GARDENS that were first planted around 200 years ago have now been restored to their former glory after seven years of hard work.

More than 100 volunteers have done their bit in the National Trust’s restoration project for the gardens at the Quarry Bank.

And with the work completed from the glasshouse in the Upper Garden, to the borders running alongside the River Bollin, the mill’s gardens have not looked better since the Greg family were in residence.

“It’s been like putting together a puzzle piece by piece, but looking at the gardens today I feel very proud,” said Sarah Witts, head gardener at Quarry Bank.

“Our job as gardeners is to look after what we have now, but for visitors there really is so much to enjoy over the next few months.”

Summer visitors to Quarry Bank will discover that vines, marigolds and exotic plants have taken root in the glasshouse.

Outside, a herbaceous border will be in full bloom until August, and by the river a variety of plants have burst into a palette of peach, blue and silver colours.

“We took over care of the Upper Gardens seven years ago when its paths, planting and fruit trees had been lost or damaged,” Sarah added.

“It is amazing to see how far the gardens have come in such a small space of time.”

One piece of the jigsaw that was vital to the restoration were receipts from Caldwell’s renowned nursery in Knutsford.

They provided details of plant purchases made by the Gregs or their gardeners, and offered a kind of blueprint for the garden.

Old photos were also of some use, but because they were black and white could only provide an idea of the garden’s structure.

“We never planned to create a carbon copy of the gardens as they were in the Gregs’ time,” said Sarah.

“What we have achieved is recreating the authentic feel of this garden and this summer people can really start to appreciate its beauty and atmosphere.”

A team of five gardeners will now take care of the gardens.