Historic Arbour at York Gate Garden Restored Just in Time for Snowdrop Days

If you love a good garden stroll, you’ll be happy to hear that York Gate Garden in Adel, near Leeds, has just restored one of its most iconic features—the historic arbour. And the timing couldn’t be better, as the garden prepares to welcome visitors for its much-anticipated Snowdrop Days this February.

A piece of gardening history brought back to life

Originally built in the 1960s, the arbour is a stunning example of Arts and Crafts design, blending seamlessly with York Gate’s beautiful landscape. Using local materials and traditional techniques, the structure has always been a standout feature—one that deserved a second lease of life.

Thanks to a fundraising campaign led by the garden’s current owners, Perennial, the arbour has been carefully restored. Donations poured in from the local community, and a £6,000 contribution from Leeds City Council, funded by the Outer North West Community Committee, helped make the project possible.

Crafted with care and tradition

The restoration stayed true to the original design, using oak dowels and locally sourced timber to maintain its authenticity. Over just five days, skilled local contractors worked their magic, bringing back the craftsmanship that made the structure special in the first place.

Jack Ogg, York Gate Garden Manager, shared his excitement:

“The newly restored arbour is a fantastic addition to the garden, sitting between the pinetum and orchard. We hope visitors will enjoy it as they pass through the much-loved garden rooms at York Gate. It has been wonderful to see a key part of the heritage of the garden restored for future generations, and we are incredibly grateful to our supporters and the council for their kind donations.”

Celebrate 30 years of York Gate with Snowdrop Days

This year is extra special for York Gate Garden—it marks 30 years since Perennial took over the site, ensuring it remains a haven for garden lovers. And what better way to celebrate than with the return of Snowdrop Days?

If you fancy seeing delicate white blooms carpeting the garden, here’s when you can visit:

• Friends of Perennial members: Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 February 2025
• General public: Wednesday 12 – Sunday 16 February 2025

Snowdrop Days are one of the highlights of the gardening calendar, offering a rare chance to see these early spring flowers in full bloom. Whether you’re a keen horticulturist or just looking for a peaceful day out, York Gate in February is a sight to behold.

So, wrap up warm, take a stroll through the newly restored arbour, and enjoy the simple beauty of snowdrops at York Gate Garden this month. 🌿❄️