5 ways to elevate your garden this spring and summer

Zoe Gater

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outdoors

Give your garden a new lease of life this season, whether you’re taking care of your lawn, planting, or completely redesigning your oasis.

As the days grow longer and temperatures begin to rise, now is the perfect time to step outside and start preparing your garden for the months ahead.

Whether you’re refreshing your lawn, rethinking your planting scheme, or transforming your space into an outdoor retreat, a little planning and care can make all the difference. From practical maintenance to inspired design ideas, here’s how to get your garden looking its best for the season.

Lawn care

As we welcome the warmer weather, it’s a good idea to give your lawn some extra TLC through regular maintenance – such as more frequent mowing. This keeps your green space healthy and thriving, while helping to deter weeds.

Whatever the size of your garden, Marlborough’s Baydon Mowers supplies a complete range of products from ride-on and pedestrian lawnmowers, to chainsaws, hedge-cutters – with the option to hire machinery, too. More info at baydonmowers.co.uk

If you’re looking to encourage wildflowers to flourish – and provide shelter for insects and wildlife – consider leaving sections of your lawn unmown. These areas can provide pollen, nectar and a host of other essential benefits for the ecosystem.

And if you need help nurturing your outdoor space, the skilled horticulturists and groundsmen of Garden Vista – operating across Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey – are available for ongoing contracts or one-off visits to make your garden more manageable. Find out more at gardenvista.co.uk

Outdoor living

Once your lawn and borders are back in shape, attention can turn to how you enjoy the space.

After a wet and windy winter, many of us are eager to get outside and transform our gardens into a natural extension of the home. From comfortable seating areas and fire pits to atmospheric lighting and pergolas, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your outdoor space from dawn until dusk.

If you have ideas ready to go – or need expert guidance – Southern Counties Landscapes, based in Wokingham, can help bring your vision to life. From decking and water features to bespoke paving and planting, the team has created hundreds of designs over the years, always keeping practicality and budget in mind. For further information, visit southerncountieslandscapes.com

As gardens come into full use, attention naturally shifts beyond planting and maintenance to how the space is experienced. A garden room could be the perfect addition, helping you create your own outdoor retreat.

Alongside the potential to increase property value, this versatile space can be tailored to your needs – whether that’s a light-filled home office, a dedicated hobby room, a cosy reading nook, or a spot to sip a glass of wine while watching the sunset. It offers a seamless bridges between indoors and out.

Locally, there are some excellent options. Garden Rooms by Drumbeat, working across Hampshire and Surrey, offers a personalised service, whether you choose a pre-designed structure or opt for something more bespoke, complete with free consultation and digital drawings. Discover more at gardenroomsbydrumbeat.co.uk

Based in Hampshire, Ambassador Projects also designs, manufactures, and installs outdoor living structures. Blending traditional oak features with sleek, contemporary aesthetics, the team offers signature, classic and heritage designs. More at ambassador-projects.com

Planting and potting

With the structure of your garden in place, planting is where you can really bring it to life with colour and texture.

If you’ve admired the beautiful bedding displays at Ascott House and Gardens, Waddesdon Park or Hughenden Park in Buckinghamshire, you can recreate that same sense of seasonal colour and year-round interest at home with a thoughtful mix of flowering plants and evergreen foliage.

For those who’d prefer a helping hand with the planning, raking, The Big Plant Nursery in Twyford offers expert advice and consultancy, as well as delivery and planting services.

The nursery boasts an impressive selection of quality plants, shrubs and trees – including tender exotics and specimen varieties – to help you create your ideal garden.

From ground preparation to precise planting and staking, you’ll receive comprehensive aftercare advice and planting warranties for peace of mind, allowing you to transform your garden instantly with minimal effort. Check out the full range at thebigplantnursery.com

Watering and irrigation

Even the best-kept lawns and newly planted borders can struggle without sufficient water as temperatures rise.

From newly laid turf to established planting schemes, consistent watering is key to keeping your garden healthy and vibrant throughout the warmer months.

While a hose or watering can may be sufficient for smaller spaces, larger gardens can benefit from sprinklers or automated irrigation systems, which take the guesswork out of when and how much to water. Timed systems are particularly useful during dry spells or holidays, ensuring your garden continues to thrive even when you’re away.

For a more environmentally conscious approach, water butts allow you to collect and reuse rainwater, while drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing waste and improving efficiency.

If you’re unsure which solution is right for your space, expert advice can help you strike the perfect balance between convenience, cost and sustainability.

Looking after gardens across North Berkshire and South Oxfordshire for more than 30 years, Ian Kendrick Ltd offers a wide range of maintenance services, with weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits tailored to suit your budget. Find out more at iankendrickltd.co.uk

Concrete cleanup

It’s not just lawns and borders that need attention. Over time, stone patios and pathways can develop stubborn black staining that even pressure washing won’t remove.

