Spring gardens: The secret walled garden in Nottingham where you can see the very best of spring flowers

Spring is always a time of renewal, particularly when it comes to nature.

Whether it be new-born lambs or blankets of bluebells, spring creates a sense of optimism that’s much needed after a long and miserable winter.

Nottingham has basked in the spring sunshine over the past couple of weeks, which has resulted in many flowers and plants blooming earlier than normal.

The city is full of great places to see the very best of spring, from the Arboretum to Rushcliffe Country Park.

Many of these beauty spots are well-documented, but if you’re up for trying somewhere a bit different over the coming weeks, how does a secret botanical garden grab your attention?

The secret walled garden at Wollaton Park

Dating back to the 1880s, the secret walled garden at Wollaton Park was rediscovered in 2007 after being abandoned for many years.

Nottingham City Council, which owns the hall and estate, stopped using the gardens in the early 1990s and they were subsequently left to nature.

In 2017 a group of volunteers started work to restore the garden to its former glory, including repairs to the 12ft grade-two listed walls and head gardener’s cottage.

Thanks to the hard work of volunteers, the garden has been reclaimed from the ravages of time.

Invasive ivy and brambles have now been replaced by flowers and vegetables.

Tours of the secret garden take place every Thursday until the end of October.

Tickets cost £5, which goes towards the upkeep of the garden.