Discover National Garden Scheme spaces open near you

Zoe Gater

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gardens

Need some inspiration for your garden? Visit an NGS garden near you, as part of another record-breaking fundraising year thanks to the National Garden Scheme.

Every year, thousands of people up and down the country open their gates to their gardens, their pride and joy, lovingly crafted and tended to, ready to welcome in visitors who come to marvel at their handiwork, pick up tips and no doubt, copy a few ideas – all to raise some funds for the charities supported by the National Garden Scheme.

Find out which ones are open near you to explore and make the most of the brighter days.

Berkshire
Buckinghamshire
Hampshire
Oxfordshire
Surrey
Wiltshire


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National Garden Scheme spaces to visit in Wiltshire

Zoe Gater

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gardens

Liz Nicholls invites you to visit a garden near you, as part of another record-breaking fundraising year thanks to the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

This spring, gardens big and small will open their gates, inviting visitors like you to wander among blooms and find moments of calm.

The NGS fundraiser reached a record £3.8 million total last year, in its most successful year yet, supporting nursing and health charities. With 3,000 gardens across the UK opening this year – including 500 newbies. Could you help make 2026 yet another charity record-breaker?

A country garden at Westwind, Manton

One garden which will welcome visitors, by appointment, between 11th May & 14th June, is Westwind in Manton, near Marlborough. This relaxed informal country garden, set in four acres including a 2½ acre meadow and woodland also hosts weekly outdoor learning for the village school and welcomes artists and photographers throughout the seasons.

A garden built over generations

The garden’s proud owner Kate Stewart-Hilliar tells us: “Westwind first opened for the NGS in 2023 so this will be our fourth season. We’re popular with garden clubs and some from the u3a groups. It is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and I’ve met some truly lovely visitors. They usually walk around the property for about an hour then enjoy tea or coffee and cake on the terrace after and ask questions about the journey of the garden.

International visitors and shared gardening spirit

“Last year, a family of four came from America to visit during their tour of the UK. They brought their own picnic and we had some wonderful conversations. I have another group coming from America in May. If anyone asks for cuttings we happily let them have some. Real gardeners always share with other gardeners and lots of plants in Westwind had started off as cuttings from other gardens.”

Seasonal highlights at Westwind

“By May, the poppies and alliums should be out in full force and there will be lots to see around the property. We have a pond on the terrace so guests can have tea and watch busy dragonflies.”

The garden is a labour of love, 40 years in the making. “My late mother and stepfather created the garden over the time and have left it to me as their legacy,” adds Kate. “I was new to gardening five years ago… and am still very new to it!”

A garden with a personal legacy

“My stepfather was a well-known photographer and, back in the day, the garden appeared in many magazines. The village school’s weekly visits are my favourite – it’s so nice to be able to share the garden with the next generation.

“My mother was a teacher when we lived in Ireland, so she found this such a joy. It also helped her during her short journey with Motor Neurone Disease. She enjoyed watching and interacting with the children and she said the garden had finally found its purpose.”

She also highlights the importance of simple pleasures: “Guests like cake so I tend to buy from Vicarage Lane who have a good variety and are a great success.”

Nearby attractions such as Avebury, The Oddfellows Arms pub, and Marlborough town make it a rewarding day out.

A riverside garden at The Old Mill, Ramsbury

Another gem you can explore, on 31st May and 14th August, is The Old Mill in Ramsbury. Over 30 years its owners Annabel & James Dallas have transformed the garden from a mainly unseen space to a unique accolade to the wild and partially tamed beauty of the River Kennet and its side streams.

They explain how the garden evolved from a space where children played freely into one shaped by both nature and careful planting, with vegetables, flowers, and later dahlias extending the seasonal colour. The use of chemicals is kept to a minimum to support insect life and encourage birds and wildlife.

A record-breaking impact for health and wellbeing

“The generosity of our garden owners and volunteers continues to amaze me,” says NGS Chief Executive Dr Richard Claxton who has created gardens for hospitals and hospices.

