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The Dorothy Clive Garden

RHS Partner Garden

Free access for RHS Members at selected times

Willoughbridge
Market Drayton
Shropshire
TF9 4EU
England

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Free RHS Member days
Free access (member 1 only for joint memberships) applies 1 Jul–31 Mar.

Telephone
01630 647237

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About the garden

Set amid glorious countryside where the borders of Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire intersect, this 12-acre hillside garden is a year-round plantsman's paradise. 

The gardens started as a quarry which acted as a perfect area for Colonel Clive's collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, created under a protective canopy of oaks and forming an exquisite woodland garden. This area is at its best during May but does have colour from January onwards. Over the years an extensive collection of magnolias and Cornus kousa has been added to the quarry. This has been further enhanced by the addition of a waterfall and streamside planting. 

In June the 330ft Laburnum arch takes centre stage. Later in the year the herbaceous borders and roses have their moment of glory, followed by beautiful autumn colour throughout the garden from trees and shrubs such as Parrotia persica, Hamamelis and Liquidambar, to name but a few. The Winter Garden has been enhanced in recent years and is maturing at a rapid rate. 

Throughout the year, interest and colour can be found in the Royal Botanic Glasshouse – opened in 2016.

Please note: this garden is partially accessible. A mobility scooter is now available for garden visitors – please call the garden to book.

Facilities

  • Accessible facilities
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children's activities
  • Dogs welcome
  • Free carer entry
  • Gift shop
  • Group rates
  • Parking
  • Picnic area
  • Plant sales
  • Refreshments
  • Toilets

Key features

  • Herbaceous border
  • Autumn colour
  • Champion trees
  • Wildlife planting and features
  • Winter garden

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.