12 Liverpool back gardens you can have a sneak peak at during National Garden Scheme

The sun is shining and the back garden is the place to be!

Have you every fancied a nosey round your neighbour’s garden? Well, you can – and don’t worry, there is no need to sneak about.

The National Garden Scheme opens more than 3,500 private gardens to the public every year and with most charging a small entry fee, usually between £4 and £6, the scheme saw more than £3 million donated to charity in 2022.

And with summer in full bloom in Liverpool, there are plenty of gardens open over the next two months to enjoy and get some inspiration for your own open space, no matter how big or small.

Some of the gardens are dog friendly and you can find out in advance about accessibility. Some garden hosts serve tea and cakes and they might have plants for sale. 

To find a garden to visit in your area, visit the website here.

Here are 12 gardens in and around Liverpool you can visit as part of the scheme.

Canning Georgian Quarter, 27 Canning Street, Liverpool

Two contrasting private gardens behind the Georgian homes in the Canning quarter open their gates this year. They will be joined by a vibrant community garden in the creative hub of nearby Windsor Street, the Squash project back garden, and the nearby Pakistan Association Garden. There’s a unique opportunity for the public to experience the tranquillity of the Spanish garden, El Jardin de la Nuestra Senora, alongside the St Philip Neri Church in Catharine Street.

This group of gardens will be open on 18^th June.

Grapes Community Food Garden, Windsor Street, Liverpool

The Grapes community Food Garden has been developed over the last 10 years with residents and community members. Weekly gardening and cooking sessions take place in the garden all year-round. 

The garden will be open on 18^th June.

136 Buckingham Road, Maghull

This garden in Maghull will be open on 10^th and 11^th June. There will be refreshments on offer, including homemade cakes, and the garden is wheelchair accessible. 

The garden is overflowing with cottage garden plants which are a haven for bees and butterflies and there’s a gorgeous pond and water feature. The gardeners makes a donation to the Marina Dalglish Appeal from the entry fee.

The North Tithebarn, Lunt Lane, L29

This two-acre garden is found in the village of Lunt in Sefton and boasts a 25-metre pond surrounded by perennial planting. There are other ponds, an orchard, wildflower area and vegetable beds all in the most tranquil of settings. It will be open on 10^th and 11^th June.

There will be refreshments on sale.

14 Saxon Road, Birkdale

Open on 11^th June and 16^th July, this Victorian walled garden features informal planting accessed by bark and gravel paths. 

It is dog friendly and there are homemade teas available.

12 Saxon Road, Birkdale

After visiting number 14 on 11^th June, pop round to number 12 to see the result of many years of planting in this established garden.

23 Ashton Road, Hillside, Southport

A lawn in the front garden shows off a collection of ferns, alpine plants, and formal bedding of fuchsias. A well-established long back garden with circular lawn and pergola hiding other areas including a water feature and vegetable patch.

This garden will be open on 11^th June and 16^th July, teas will be served, and it is wheelchair accessible.

115 Waterloo Road, Hillside, Southport

A large family garden recently transformed after years of neglect. A mature oak and pine tree frame large borders containing a wide array and perennials which provide year-round interest. A fernery and rhododendron bed have been created in the shade and number of patio areas are situated in and around the large lawn area.

Open on 11^th June, dog friendly and with refreshments on offer. 

45 Stourton Road, Southport

A garden which has evolved over several years and features a wide selection of trees, shrubs, and perennials to take you through the year. There is also a gorgeous summerhouse, topiary, areas of cottage style planting punctuated with floral creations, groupings of succulents and varied seating areas to relax.

Open on 11^th June with refreshments available.

18 Dee Park Road, Wirral

A long suburban garden backing onto private woodland. Mature garden laid to lawns, with mixed borders, leading on to numerous seating areas open on 11^th June.

The garden features a very unusual triple hexagonal greenhouse, which was originally purchased from the Liverpool Garden Festival site around 1984 so a bit of history on display as well!

24 Old Greasby Road, Upton, Wirral

Both front and rear gardens incorporate innovative features designed for climbing and rambling roses, clematis, underplanted with cottage garden plants with a very productive kitchen garden.

The garden is open on 18^th June and refreshments will be available.

Maggie’s Wirral, Clatterbridge

Maggie’s Wirral features a winding path through sun loving planting sheltered by wavy stone wall. The centre is set within varied colourful gardens and features a peaceful woodland area with wildlife and the Mediterranean garden has a shallow pool and sensory plants.

The garden will be open on 18^th June and tickets are available to buy in advance.

Check out our calendar here to plan your next day out in the city.