Celebrating 15 years since the transformation of the Gardens from an overgrown, unkempt area to one of the most spectacular gardens in the county with fascinating features including an 18^th century ruined corn mill, lead mine shaft, a 2 acre hillside area backing on to woodland and rare flora such as double form Hellebores, black walnut and tulip trees, Cascades Gardens is open to all from 10am to 5pm every Wednesday, Sunday and Bank Holiday until the end of August.

Listed in the Yellow Book, the National Gardens Scheme publication, of whom HRH The Prince of Wales is Patron and featured in the local press and on the BBC, Cascades Gardens has been a labour of love for owner Alan Clements and his wife Elizabeth.

“15 years ago, in 1996, three amazing things happened which changed the course of our lives. We were lucky enough to enjoy an audience with the Dalai Lama in India, spent time in the monasteries of the Japanese Alps, meditating in the famous gardens of the Daisen-In in Kyoto and we bought The Cascades, then a 6 bedroom Georgian house with a wasteland of a garden.

“It was the stunning Japanese garden of the Daisen-In and our love of nature which inspired us to transform the 4 acres of land into Cascades Gardens. And it certainly was a challenge and inspiration!” recalls Alan.

Work began on the gardens in 1996, the same year as the well documented restoration of the Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, with Alan clearing the 30ft high Holly trees which darkened the southern border and 6ft high Hogweed, Brambles and Stinging Nettles which covered the remaining landscape. Drawing on their combined 60 years of gardening knowledge they created an oasis of tranquillity with formal gardens and “garden rooms” as well as the wilder raised area backing on to native woodlands and cliff.

Cascades Gardens is designed to be enjoyed by all with designated walkways complete with wooden handrails, a pond where wild and domestic ducks now rule, a vegetable patch and nursery where a wide range of herbaceous perennials are available to purchase.

“We are proud of what we have achieved here at Cascades Gardens. This garden reflects our love of plants and nature and it has become our paradise. It is time however for a new challenge and so The Cascades and Gardens is now available to purchase” says Alan.

The charming Cascades house, set on the edge of the Peak District, comprises a 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom Georgian property which is a delightful family home. The property is sold with the lower 2 acres of formal gardens for £725,000 with an additional raised 2 acres to the rear available if required.

As Alan explains,

“We have lived in The Cascades now for 15 years and it has been an ideal place to relax in the heart of Derbyshire while commuting to Nottingham and Derby for business. Cascades Gardens really adds something that is very special to our lives.”

Cascades Gardens will be open to the public from 1^st April and The Cascades is currently on the market so for more information contact the appointed agent Fidler-Taylor on 01629 580228 or visit www.fidler-taylor.co.uk.