Nunnington Hall National Trust
Complete redesign of the historic Iris garden at Nunnington Hall, National Trust property, Yorkshire.
© Kristina Clode Garden Design (Image 1-3)
© National Trust (Image 4-6)
Watch the video to experience the stunning opening of the Iris Garden.
A Heritage Iris Garden at Nunnington Hall, designed for the National Trust, honouring the history of the site while embracing sustainability, biodiversity, and accessibility for modern visitors.
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Celebrating the rich diversity of the Iris genus, the garden showcases a wide variety of species, highlighting the plant’s versatility and year-round appeal. Irises are woven through mixed borders alongside carefully selected trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs — providing structure, seasonal interest, and valuable habitats for wildlife.
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At the heart of the garden lies a central wildlife pond, planted with marginal irises and native aquatic species. Reclaimed Yorkstone paving from the original garden has been repurposed to edge the pond with a stone-capped finish and to form part of the retaining wall of the existing cutting garden — blending heritage materials with thoughtful design.
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Accessibility is integral to the garden’s layout. A network of self-binding gravel paths offers smooth, step-free access throughout. Custom-designed wooden benches include adjacent space for a wheelchair or buggy, with one arm removed to ensure easy side access.
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A changing repertoire of sculpture will be displayed in the garden, the first exhibits shown in the garden are by Ruth Moilliet.​
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