“Each cup of tea served, each garden opened makes a difference to health and care charities across the UK. I’ve always been passionate about the effect gardens can have on wellbeing.

“Gardening and spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Programmes such as the NGS not only raise vital funds but also promote wellbeing for visitors and volunteers alike. Spring and summer are a wonderful time to explore, and children often go free, so it’s a very pocket-friendly outing for the whole family.”

Plan your visit

For full listings, ticket info, and garden opening details, please visit ngs.org.uk

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National Garden Scheme spaces to visit in Hampshire

Zoe Gater

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gardens

Need some inspiration for your garden? Visit an NGS garden near you, as part of another record-breaking fundraising year thanks to the National Garden Scheme.

This spring, gardens big and small across Hampshire and beyond will open their gates, inviting visitors to wander among blooms, breathe in the scents of herbs and flowers and find moments of calm.

The NGS fundraiser reached a record £3.8 million last year, in its most successful year yet, supporting nursing and health charities nationwide. With 3,000 gardens across the UK opening this year – including 500 newbies – could you help make 2026 yet another charity record-breaker?

A charming cottage garden in Alton

Spend an afternoon at The Thatched Cottage in Alton GU34 3EG and don’t be surprised if you see Tom and Barbara wandering around, not the owners, but a pair of ducks who are lucky enough to call the 16th century cottage home.

When David and Cally Horton moved in it had been somewhat neglected but with a helping hand from a neighbour, they restored it to its bountiful best and opened to the public. The couple consider themselves “so lucky to have the opportunity to raise funds for the amazing nursing charities supported by the NGS”.

The power of gardens to lift spirits

Cally’s garden is a testament to the power of the natural world: “During lockdown we provided somewhere for people to mingle safely. A depressed woman admitted that she had woken up with nothing to look forward to, so came to look at a garden. As she left, she said that she was now looking forward to the week ahead. This is the sort of thing that makes it worthwhile.

“Our visitors sit with and chat to complete strangers over tea and delicious cake. Very few people leave without saying thank you, what a wonderful garden it is and how it has given them inspiration and ideas for their own.”

Children and dogs on leads are also welcome to discover all that lies within, not least a restored gypsy caravan (complete with crystal ball and guard dog!). Take time to savour the delicious cakes and a cuppa at tables under cover in the garden too.

A record-breaking impact for health charities

“It’s extraordinary to see so many gardens welcoming visitors, and the generosity of our garden owners and volunteers continues to amaze me,” says NGS Chief Executive Dr Richard Claxton, who has created gardens for hospitals and hospices. “Each cup of tea served, each garden opened makes a tangible difference to health and care charities across the UK.

“I’ve always been passionate about the effect gardens and gardening can have on wellbeing. Gardening and spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Programmes such as the NGS not only raise vital funds but also promote wellbeing for visitors and volunteers alike. Children can often go free, so it’s a very pocket-friendly outing for the family to enjoy.”

A traditional garden at Binsted Place

For many opening their gardens is a reason to maintain their plots to perfection, try new planting ideas, and connect with fellow horticulturists.

Max and Catherine Hadfield’s 17th century farmhouse Binsted Place in Alton GU34 4PQ is a series of rooms covering around one and a half acres in a traditional style with a lily pond and productive vegetable garden and orchards – the fruits of these labours are very much Max’s domain, while Catherine can often be found giving some TLC to her fragrant roses.

She says: “I spend many hours in my garden, as does my husband and, most of all, our wonderful part-time gardener Dom Brooking. The idea that it was good enough for others to want to visit and to donate money to charity was very appealing.

“We have also opened for other local charities: Cardiac Rehab, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and our village church and hall. I’m always so glad to think that our hard work can give others pleasure and make a contribution. We always enjoy meeting the lovely people who visit, which is an added bonus!”

