The UK’s biggest ever plant hunt is underway with a survey that will cover tens of thousands of plants at more than eighty significant National Trust Gardens. The project is sponsored by Yorkshire Bank, sponsors of the Outdoor Programme which also includes help to conserve and protect National Trust gardens through investment in greener gardening initiatives.

Using the latest technology including GPS positioning to record plant locations over 1,000,000 plants are being recorded to give an overview of the largest collection of cultivated plants in the UK. Many of these plants tell the history of a garden’s creation, people’s passions and changing fashions through the centuries.

During the three year sponsorship deal Yorkshire Bank is also supporting the Greener Gardens initiative to improve the way both the Trust and its supporters can maintain gardens in more environmentally sustainable ways. This includes composting on an industrial scale, rainwater harvesting and reviving old wells, to experimenting with drought-resistant varieties of plants and introducing solar-powered lawnmowers.

It is good to see a bank putting something into more than just executive bonuses.

Locations from the National Trust Yorkshire section that you might like to visit include

Beningbrough Hall & Gardens
This imposing Georgian mansion contains one of England’s best baroque interiors. Over 100 pictures are on loan from the National Portrait Gallery. Outside there is a delightful walled garden and a fantastic adventure playground.

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
Set in a medieval deer park, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal form one of the most remarkable places in Europe. The 12th-century Cistercian abbey, complete with watermill, is one of our most iconic ruins. Studley Royal is one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden. Elegant ornamental lakes, canals, temples and cascades provide a succession of dramatic eye-catching vistas.

Nunnington Hall
Nunnington’s organic walled garden complements the mellow manor house. The house contains a haunted room and attics with a fascinating collection of fully furnished miniature rooms.

Treasurer’s House
This elegant town house, dating from medieval times, was originally home to the treasurers of York Minster. Nestled behind the Minster, its size, splendour and contents are a constant surprise to visitors – as are the famous ghost stories.

East Riddlesden Hall
An intimate manor house with a wonderful ambience, the Hall is furnished with textiles, Yorkshire oak furniture and pewter. Wildflowers, perennials and a fragrant herb border provide a changing carpet of colour outside.

Nostell Priory
this architectural masterpiece is a house of treasures. Highlights include one of England’s best collections of Chippendale furniture and some of the finest Adam interiors. The grounds offer delightful lakeside walks and a stunning collection of rhododendrons and azaleas.

Other Yorkshire National Trust Sites

For more on Yorkshire gardens read Gardener’s Tips