TravelPlaces To GoGet out into the garden this Spring Bank Holiday with The National Gardens Scheme Get out into the garden this Spring Bank Holiday with The National Gardens Scheme
07/04/2008
Treat yourself to a blooming wonderful Spring Bank Holiday and visit one of the 200 gardens which will be throwing open their gates to the public with The National Gardens Scheme from 24 to 26 May.
With spectacular displays of rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, hydrangeas, roses and wisteria, you can be assured of a dazzling day out as well as having the satisfaction of knowing you are helping good causes too. Money raised goes to cancer, caring and gardening charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Crossroad – Caring for Carers.
Most of the gardens are privately owned and some are opening as part of a group which gets the whole community involved. In the pretty Warwickshire village of Pebworth, which boasts a beautiful church and a number of thatched cottages, seven gardens will be opening with home made teas available in the village hall. These varied gardens, three of which are opening for the first time, range from a small cottage garden (so small it is almost part of the living room!) to a nursery which holds the National Collection of Pelargoniums and Hederas.
A group of four very different gardens – all with spectacular views – are opening as part of the Tewkesbury Lodge Garden Group in South East London. There’s a sculptor’s mature courtyard and roof garden, crammed full of unusual plants and sculptures; a dry garden inspired by Beth Chatto; a garden designer’s sloping creation with winding paths and unusual plant combinations and a front and back garden with the emphasis on colour harmony.
There is plenty for the kids to do too. An annual favourite is Kempsford Manor in Gloucestershire, a beautiful early spring garden with a variety of bulbs, perfect for a relaxing afternoon, with outdoor games for children and jazz for the adults. Meanwhile in Cumbria the mountainous grounds of Copt Howe house a wildlife sanctuary with red squirrels, badgers, slow-worms and a hotel for birds, with stunning views across Langdale Pikes and a collection of plants from around the world.
In Worcestershire, the three-acre Whitlenge Gardens, which include over 800 varieties of trees and shrubs, will enchant children and adults alike with waterfalls and pools, the shrubbery sculpted Green Man and the ‘Sword in the Stone,’ cave fernery and labyrinth. The Old Croft in Surrey is a five-acre ‘paradise garden’ with a tropical bamboo maze, an amazing topiary buttress hedge, stream, lake, bog gardens, woodland, elevated ‘hide’ and breathtaking scenery. While at Hallowarren in Cornwall you can enjoy a stunning walk through six acres of bluebell woods, bordering a stream, with ducks, geese and chickens in the neighbouring orchard to keep the children amused.
Another new opener this year is the Kitchen Garden in Suffolk, a must for anyone interested in the ‘Good Life’, with their vegetable, fruit, cut flower and herb gardens as well as a resident flock of Buff Orpington hens. The neighbouring church boasts a flower meadow and will also be hosting a flower festival. Or why not check out the tallest cherry tree and yew tree in the British Isles at the picture postcard perfect Belvoir Castle in Grantham in Lincolnshire?
Other highlights include Old Thatch in Buckinghamshire, a listed thatch cottage, famous home of Enid Blyton and source of many of her stories with a lavender terrace, rose arbour, formal garden, water circle and “Dick Turpin’s” stables where tea is served; the Japanese Garden and Bonsai Nursery in Cornwall which has spectacular maples and azaleas, a symbolic teahouse, koi pond, bamboo grove and zen and moss gardens; Cadhay in Devon with its Elizabethan Manor house, ponds, colourful herbaceous borders and water garden; Chippins in Essex, a plantaholics’ paradise with decorative trees, shrubs and perennials, stream and ponds, densely planted with hostas, tree ferns and some tropical marginals, as well as irises, tree peony and alliums; a long cottage style town garden at Arundel Gardens in north London which features the National Collection of Clematis alpina.
With admission normally free to children aged 16 years and under, and the average cost per adult is about £3, the garden openings are excellent value for money. It’s a great way to catch some of the spring sunshine with friends and family and while you’re there you may well pick up some gardening inspiration or some spring time additions to your garden from the various plant sales.
This is also a great time to become a member of the Friends of the NGS, which for just £25 will give you a summertime of garden visits with perks such as priority booking for tours, talks and workshops, a copy of the 2008 Yellow Book garden opening directory, chances to visit some exceptional gardens not normally open to the public; 2 for 1 entry at selected attractions; a twice yearly newsletter; regular e-news bulletins and a car sticker.
