Make the most of May, as one of York’s best gardens springs into life

Spring is bursting out all over the place. And one of York’s best gardens is putting on a month of outdoor activities to celebrate the blossoming of birds, bugs and blooms.

Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens is making the most of May with activities from plant sales to bug trails.

There’s loads to do for all ages in the eight acres of gardens that surround York’s country house.

Here’s a few to try…

Enjoy some flower power

Take a stroll around the gardens and take in the blooming colourful displays.

The bluebells that carpeted the Beningbrough parkland will be making way to an assortment of wildflowers, while purple alliums dominate the flower borders.

Trained roses which cover the many beautiful walls will be starting to flower and the double border conjures up a cottage garden with whites, soft pinks and purples.

Pick up some plants

For one May weekend Beningbrough holds its popular annual plant sale when the garden team clear the nursery of the plants they’ve propagated and cared for over the winter.

The gardening team are on hand for helpful, green-fingered advice should you need it.

Meanwhile the stable shop is brimming with garden tools, books and ornaments to complete your own patch.

Go potty for history

History buffs should head along for an unusual insight into potting sheds past.

For two days the Beningbrough conservation team will be in the shed checking the condition of the historic tools on display; marking, photographing and cleaning.

You can join them to watch the conservation in action and have a close up look at the varied collection.

Have a busy half term

If you know any children who like an outdoor adventure, take them along to Beningbrough during May half term.

Planned activities on selected days will help youngsters complete their adventurous 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ play list.

Or pick up a free explorer backpack from the hall from noon every day – themed with everything you need to head off and have your own adventures.