reviews of British gardens and nurseries, large and small.
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 →
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 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 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 →
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 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 →
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 →
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 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 →
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 →
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