Full garden opening listings can be found in the NGS’s Yellow Book 2008 (available from all good book stores priced at £7.99) or log on to the website linked below. Admission charges vary, but almost 80% of the money raised goes to charities.
Below are details of some of the Easter openings:
Buckinghamshire
Old Thatch SL8 5PS
1m W Bourne End, 3m E Marlow . Off A4155. Thatched house on L just before the Spade Oak PH. Public car park 100yds on, towards the R Thames
Listed thatched cottage (not open), famous home of Enid Blyton and source of many of her stories. 2 acres, re-designed by Jacky Hawthorne in 2000, now contain beautiful palettes of colour, stunning ornamental grasses and wonderful design features. Cottage garden, lavender terrace, rose arbour, formal garden, water circle. Teas in room claimed by EB to be Dick Turpin's stable, containing secret treasures.
Opens: Sat 24 May (2-5.30), Adm £3, chd £1
Cornwall
Japanese Garden and Bonsai Nursery TR8 4ET
6m E of Newquay. 1½m from N coast. Signs from A3059 & B3276
East meets West in unique Garden for All Seasons. Spectacular Japanese maples and azaleas, symbolic teahouse, koi pond, bamboo grove, stroll, woodland, zen and moss gardens. An oasis of tranquility. Entrance free to adjacent specialist Bonsai and Japanese garden nurseries.
Opens: Mons 26 May (10-6).Adm £3.50, chd £1.50, groups 10+ £3
Hallowarren TR12 6HD
10m E of Helston. 1m out of the centre of Manaccan village. Downhill past inn on R, follow sign to Carne. House on R
2-acre garden and orchard leading to 6-acre beautiful wooded valley and bordering stream. Mixture of the natural and cultivated, bog and cottage garden with primulas, lilies and kitchen herbs, unusual shrubs and trees. Walk along valley through old woodland full of native bluebells. The ethos of this garden is harmony with nature and it is run on organic lines. Ducks, geese and chickens. Prizewinner Kerrier Woodland Garden
Opens: Mons 26 May (2-6). Adm £2.50, chd free, Home-made teas.
Cumbria
Copt Howe LA22 9JR
5m W of Ambleside. On B4353, ¼m past Chapel Stile
2-acre plantsman’s mountain paradise garden. Superb views Langdale Pikes. Extensive collections of acers, camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, oaks, beeches, rare shrubs, trees, unusual perennials; herbaceous and bulbous species; alpines, trough gardens; rare conifers; expedition plants from worldwide mountainous regions. Outstanding spring and autumn colour. Wildlife sanctuary, red squirrels, badgers, slow-worms, hotel for wild birds. Major new garden extensions.
Opens: Sat 24, Sun 25, Fri 30 May, Adm £3, chd free
Devon
Cadhay EX11 1QT
1m NW of Ottery St Mary. On B3176
Tranquil 2-acre garden in lovely setting between the Elizabethan Manor house (open) and ancient stew ponds. Carefully planned double herbaceous borders particularly colourful in summer. Small part-walled water garden, roses, lilies and clematis.
Opens: Mon 26 May (2-4.30), Adm £2, chd free.
Gloucestershire
Kempsford Manor GL7 4EQ
3m S of Fairford. Take A419 from Cirencester or Swindon. Kempsford is signed 10m (approx) from each. The Manor is in the centre of village
Early spring garden with variety of bulbs incl snowdrop walk along old canal. Peaceful, expansive summer garden for relaxation, adjacent to cricket field, croquet and outdoor games for children. Occasional plant sales; frequently classical or jazz music; games and quizzes for children.
