Readers have been quick to heap praise on Stapenhill Gardens after an amateur photographer captured it in all of its glory.
Robert King took his camera out with him while he visited Stapenhill Gardens when he caught the picturesque area looking its best, with St Peter’s Church making an appearance in the background.
Soon after his picture was posted on the Burton Mail Facebook page, people were quick to comment saying how stunning the area was and praising the hard work that goes in to keeping it looking its best, as well as the quality of the impressive photograph.
It comes as the area is bidding to win a coveted gold medal in the Britain in Bloom contest this year.
The picture itself was “shared” on Facebook 44 times and had more than 550 “reactions” including “likes” and “wows”.
Most people commented simply saying the picture and the view was “beautiful”, “stunning” and “breath taking”.
Lesley Saltinstall said: “Stapenhill is the jewel in Burton’s crown. They are aiming at their tenth consecutive gold medal for Britain in Bloom this year.”
Sam McDonald said: “Beautiful! It’s a shame the rest of Burton can't look as stunning as this picture.”
“Stunningly lovely. Wish there was more of it around Burton,” said Chris Finnemore and Sue Blackwood added: “How beautiful. The hanging baskets are amazing. Love those colours.”
Jill Mapp said: “Beautiful photo. I love Stapenhill by the river” and Yvonne Mellor said: “Such a beautiful display - just wow.”
Christine Collier was also impressed with the display and said: “An array of colour, beautiful.”
Sue Batten commented about how beautiful the gardens are and said: “My Charlie maintained these gardens” and Sue Perkins said: “Lovely, well done those gardeners.”
Esther Morris-Jones said it is the “best way to drive to Burton” and Denis Smith said it “puts Derby to shame”.
Margaret Santoro simply added: “Very nice lovely colours.”
After receiving so much praise for his photograph, Mr King thanked everyone who got in touch. He said: “Thank you so, so much for all the beautiful comments, likes, loves and wows. It means so much believe me.”
All about Stapenhill Gardens
Stapenhill Gardens is owned and managed by East Staffordshire Borough Council and is popular park with locals. It has formal gardens, open grassland and woodland and a popular play area. And it's free to use. The site acts as a focal point for the community, with events held around the famous giant swan structure. It is a giant planter shaped like a swan, which packed with flowers by council gardeners.
There parking at Stapenhill Hollows on Stapenhill Road, where visitors can walk along the picturesque river bank which leads under St Peter’s Bridge bringing peolple out into the gardens at the point of the newly formed water front. While in the area visitors can also take a stroll through the arboretum at nearby St Peter’s Church and over the footbridge that crosses St Peter’s Bridge to the top of the gardens. There is also a small car park off Ferry Street too giving access to the gardens near the play area or to Ferry Bridge and Washlands area.
Stapenhill Gardens has Tarmac paths leading all around the grounds so disabled people can use it too. there also toilets the disabled can use. They are operated by a RADAR key.
The borough council has undertaken restoration works in the gardens to maintain the grounds, with bank stabilisation works. A council spokesman said: "While undertaking these works we have been able to improve the waterfront by installing steps leading down to the river, creating an area ideal for feeding the many swans that inhabit the gardens."
Car park barrier opening and closing times
Summer opening and closing (from April 1 to October 31) - 8am to 9pm
Winter (November 1 to March 31) - 8am to 4.30pm
History of the gardens
In 1933 Henry Goodger gave the land next to the former Stapenhill House and part of its garden as a pleasure ground in memory of his mother. The central portion of the ground was lost when the access road for St Peter’s Bridge was laid out in 1985.
On the TripAdvisor website there was manyeviews of Stapenhill Gardens.
Here's what some people had to say:
Derbyshire Flyboy said: "Called in while en-route to somewhere to somewhere else. Nice gardens, well maintained, colours a little garish in the flower beds, but the gardens are lovely for a leisurely stroll. Beautiful bridge to see as well."
Jacquimyatt said: "I walk here most days with my dog and see the flowerbeds planted and changed and tended. See the staff working come rain or shine... have a little chat. They do such a wonderful job. They keep it looking beautiful such a lovely place to walk. Thank you to the gardening staff."
Charlotte B said: "The walk to Stapenhill Gardens is short from the main college and is lovely to go to during break times and also to see the beautiful blossom trees."
Harriett169 said: "I love these gardens and walk through them regularly. They are well designed and kept beautifully. There are always beautiful flowers and and it is a lovely place to take children. You can feed the swans and there is plenty of room for them to run around. There is one piece of the gardens I despise utterly. It is a picture of a tree in metal work. It is badly designed and means absolutely nothing. There used to be a couple of swans and Burton is famous for its swans not trees made with hand prints for roots. Why? I cannot imagine. A change? Let us hope it changes again soon."
