In 2024, Trentham celebrates 20 years since the reopening of the gardens following huge regeneration by St Modwen. Today, Trentham launches the Gardens Revisited Project which will focus on the Italian Garden and Rose Border developments with a 3-year phased programme, working with renowned garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith and world-famous rose growers David Austin Roses.​

Trentham has announced a series of ambitious garden development plans, as part of an exciting programme of events and activities marking the 20th anniversary of the gardens' re-opening. This significant milestone celebrates two decades of horticultural excellence and innovation at one of the UK's most cherished historic gardens.

Central to the celebrations is a collaboration with the renowned garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith to revisit his original designs for Trentham's Italian Garden. This project seeks to build upon the Ggrden's legacy while introducing contemporary elements that reflect the evolving nature of garden design. Stuart-Smith's visionary work, which initially transformed Trentham Gardens into a modern masterpiece, will be honoured and updated to ensure the gardens continue to inspire visitors for years to come.​

​Flanking either side of The Italian Garden, are two 120-metre-long borders designed by eminent Dutch plantsman, Piet Oudolf. With a choice selection of plants including Salvias, Echinacea, Phlox and a large selection of ornamental grasses. The Long Borders have complemented Tom Stuart-Smith’s planting for many years and will carry on doing so in the many years to come.​

Furthermore, Trentham is partnering with David Austin Roses for a complete redesign of the Rose Border. This exciting initiative will introduce a curated selection of pink and white roses, showcasing the diversity and beauty of the English Rose collection. The redesign will also incorporate rare and heritage species roses to enhance the border's diversity, focusing on fragrance, flower shapes, and sizes to create a unique sensory experience.​​

Trentham Head Gardener Luke Bartle added “Our 20th Anniversary and the Gardens Revisited Project is a wonderful opportunity to reflect how schemes have performed over the past 20 years, but more importantly, looking at planting that will last the next 20 years and more. A lot has changed in the last 20 years since the Gardens were planted in their original schemes, so it’s great to be revisiting this and to build on and future-proof the Gardens.”

Find out more about Trentham Estate at trentham.co.uk.