The beauty and variety of NGS Gardens

Across the UK, NGS gardens range from tiny urban plots to sprawling country estates. Each garden has its own character, whether it’s a cottage garden full of traditional charm, a chalk garden of rare botanical specimens, or a sculpture-filled landscape. And with by-arrangement visits, even smaller or private gardens can share their beauty with visitors.

Plan your visit

So this year, make time to explore Hampshire’s best blooms and discover the therapeutic magic of gardens. Whether you’re an avid gardener or a first-time visitor, the NGS, which celebrates its centenary in 2027, opens doors – and hearts – across the county.

For full listings, ticket info, and garden opening details, please visit ngs.org.uk.

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National Garden Scheme spaces to visit in Buckinghamshire

Zoe Gater

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Liz Nicholls invites you to visit a garden near you, as part of another record-breaking fundraising year thanks to the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

This spring, gardens big and small across Bucks and beyond will open their gates, inviting visitors just like you to wander among blooms, breathe in the scents of herbs and flowers and find moments of calm.

The NGS fundraiser reached a record £3.8 million total last year, in its most successful year yet, supporting nursing and health charities nationwide. With 3,000 gardens across the UK opening this year – including 500 newbies. Could you help make 2026 yet another charity record-breaker?

A Beaconsfield garden with heart

Bernadette and John Thompson have been welcoming visitors to their curvaceous Barbara Hunt-designed garden in Beaconsfield for more than 20 years with the NGS.

“Although our garden isn’t huge, we attract plant-lovers who spend at least an hour looking round, chatting to other visitors and us,” Bernadette tells me. “It’s a joy to share tea and cake and watch people enjoy the space we love so much.”

The couple say that opening their garden for visitors is as much about community as it is about flowers.

“We’ve welcomed groups from as far afield as France and Switzerland as well as the UK,” adds Bernadette.

Their garden in Brownswood Road opens by arrangement between now and the middle of September for groups of up to 15 people; adults £4pp, children free.

Please email tbernadette60@gmail.com for info.

Must-visit gardens across Bucks

Other Bucks gems include Overstroud Cottage, an artistic chalk garden on two levels overlooking Great Missenden. With a collection spanning 17th- and 18th-century plants, auriculas, hellebores, peonies, rambling roses, and a lily pond, it offers both history and horticultural delight.

Visitors can attend an open afternoon, 2–5pm on Easter Sunday, 5th April, with cream teas at the parish church; £4.50pp, children free.

Bledlow Manor, near Princes Risborough, includes 12 acres of sculpted gardens, water features, and walled kitchen gardens; it will welcome visitors 2–5pm on 19th July, with tea, coffee, and cake available.

Copperkins Lane in Chesham Bois also offers a beautiful local retreat, with bespoke visits for groups throughout the season.

A record-breaking impact for health charities

“It’s extraordinary to see so many gardens welcoming visitors, and the generosity of our garden owners and volunteers continues to amaze me,” says NGS Chief Executive Dr Richard Claxton who has created gardens for hospitals and hospices.

“Each cup of tea served, each garden opened makes a tangible difference to health and care charities across the UK. “I’ve always been passionate about the effect gardens and gardening can have on wellbeing.

“Gardening and spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Programmes such as the NGS not only raise vital funds but also promote wellbeing for visitors and volunteers alike. What’s more, spring and summer are a wonderful time to explore, and children can often go free, so it’s a very pocket-friendly outing for the whole family to enjoy.”

More than just a garden visit

Opening a garden is about more than just fundraising. For many owners, it’s a reason to maintain their plots to perfection, try new planting ideas, and connect with fellow horticulturists.

In Beaconsfield, John and Bernadette are happy to report that the rhythm of preparing for NGS visitors ensures that their garden remains vibrant and cared for all year.

