Pewsey community in full bloom 

Liz Nicholls

On 8th June, after a two-year hiatus, enjoy a dozen gardens in three lovely villages (Alton Barnes, Alton Priors & Honeystreet) nestling in the Vale of Pewsey, writes Louise Golden 

Overlooked by the C19th white horse, cut into the side of the Marlborough Downs, there will be lots to see and do, from a manor garden with a long herbaceous border to inspirational cut flower gardens, and delightful cottage gardens.  

Discover hidden gems along our garden trail. Refreshments include teas and coffees with homemade cakes, to ploughman’s lunches and even a hands-on “create your own pizza” experience. Treat yourself to delicious ice creams from Wiltshire-based enterprise, Lacock Dairies. 

Enjoy two flower-filled churches St Mary’s Saxon Church in Alton Barnes & All Saints in the meadows between the Altons. Follow historic cobblestone footpaths to wonderful recitals by Music for Awhile in All Saints in the afternoon (sponsored by the Cecil King Foundation). 

Buy home-grown plants, fresh bouquets, interesting gardenalia and lots more. The owners all share a passion for gardening and a sense of community. All proceeds will go towards the cost of replacing All Saints’ lead roof (sadly stolen in 2015), the Coronation Hall & Prospect Hospice in memory of one of our much-loved residents who regularly welcomed visitors into her chocolate-box cottage garden and championed the Neolithic springs at the heart of our village. 

Tickets £7pp (accompanied u16s free) at 3vevents.org.uk or on the day at Coronation Hall. Well behaved dogs on leads allowed, at the discretion of each garden owner.