versatile in this northern site as potential for a light rosé, part of the sparkling wine mix rosé or white and of course in a hot summer some delicious red. The trellising will appear in the next few weeks and hopefully the vines will start to spout over their protective guards.

A Buzz of Growth in the Gardens

The herbaceous borders are coming alive, with peonies blooming and the warm April sun encouraging early climbing roses. Our Actinidia kolomikta is already showing off its striking pink and white leaves. After a stormy scare & extensive surgery, our mature Robinia pseudoacacia is recovering well and we’re hopeful for a fragrant summer bloom with its white, heavily scented racemes.

Take a wander into the polytunnel, where strawberries are already being harvested. Tomatoes are thriving, chilli plants are bedding in, and an array of fresh leaves are destined for Head Chef Maggie’s dishes—true garden-to-plate dining.

We’re also hard at work in the cutting garden and kitchen garden, with major planting underway and new landscaping to improve the pathway to the compost bins. Soon, the shingle will be replaced with grass and orchard trees, transforming the area into a serene garden path.

As one of the finest Shropshire hotels with a thriving kitchen garden, we take pride in letting guests experience these developments first-hand. Whether you’re staying with us, joining a garden tour, or simply visiting for lunch, there’s always something new to discover in the Goldstone gardens.

Enjoy your time with us— hopefully with a glass of something to cool you incase it all gets too much!

With warm wishes,
John and the Goldstone Garden Team

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.