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 →
Lowder Mill, Haslemere
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 →