Stunning peacock in the glasshouse At Kew Gardens this month, visitors can enjoy the promise of Spring in the garden where snowdrops, helebores and aconites are making an appearance. For more exotic blooms, head for the Princess of Wales glasshouse, where a taste of India awaits in the form of giant floral displays celebrating the culture and... Continue Reading →
Blenheim Palace at Christmas
Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is quite rightly a popular destination for garden and history lovers alike. The title of Palace is a worthy one given its splendour and pomp. The Palace, built between 1705 and 1722 is complimented by formal gardens designed by Henry Wise and a water parterre designed by Achille Duchêne. With landscaped... Continue Reading →
The Secret Gardens of Sandwich. The Salutation.
The Salutation in Sandwich, Kent is probably best known as being the former home to Steph and Dom of 'Gogglebox' fame. However it is also home to the most marvellous garden, the bones of which were laid out by Gertrude Jekyll to compliment the Edwin Lutyens house, built between 1911-1912. The gardens, which are open... Continue Reading →
RHS Rosemoor, Devon
The RHS garden, Rosemoor is situated near Torrington in Devon and set in a deep wooded valley beside the river Torridge. Originally created as a private garden by Lady Anne Palmer (born in 1919) the garden was gifted to the RHS in 1988 and in 1990 it was opened to the public as a 'garden... Continue Reading →
Hauser and Wirth Garden at Durslade Farmhouse, Somerset
Hauser and Wirth garden and gallery at Brunton in Somerset is so achingly modern and on trend that it's an unexpected find in the middle of Somerset. Being only a short detour from the A303 it is certainly worth a visit, especially to break a journey en-route to the West Country. Durslade Farmhouse forms part... Continue Reading →
Overbeck’s, Salcombe, Devon
Overlooking the Salcombe estuary, Overbeck's is a National Trust property, built in 1913 and was formerly a convalescent home for injured soldiers. The house was bought by Otto Overbeck in 1928 and left to the National Trust in 1937 following his death. The steep and densely planted grounds overlook the beautiful Salcombe Estuary and are home... Continue Reading →
Kew Gardens – a special evening.
Kew Gardens has long been a destination for garden visitors. The magnificent Victorian Palm House is real draw, being the most important surviving example in the world and housing a vast array of exotic palms and ferns from around the globe. In addition the modern Princess of Wales conservatory features a staggering array of cacti, orchids... Continue Reading →
Shere Open Gardens, June 2016
A village gardens open scheme is a great way to take in several gardens in one afternoon, whilst enjoying a glimpse into the backyards of houses not usually open to the public. Shere, near Guildford in Surrey is far from your typical Surrey stereotypical dormitory, since much of the village is still owned by... Continue Reading →
Arundel Castle Gardens
It is a common misconception that Arundel Castle is 'just a castle' with perhaps a private garden, hidden from the snooping eyes of the tourist. In fact this couldn't be further from the truth and Arundel Castle gardens should be on every garden visitor's 'bucket list'. The extensive grounds are dominated by the Hogwarts-style castle... Continue Reading →
Hall Place and Gardens, Bexley, Kent
Hall Place first came to my attention whilst searching for a garden to visit in the Sidcup area. Oddly, their website, whilst promoting all manner of family days out and a brief history of the Tudor manor house, gives no information on the garden other than the carrot of a photograph depicting curiously shaped topiary.... Continue Reading →