The healing power of green spaces

Across the UK, NGS gardens range from tiny urban plots to sprawling country estates. Each garden has its own character, whether it’s a cottage garden full of traditional charm, a chalk garden of rare botanical specimens, or a sculpture-filled landscape. And with by-arrangement visits, even smaller or private gardens can share their beauty with visitors.

Plan your visit

So this year, make time to explore Buckinghamshire’s best blooms and perhaps discover the therapeutic magic of gardens. Whether you’re an avid gardener or a first-time visitor, the NGS, which celebrates its centenary in 2027, opens doors – and hearts – across the county.

With tea, cake, and the chance to support local nursing and health charities, a visit is both a treat and a contribution.

For full listings, ticket info, and garden opening details, please visit ngs.org.uk.

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Discover the stories behind Britain’s gardens with historian Advolly Richmond

Zoe Gater

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Whether you are a seasoned gardener, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys the quiet beauty of a well-tended landscape, this event offers a window into the fascinating intersections of plants, people and society.

Gardens are more than greenery; they are stories written in soil, plants and human hands – and this March 2026, Aylesbury will host a unique opportunity to explore this when plant, garden and social historian Advolly Richmond presents ‘A Quick Introduction to the Plants and People that Influenced Garden History’ at Aylesbury Methodist Church.

From the introduction of exotic species to the evolution of Britain’s garden styles, the plants we nurture and the people who champion them have shaped the landscapes we cherish today.

And on Saturday 14 March 2026 from 2.30pm, Advolly Richmond invites audiences to travel through centuries of garden history, uncovering the individuals whose curiosity, creativity and daring changed the face of gardens forever.

Each plant has a story, each garden a lineage, and each style a reflection of society’s tastes, ambitions and ideas.

Based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Advolly brings a wealth of expertise to this talk. She is a Fellow of the Linnean Society, a Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Champion, and lectures on garden history at the University of Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education.

Her work spans from the social and cultural history of Italian Renaissance gardens to the life and legacy of plant collectors and gardeners who introduced remarkable species to British soil.

Advolly also produces The Garden History Podcast, presents features for BBC Gardeners’ World, and is the author of A Short History of Flowers: The Stories That Make Our Gardens, published in March 2024.

This talk is designed for anyone who has ever paused to admire a garden, wondered about the plants within it, or considered the people who brought those spaces to life.

By understanding the history of gardens, Advolly argues, we gain the knowledge needed to preserve them, ensuring that our parks, cemeteries, historic landscapes and private gardens continue to inspire and nurture future generations.

Tickets are available through Ticketsource, costing £10 for members, £12.50 for non-members.

Concessions apply to members of the Gardens Trust and affiliated county trusts.

Doors open at 2pm for refreshments, and the talk starts promptly at 2.30pm.

Limited blue badge parking is available upon request.

For more information or to book tickets, visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/buckinghamshire-gardens-trust.

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Spring into summer

Karen Neville

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gardens

Karen Neville

Take your garden from zero to hero this spring & then sit back and enjoy when the summer rolls in

How does your garden grow? I doubt there are many cockle shells or pretty bells but you can add all the bells and whistles and turn it into a showpiece worthy of being on display. 

In need of ideas? Fortunately there are several garden shows on the horizon which will help plant lots of seeds of inspiration. 

Head to BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair at Beaulieu in Hampshire, May 2nd-4th, for everything from stocking up on gardening kit and plants to exploring the beautiful gardens. A must see is the exciting collection of Showcase Gardens celebrating how imagination and creativity can transform your outdoor space – you’re sure to pick up ideas galore here. The Beautiful Borders are always awash with take-home ideas to help you squeeze the most into your garden.   

There are more amazing garden designs to explore, drool over and copy at Chelsea Flower Show, May 20th-24th. The show gardens here are some of the finest examples of garden design you’ll see with inspired plant combinations and cutting-edge landscaping. And if you only have a small space to work with discover what’s possible for balcony and container gardens. Top designers have conjured up clever ways to make the most of a small space, making them practical as well as inspirational. 

