Tucked behind Waterspring, a charming Welsh country house, lies a surprise that leaves visitors in awe: a giant yew maze, the garden’s undisputed highlight . This isn’t just any maze – it’s a labor of love 12 years in the making, crafted from 1,200 yew trees that now stand 6 feet tall.
The maze’s story starts with inspiration. The house’s owners looked to famous mazes at Symonds Yat and Longleat, then designed their own from scratch. They even used an Excel spreadsheet to map the octagonal layout, which spans 26 meters across with eight concentric rows of yew hedges . Planting took three months, and the owner’s young daughter helped – earning 20p per tree to save for a Kilimanjaro trip.
Growing the maze needed care. The young yew trees got plenty of water, and weed suppressant material kept unwanted plants away. Now, paths are covered in grit to stop weeds, making maintenance easy. Once a year, in September, the yew hedges get a trim – simple work for such a stunning feature .
Walking the maze is pure fun. Most people reach the center in 5 to 10 minutes, and no one has ever gotten lost or needed rescuing. At the heart of the maze stands a monkey puzzle tree, marking the end of the journey. It’s so popular that at a recent family wedding, guests raced to the center for prizes – almost stealing attention from the bride .
The maze fits perfectly with Waterspring’s charm. The six-bedroom country house was rebuilt in the 2000s from a 1970s home. Inside, there’s a grand hallway with marble floors and a sweeping staircase, but the maze still draws the eye. Visitors often linger in the garden just to tackle the yew pathways.
Yew is the ideal material for this maze. Slow-growing and dense, it creates clear, sturdy walls that guide explorers without feeling overwhelming. The owner says it’s the best choice for a long-lasting maze that gets better with time.
Whether you’re a maze fan or just love beautiful gardens, Waterspring’s yew maze delivers. It’s a testament to patience and creativity – a Welsh country house treasure that wows everyone who steps through its hedges.
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