York Gate Garden near Leeds will re-launch this spring following a programme of restoration and development. Over the past year the one-acre garden, which is owned and run by horticulture trade charity Perennial, has been replanted and refreshed and a new gift shop, tea room and events centre have been created. An event to mark the official opening of the garden will take place on Wednesday 23 March, ahead of its opening to the public for the 2016 season on Easter Sunday.

York Gate is regarded as one of the UK’s best small gardens, designed in the Arts & Crafts style by the Spencer family during the 20^th century. The investment by Perennial into first class facilities for the garden has enabled it to develop from being a private hidden gem into a notable visitor attraction that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Head gardener at York Gate, Adam Bowley commented: “York Gate is an intimate and well-designed garden but we faced the challenge of refurbishing what is now a mature garden set within a modest space. We have replanted parts of the garden and reduced the beech and yew hedges that surround it to bring back the scale. We have tried to create some more modern planting combinations, while making sure that all work is in keeping with Robin Spencer’s original design and the Arts & Crafts style.”

York Gate is designed around a series of 14 outdoor rooms, each with its own unique character, laid out on a framework of yew and beech hedges and York Stone and granite paths. At just one acre in total, it is this intimate scale that makes the garden relatable to visitors, providing them with practical inspiration to take home and recreate in their own gardens.

Visitors this spring can expect to see seasonal perennials in the woodland area of The Dell and container displays of spring bulbs. A new bespoke artwork by David James of Olicana Mosaics will also be unveiled. Later in the season, displays of summer flowering herbaceous perennials will come into their own in the hot border and the white garden, while the herb garden and model vegetable garden are always popular with visitors.

Jim Buttress, vice president of Perennial who will be officiating as guest of honour at the opening, said: “This is a charming garden that holds a special place in the affection of many of its visitors. With the addition of the new tea room, shop and Field Room, York Gate puts itself more firmly on the map as a visitor destination and one of the must-see gardens of Yorkshire.”

The new Field Room at York Gate provides a venue for events, hosting a series of courses and workshops throughout the year that are open to the public and the facility is also available to hire for classes and small group events. The new gift shop is light and bright and stocked with a wide range of gifts and gardening products, profits from which go toward helping Perennial support horticulturists in need. The refurbished tea rooms serve sandwiches and savoury platters as well as a selection of freshly baked cakes.

In addition, Perennial is investing in visitor information and interpretation, thanks to a recent grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Perennial received a £84,200 grant for a volunteer-led project to research the garden’s history and create a permanent exhibition for visitors, all part of a drive to increase public awareness and help sustain the garden.