Opens: Sun 25, Mon 26 May. Adm £3, chd free
Lincolnshire
Belvoir Castle NG32 4DQ
9m from Grantham. Follow brown heritage signs for Belvoir Castle on A52, A1, A607
English Heritage Grade 2 garden. Secluded in steep woodland ½m from castle. A haven of tranquillity created around original moss house. Magical hillside setting in natural amphitheatre with fresh water springs. Many mature specimen trees and shrubs ensure all-yr colour. Rhododendrons, azaleas, naturalised daffodils, primroses and bluebells. Tallest bird cherry (90ft) and yew tree (93ft) in British Isles. Flat shoes essential. Rose garden with sculpture exhibition
Opens: Mons, Tues, Weds, Thurs, 1 May to 29 May; Sats, Suns, 3 May to 31 May; (11-4); Sats (11-3). House and garden adm £12, concessions £10, chd £6, garden only adm £6, chd £2, concessions £5 www.belvoircastle.com
London
39 Arundel Gardens N21 3AG
Mainline stn: Winchmore Hill, then approx 7 mins walk. Turn along Hoppers Rd, Arundel Gardens 3rd on L. Tube/bus: Southgate tube, then W9 Hoppa bus alongHoppers Rd
100ft x 30ft town garden planted in informal cottage style with unusual shrubs, climbers and herbaceous plants. Over 30 clematis incl National Collection of Clematis alpina; arbour, water features and conservatory with a collection of cacti and succulents
Opens: 25 May (2-6) Adm £2, chd free, Home-made teas
Tewkesbury Lodge Garden Group SE23 3DE
Including: 27 Horniman Drive , 30 Westwood Park, 53 Ringmore Rise, The Coach House, 3 The Hermitage
Off S Circular (A205) behind Horniman Museum & Gardens. Stn: Forest Hill, 10 mins walk. Buses: 176, 185, 312, P4
Open: Sun 25 May (2-6).Evening Opening: Sat 24 May (6-9) £5, wine,.
Combined adm £4, chd free (share to Marsha Phoenix Trust & St Christopher's Hospice), Home-made teas at 53 Ringmore Rise.
Suffolk
The Kitchen Garden IP31 1EX
8m NE of Bury St Edmunds. Troston is signed off A143 at Gt Barton & off B1088 at Honington & Ixworth. Garden is opp the church. Please park in village
2/3-acre country garden, catering for family, local wildlife and flock of Buff Orpington hens. Vegetable, fruit, cutflower and herb gardens, wild areas, chicken run, perennial beds and formal yew-lined allèe. Opening in conjunction with St Mary's Church opp housing impressive wall paintings. Flower Festival at church, wild flower meadow in churchyard.
Open: Sun 25, Mon 26 May (2-5). Adm £3, chd free, Home-made teas
www.kitchen-garden-hens.co.uk
Surrey
Old Croft RH5 4NT
3m S of Dorking. From Dorking take A24 S for 3m. Turn L at sign to Leigh-Brockham into Mill Road. ½m on L, 2 free car parks in NT Holmwood Common. Follow signs for 500yds along woodland walk.
'5-acre paradise garden' encompasses many diverse areas of exquisite natural beauty. Stunning and imaginative vistas; many unusual specimen trees and shrubs, stream, lake, bog gardens, woodland, roses, amazing topiary buttress hedge, elevated 'hide', tropical bamboo maze. Glorious colour in all seasons. Visitors return again and again.
Open: 4, 5, 25, 26 May (2-6); Adm £4, chd free, Cream teas
Warwickshire
Pebworth Gardens CV37 8XZ
Including: 1 Elm Close , Icknield Barn, Ivybank, Primrose Hill, The Knoll, The Mount, Well Cottage.
9m SW of Stratford-upon-Avon. On B439 at Bidford turn L towards Honeybourne, after 3m turn L at Xrds signed Pebworth
Peaceful village with beautiful church. Some parts are very old - Shakespeare referred to 'Piping Pebworth'. A number of thatched cottages line Friday Street
Opens: Sun 25, Mon 26 May (2-6), Combined adm £4, chd free, Home-made teas at Pebworth Village Hall
Worcestershire
Whitlenge Gardens DY10 4HD
5m S of Kidderminster. Take A449 from Kidderminster towards Worcester, then A442 (signed Droitwich) over small island, ¼m, 1st R into Whitlenge Lane.
3 acre show garden of professional designer with over 800 varieties of trees, shrubs etc. Twisted pillar pergola, camomile lawn, waterfalls and pools. Mystic features of the Green Man, 'Sword in the Stone' and cave fernery. Walk the labyrinth and take refreshments in The Garden 'Design Studio' tearoom.
Open: 4, 5, 25, 26 May (10-5) Adm £2, chd free
www.whit-lenge.co.uk