Discover your favourite plants, flowers and an array of gardening goodies from unique garden gazebos, greenhouses and arbours to beautiful flowers, gardening sundries and hundreds of other products at Blenheim Palace Flower Show, June 27th-29th. Tour the Grand Floral Pavilion and pick up expert tips and take a walk down Floral Street for creative decoration inspiration. Create your perfect garden sanctuary with outdoor buildings, top quality garden furniture and BBQs or perhaps treat yourself to a little outdoor luxury with garden huts and buildings on show. 

There’s more garden design inspiration than you could shake a spade at at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, July 1st-6th. This year’s festival theme is Wonder so expect to be greeted by gardens full of whimsy and delight. Show Gardens represent the best in horticultural excellence and Gardens of Curiosity put the spotlight on designers’ creativity with plenty of take-home ideas 
for you to recreate in your green space. 

Many of the gardens on show will encompass the idea of gardens for health and wellbeing. The National Garden Scheme champions this with its Gardens & Health Week, May 3rd-11th, the centrepiece of its programme which raises awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of gardening for everyone. Find out more about the impact on our health and wellbeing of gardening and pick up tips at https://ngs.org.uk/gardens-and-health-week/ 

With a shed load of ideas at your disposal it’s time to get to work and ‘pimp up’ your garden for the summer whether you decide to go full-on makeover or just make a few superficial changes. 

To enjoy a long, stretched-out summer this year, contact Ambassador Projects for details  of their high-quality outdoor garden buildings. They’re a helpful, progressive company, with great ideas for 2025, whose ranges including outdoor gyms, games, leisure, and music rooms, as well as custom-made leisure rooms for entertaining – or for just chilling out. So,  for something distinctive with panache, flair and individuality, give them a call on 0333 344 9577 and at ambassador-projects.com 

Do you need more space, are you thinking of a garden room for office, gym or leisure use? Modern garden rooms are super-well-insulated and are a great investment for all-year use. A quick build timescale, no planning permission and great functional design means you could be enjoying a comfortable new room in weeks. Contact Garden Rooms by Drumbeat now for a free survey and quote. Visit gardenroomsbydrumbeat.co.uk or call 01483 768273. 

Bourne Buildings is the UK’s largest garden building showsite with more than 200 buildings on display. With standard and bespoke designs of varying qualities and styles, fit for all budgets, there truly is something for everyone. Bourne Buildings also has more than 100 furniture sets and 5,000 stone ornaments on display to really enhance your garden. Find out more at bournebuildings.co.uk 

Well established, family run SBI Ltd have friendly and professional teams ready to supply & install made-to-measure awnings, Victorian & contemporary verandas, glass verandas, glass rooms & canopies, carports, vertical screens, manual, electric or solar-powered security shutters & roller garage doors, conservatory sail blinds, louvred roof pergolas, aluminium fencing and more. Their professional advisors and installers will be more than happy to help you create the perfect solution for your shade and shelter requirements. More at sbiproducts.co.uk 

Add the final touches to your interior look with good quality made to measure blinds from Blindscape. They specialise in designing and installing bespoke and made-to-measure blinds, curtains and shutters and awnings in homes of all styles and periods. From sleek modern vertical blinds to solid or plantation shutters, they’ll have a solution for you. Whether it’s for aesthetics or shading, enjoy the best of both worlds with attractive and functional home blinds and window coverings. Find out more at blindscape.co.uk 

Passionate about outdoor cooking? Visit the Black Box BBQ Shop near Liss, for top-quality Charcoal, Gas and Pellet grills, all the accessories, fuel and expert advice. Exciting news – The Artisans Kitchen & Cookery School is launching soon, offering hands-on classes to master fire cooking and more! Whether you’re a BBQ pro or a beginner, there’s something for you. Visit them in-store or online at blackboxbbq.co.uk Black Box BBQ – The Flavour Makers. Let’s fire things up!  

