reviews of British gardens and nurseries, large and small.
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 →
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 →
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 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 →
Keukenhof, Tulip Fields and historical Hortus Bulborum
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 →
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