RHS Hyde Hall is situated in the flat Essex countryside near Chelmsford and conveniently only about a half hour drive from the M25. Previously owned and gardened by Dr and Mrs Robinson, the former farm did not originally lend itself to horticulture due to the exposed, windswept site, not to mention the heavy clay... Continue Reading →
Nymans Gardens, Sussex
Nymans, a National Trust property is set in the picturesque High Weald of Sussex and was originally a family home. Destroyed by fire in 1947, much of the house survives as a garden ruin although the remaining part which was re-built is open to the public. The former home of Lady Rosse who died in... Continue Reading →
Burford Festival Open Gardens, Burford, Oxfordshire
The wonderful biennial Burford festival is a feast for the senses and runs for a surprising 10 days, inncorporating amongst other things talks and lectures, music, literature, film and of course gardens. Over the opening weekend of this year's festival, 25 private gardens were opened to the public, offering a glimpse through the garden gate... Continue Reading →
East Clandon, Surrey – open gardens and more…
At the foot of the North Downs, between the National Trust owned properties Clandon Park and Hatchlands Park lies the quaint village of East Clandon. Situated less than 5 miles from the busy Junction 10 of the M25 this tiny village of largely 16th and 17th century brick and timber houses boasts an active... Continue Reading →
NGS festival weekend – two open gardens in Northamptonshire
The NGS celebrated their 90th birthday over the May bank holiday weekend and finding myself in Northamptonshire I was delighted to be able to visit two gardens open under the scheme. The first, Jericho was a Jekyll inspired town garden in the centre of Oundle whilst in complete contrast, the expansive grounds of Titchmarsh House... Continue Reading →
Hammerwood House, West Sussex (NGS)
Searching for a garden to visit in the Sussex Weald last weekend, we noticed in the NGS yellow book (have you got your copy yet?) that Hammerwood House, near Midhurst was open. The bucolic approach to the property took in rolling hills and tiny narrow lanes dotted with picturesque cottages. The house lies on... Continue Reading →
Felley Priory, Nottinghamshire
A visit to Felley Priory garden, Nottinghamshire
Orchids at Kew Gardens
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 →