New Dawn Design, landscape and maintain gardens with every effort to understand the garden their customers are looking for and come up with ideas to achieve this. They can provide a rough sketch or a full colour scaled drawing to help you visualise the end result.Whatever sort of garden you want – low maintenance, child safe, bright summer colour, bee friendly – they can help. Get in touch via bark.com/en/gb/b/new-dawn-garden-life-ltd/dRJgK/ 

Laurel Hill Gardens is an award-winning garden design studio based in the Surrey Hills. They offer consultation, design services, and advice on all styles of gardens. The gardens they create range from smaller family gardens to larger traditional and contemporary spaces. Find out what they can do for you at laurelhillgardens.co.uk 

Everyone deserves an outdoor space they love. Whatever your budget or vision, Kebur Garden Materials will help transform your garden with quality landscaping supplies. The one-stop shop stocks over 2,500 products, from paving and decking to fencing and aggregates, all with free local delivery. No matter the size of your project, the friendly team will guide you from product selection to delivery and aftercare. They also offer an award-winning installation service. Visit the displays or call six days a week – they’re there to help! More at kebur.co.uk 

When your patio, pathway, drive or terrace was first laid, the stone would have looked beautiful. Overtime microscopic lichen spores carried by the wind and the rain from surrounding trees, land on the stone. If left untreated the entire surface gets covered in what is known as ‘black spots’ which no amount of pressure washing will fully remove. Patio Black Spot Remover removes lichen, algae and instantly restores the natural colour to patios, paths and garden stonework just as they were when new at a fraction of the original cost to lay. Find out more at patioblackspotremoval.com 

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Open gardens highlights in West Sussex

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

, ,

Need some budget-friendly ideas for fun & fresh air? Kate Harrison invites us to visit some summertime beauties, including Whitehanger in Haslemere, thanks to the National Garden Scheme

Visiting a National Garden Scheme garden isn’t just for adults – there’s plenty of fun (and homemade cake) to be had this summer at our gardens for children too. And, with children going free at the majority of our gardens, a day out at a National Garden Scheme garden is a great way to have a budget-friendly break from digital devices, reconnect with nature and support great causes.

Whitehanger in Haslemere, GU27 3PY, is opening its stunning gardens 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday, 18th August, in support of NGS charities. Set in six acres on the edge of the South Downs National Park surrounded by NT woodland, this rural garden was started in 2012 when a new Huf house (not open) was built on a derelict site. Now there are lawned areas with beds of perennials, a serenity pool with Koi carp, a wildflower meadow, a Japanese garden, a sculpture garden, a woodland walk, a large rockery and an exotic walled garden.
Admission £6.50, children £6.50. Pre-booking essential, please visit National Garden Scheme for information & booking. Visits also by arrangement until 9th Sept for groups of 8 to 35. Final numbers must be given a week before visiting & payment made by BACS.

4 Hillside Cottages in West Stoke PO18 9BL, will open 11am-4pm on Sunday, 18th August. This stunning garden full of energy, and delight in a beautiful rural setting is set against the rolling hills is a riot of colour and scent. The densely planted and immaculate borders are filled with a large collection of shrubs, roses, clematis, fuchsias and dahlias. Yet more roses and clematis climb up every wall, fence and trellis. There is a tidy and well stocked vegetable garden which overlooks the countryside, lush green lawns and a terrace to sit and enjoy a drink and a piece of cake.
Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas in aid of local hospice. Book online or pay on the day. Visits also by arrangement until 18th August. Visit National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk) for more details and booking.

The Folly in Charlton, PO18 0HU, will open 2-4.30pm on Sunday, 25th August and by arrangement. This colourful cottage garden surrounds a C16 period house (not open), set in the pretty downland village of Charlton, close to Levin Down Nature Reserve. The herbaceous borders are well-stocked with a wide range of perennials, grasses, annuals and shrubs to provide long season of colour and interest. There are places to sit and take in the garden and views with a cup of tea or coffee and home-made cake, an art studio open to visitors, winding grass pathways and a wealth of wildlife. Partial wheelchair access with steps from patio. Visitors with mobility issues can be dropped off at the gate.
Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas. Book online on the NGS website or pay on the day. Visit National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk) for more details.

