| Event type: | Outing |
| Date: | 1st February 2025 |
| Cost: | £7 admission |
We had an enjoyable visit to Hill Close Gardens, Bread and Meat Close, WarwickCV34 6HF, during their Snowdrop Weekend.
Hill Close Gardens are a rare example of restored Victorian detached gardens. They were originally owned or rented by Warwick residents. The gardens are located between the Market square and Racecourse. They are a quiet place to retreat from the town centre, only a short walk away.
The 16 remaining gardens have been lovingly restored so you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of these hidden gardens while learning about their history.
The gardens are now managed by a charity and supported by many volunteers.
When we visited there were beginning to show signs that spring was coming. We saw many clumps of snowdrops scattered through the gardens, often accompanied by a poem, written on slate.
In 1845, The sloping Hill Close pasture land began to be divided into large garden plots which Warwick tradesmen rented.
They planted apple trees, grew vegetables and flowers. Pig styes and glasshouses were built, and poultry kept.
Brick and wood summerhouses were also built. The brick structures even had fireplaces and chimneys providing warmth and enabling tea to be brewed and bread toasted. They provided a shelter from rain and a view across the common.
Each garden has a notice board supported by a garden spade, listing all the past owners and tenants of the plot. These included among other occupations - Butchers, Bakers, Greengrocers, Pharmacists, Accountants, Inn Keepers and Lodging House Keepers.