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
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Little Mynthurst Garden, Horley, Surrey – open under the NGS scheme.
Little Mynthurst Farm is situated in the village of Norwood Hill, near Horley in Surrey and is only open once or twice a year under the National Gardens Scheme. The former home of Lord Baden Powell, this Grade ll listed house, with parts dating back to the 16th century is mainly timber framed with a... Continue Reading →
Heavenly Hatchlands Park, Surrey
Hatchlands Park, near Guildford in Surrey is a National Trust Georgian gem of a country residence and still a family home today. The entire ground floor of the house is open to the public and features paintings, antiques and musical instruments. The property is set amid 400 acres of rolling parkland and it is hard... Continue Reading →
Wonderful Wisley!
RHS Wisley is surely one of the most popular and enduring gardens in England. Easily accessible from the M25 and A3, this garden is less than an hour from central London. Each visit to Wisley brings fresh excitement with superb year round planting and the splendour of the famous rockery is a real draw, with it's... Continue Reading →