The Old Vicarage in Washington will welcome you every Thursday in August and 10am-5pm on Monday, 26th August, pre-booking essential. As well as the stunning views looking towards the North Downs, enhanced by mature and various specimen trees, the garden has many pockets of interest. There is a Japanese garden with its waterfall, pond, bamboo and grasses, a further large water garden and numerous creatively planted herbaceous borders. A working kitchen garden has glasshouses, fruit cages, orchard and vegetables. The Italianate gazebo with green oak columns and lead roof offers a wonderfully comfortable place to sit and contemplate the beauty of this garden. The treehouse is much loved by young and old alike, from here the nature viewing platform opens on to the woodland copse area which incorporates a stream and architectural stumpery. Everyone loves the topiary of characters who watch over the tennis court.
Entry £7pp children free. Book at National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk). Self service light refreshments (cash only) and picnics welcome.

Fittleworth House in Pulborough will open 2-5pm on Wednesday, 7th August. This is a three-acre tranquil, romantic, country garden with walled kitchen garden growing a wide range of fruit, vegetables and flowers including a large collection of dahlias. There’s a large glasshouse and old potting shed, mixed flower borders, roses, rhododendrons and lawns, a magnificent 115ft tall cedar overlooks wisteria covered Grade II listed Georgian house (not open), wild garden, long grass areas and stream.
Adults £5, children free. Book at National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk) or pay on the day. Home-made teas.

Champs Hill in Pulborough will open 2-5pm on Sunday, 11th August. A natural landscape, the garden has been developed around three disused sand quarries with far-reaching views across the Amberley Wildbrooks to the South Downs. A woodland walk in spring leads you past beautiful sculptures, against a backdrop of colourful rhododendrons and azaleas. In summer the garden is a colourful tapestry of heathers, which are renowned for their abundance and variety.
Adults £5, children free. Book online at National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk) or pay on the day. Home-made teas.

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Stonesfield open gardens glory

Round & About

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In need of gardening inspiration? Visit Stonesfield open gardens and pick up some tips

Enjoy the glory of nine open gardens in Stonesfield on Sunday, 23rd June, including some which have never been open to the public before.

Organised by Stonesfield Gardening Club, a number of gardens are opening in aid of local charities. There are a variety including a mix of flower beds with a productive vegetable garden including soft fruits and apple trees. The lawns are slowly being left to become meadows.

A garden for wildlife where you are asked to pause a while, maybe sit for a few minutes, smell the roses, listen to the bird song and the waterfall. Stepped gardens with shrub and herbaceous borders, wildflower orchard, fruit cages and kitchen garden and a peaceful, work in progress garden, full of labours of love from lockdown learnings. Come for the view not the gardening knowledge.

Entry is £6 per person, cash only (accompanied children under 16 free). Tickets and maps will be available from St James Centre, High Street, Stonesfield OX29 8PU where teas and plants are also on sale. Gardens are open 2pm-5.30pm, last tickets at 5pm.

Limited car parking will be available in Stonesfield Primary School opposite St James Centre.

More at Open Garden | Stonesfield Gardening Club

Stonesfield Gardening Club is a friendly, sociable club with a full programme of events through the year. Membership is open to all.

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Visit hillside heaven in Missenden

Round & About

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Overstroud Cottage will open its gates again this month as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS) local fundraisers

Overstroud Cottage, HP16 9Q, sits halfway up Frith Hill above Great Missenden. In the 17th century this cottage was used as Missenden Abbey’s fever house.

