Tucked away down a quiet single track lane, Lowder Mill lies against an ambient Surrey landscape of lush fields and rhododendron woods. With the now redundant millpond forming a backdrop against the pale brick wisteria clad house, water is the main feature of this garden, flowing abundantly along streams througout the garden whilst beside the millpond,... Continue Reading →
Chilworth Manor, Surrey
Lady Heald (1904-2004), huge supporter and former Chairman of the NGS and resident at Chilworth Manor for more than 40 years used to preside over her open garden days when the genteel Surrey manor opened its garden gates to the public. Happily, the new owners of this gorgeous slice of England are following suit and... Continue Reading →
Petersham Open Gardens
How many of us must have driven along the narrow road through Petersham, Surrey enroute to Richmond and admired the stately Georgian town houses and quaint cottages, wondering what lay behind them? All was revealed on Sunday 22nd May when Petersham Village opened 12 of its private gardens to the public to raise funds for... Continue Reading →
Ulting Wick, Essex – terrific tulips and more
Ulting Wick in Essex has received its fair share of mentions in the press and on social media and has quite rightly been named by photographer Clive Nichols and The English Garden magazine as one of the top 7 must-see 'paradise' gardens in England. Philippa Burrough and husband Bryan moved into the property 20 years... Continue Reading →
Tulips from Amsterdam! A chilly weekend in Holland
Keukenhof, Tulip Fields and historical Hortus Bulborum
NGS spring gardens prove surprising
Many people might associate the NGS (National Gardens Scheme) with hazy summer days, overflowing borders and cream teas under a parasol on the lawn. Not quite so, and the NGS, as well as raising millions of pounds for British care charities in fact promotes gardens open throughout the year. DAFFODILS AT DACHS, WEST SUSSEX With daffodils... Continue Reading →
Painshill landscape Garden
Now here's a garden that does exactly what it says on the tin (or so to speak). Painshill Landscape Garden conjures up images of sweeping grass, water graced with bridges and overlooked by trees. I am pleased to report that it is exactly that and more. Inspired by renaissance art following several 'grand... Continue Reading →
Wisley Gardens – A wintery visit
Butterflies and snowmen in one place? Only at RHS Wisley a couple of weeks ago when a light dusting of snow coincided with 'butterflies in the glasshouse' at the well known RHS gardens in Surrey. It was clear from arrival that a great number of visitors were expected, evident from the number of car-park attendants and... Continue Reading →
Hole Park in Kent provides awesome Autumn colour
Another trip to Kent............. With a harsh winter forecast, the autumn colour is looking it's best in late October and taking advantage of a sunny weekend in late October we decided to head once again to Kent. HOLE PARK Hole Park , a privately owned estate situated in the high Kentish Weald between Rolvenden and Cranbrook... Continue Reading →
Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire
Deep in the heart of leafy Northamptonshire lies Lamport Hall, an Italianate Mansion set amidst 10 acres of gorgeous gardens within its own parkland. I had not heard of Lamport Hall since it is not owned by the National Trust or English Heritage and is definitely off the beaten track, although it does promote itself locally... Continue Reading →