Thanks to The National Open Gardens Scheme, you can visit the gardens of this local treasure, owned by Mr & Mrs Jonathan Brooke on Sunday, 9th June, 2-5pm. Entry is £4 for adults (children free) and cream teas will be served at the nearby parish church.

The chalky soil has been tended on two levels to showcase a collection of 17th & 18th century plants including auriculas, hellebores, bulbs, pulmonarias, peonies, germaniums, dahlias, herbs and succulents. With its blue and white ribbon border, this garden, reminiscent of the late Margery Fish’s garden at East Lambrook Manor, is carved out of an old chalk quarry so the soil is alkaline.

The potager, edged with ‘step-over’ apples is featured is Joy Larkcom’s book, Creative Vegetable Gardening. Traffic noise has been lessened by a layered hedge, row of hornbeams and an ivy ‘fedge’ which forms the backdrop to a mini wildflower meadow. Visit National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk) for more info & open gardens.

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The Garden Show at Stansted Park

Round & About

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Discover plants, garden and home accessories, art, design, sculpture, fashion, gifts and tempting foods and wine and more

The Garden Show is back to celebrate the 30th and the last at Stansted Park from June 7th to 9th.

Thirty years ago the first garden show at Stansted Park in Hampshire was created as a forum for the smaller family fun businesses and to showcase the work of talented artisans particularly those who couldn’t afford the larger, more commercial shows.

It’s a great opportunity to explore what’s on the doorstep; source new talent, designers and artisans. Browse affordable and handpicked companies showcasing the latest specialist plants, garden and home accessories, art, design, sculpture, fashion, gifts and then treat your taste buds to tempting foods and wines.

Pick up top tips from horticultural experts to solve those frustrating problems – as ever the specialist plantspeople will bring their knowledge and brilliant advice plus we have daily expert advice from The Gardening Doctor, Paul Slater, who will also be giving a Talk on Friday on ‘Plant Selection’. Also on Friday the show is joined by Dr Ian Bedford, entomologist, with The Pest Clinic to help solve any bug issues in as friendly a way as possible. On Saturday there is a Q&A Session on ‘Empowering Communities into Horticulture’ with Tayshan Hayden-Smith. Ben Cross from Crosslands Flower Nursery will also be back on the Sunday to extol, in his usual energetic way, on the ‘British Cut Flower Industry’… ‘British Flowers Rock’!

The Show’s chosen charity is CancerWise – www.cancerwise.org.uk – aspiring to be an enabling, compassionate community for people with cancer and those who care for them. Based in Chichester, offering support and information to anyone who is concerned about cancer. Through counselling, complementary therapies or emotional care, providing support to the mind, body, spirit and emotional health of people through and beyond cancer. They will be holding ‘A Giant Tombola’, prizes donated by the Garden Show Exhibitors, along with some fete fun games.

In memory of one of the original founders of the show, Lizzie Dymock, Tawny Nursery will be selling beautiful poppies in aid on CancerWise.

It’s not all about gardening with ongoing demonstrations including willow weaving, forging along with traditional chairs, broom, trug and fence making plus The Studio Shop artisans demonstrating and sharing their expertise on jewellery design, painting, photography, embroidery, felt making, woodwork along with so much more. Plus the opportunity to join in one of the Blacksmith Workshops and create a leaf to hang on The Tree of Life in aid of CancerWise.

There is plenty to engage your children & indeed the whole family: watch children play in the beautiful parklands, ride on the toddler fun fair with Carousel Amusements, watch Huxley Birds of Prey soar through the skies, learn circus skills with Crazee Hazee and enjoy the daily Punch & Judy shows as well as ‘have-a-go-archery’ with The Queens Archers.

Next year the show moves to Broadlands from June 6th to 8th.

Ticket prices on the gate: Adult £14. Senior £12. Child £5 (Age 5-16yrs. Under 5yrs free). Family £35 (inc 2A & 4C). Prebook and save 15%.

More details and booking at The Garden Shows

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