These marks are caused by microscopic lichen spores carried by wind and rain from surrounding trees.

Patio Black Spot Remover offers an effective solution with a biodegradable, acid-free product that cleans stone surfaces without causing damage or harming nearby plants.

Based in Farnham, the company offers both products for home use and a professional call-out service, depending on your needs. Visit patioblackspotremoval.com for further details.

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10 of the best places to go fruit picking – within easy reach of London

Zoe Gater

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outdoors

Zoe Gater

From sun-ripened strawberries to pumpkin-filled autumn fields, these pick-your-own farms near London offer the ultimate seasonal day out – with plenty of fresh air, flavour, and countryside charm.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about picking your own produce straight from the source. Whether it’s a punnet of perfectly ripe strawberries, a bunch of vibrant wildflowers, or a wheelbarrow-worthy pumpkin in autumn.

And fortunately, you don’t have to travel far from the capital to find some of the UK’s best pick-your-own (PYO) experiences. Across Surrey, Oxfordshire and beyond, farms are opening their gates each season to welcome visitors into their fields.

So whether you’re planning a wholesome weekend activity, entertaining little ones, or simply chasing the taste of fruit at its freshest, these PYO farms deliver a seasonal experience that’s as enjoyable as it is delicious.

Fruit picking in Surrey

Garson Farm, Esher

If you’re after a pick-your-own experience that really delivers, Garsons Farm more than earns its award-winning reputation. Crowned ‘Pick Your Own of the Year’ at the 2025 Farm Retail Association Awards, it’s a go-to for top-quality produce and beautifully kept fields.

Spanning an impressive 155 acres, and farmed by the same Thompson family since 1871, it’s one of the UK’s largest PYO sites. Expect row upon row of vibrant crops – from juicy strawberries to colourful flowers – with around 30 varieties to choose from across the season. PYO typically kicks off in late spring, just in time for those first sweet harvests of the year.

Crockford Bridge Farm, Addleston

Steeped in history (it even gets a mention in the Domesday Book!), Crockford Bridge Farm blends heritage with a seriously good seasonal offering. Set across 80 acres of Surrey green belt, this family-run spot is a firm favourite for good reason.

There’s always something new to pick from June through to December – think sun-warmed strawberries and raspberries in summer, followed by pumpkin patches and winter squashes as the seasons turn. And whatever you do, don’t leave without stopping by its ice cream parlour – the perfect end to a day in the fields.

Secretts of Milford, Godalming

A staple of Surrey’s food scene is Secretts. Just outside Godalming, this award-winning farm is known for its lively events, beautifully maintained fields, and seriously fresh, seasonal food.

Depending on the time of year, you can wander through fields picking everything from asparagus and rhubarb to pumpkins – all harvested just metres from where you stand. Afterwards, the farm shop is a must-visit – especially the cheese counter, which boasts more than 300 varieties (yes, really).

Priory Farm Estate, Redhill

Looking to turn your fruit picking into a full day out? Priory Farm Estate has you covered.

Alongside seasonal PYO fields, you’ll find woodland trails, nature-inspired play areas, and plenty of space to roam. Kids can run wild, and adults can slow down – ideally with a basket full of fresh produce in hand.

Fruit picking in Oxfordshire

Rectory Farm PYO, Oxford

Rectory Farm has been feeding Oxfordshire (and beyond) for generations – and its PYO offering is just as impressive as you’d expect.

With 45 acres dedicated to pick-your-own crops – plus a further 60 acres of asparagus fields nearby – there’s plenty to explore. From April through to October, the fields come alive with more than 30 varieties, from spring asparagus and strawberries to late-summer sunflowers and autumn pumpkins (with thousands planted each year).

Fruit picking in Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

Peterley Manor Farm, Great Missenden

Tucked away in the Chilterns, Peterley Manor Farm feels like a proper countryside escape. Family-run and full of charm, it offers a relaxed, scenic setting for a spot of seasonal picking.

Depending on when you visit, you might find yourself gathering plums, strawberries, or redcurrants in the sunshine – or wandering through fields of sunflowers and pumpkins later in the year. Come Christmas, it transforms again, with rows of beautifully grown trees ready to take home.

Copas Farms, Cookham/Iver

If variety is what you’re after, Copas Farms – operating as The Fruit Fields – is hard to beat. With multiple sites and a well-planned growing calendar, it offers a steady stream of crops throughout the seasons.

From the first strawberries and cherries of early summer to raspberries, apples, sweetcorn and more, there’s always something worth picking. It’s a reliably good choice for those who like their PYO trips easy, well-organised, and packed with flavour.

Fruit picking in Hampshire

Pickwell Farm, Bursledon

A much-loved local spot just outside Southampton, Pickwell Farm has been welcoming visitors since 1985.

The picking calendar is packed with variety, from early rhubarb and strawberries to late-summer sweetcorn and autumn pumpkins. In between, expect everything from raspberries and blackberries to courgettes and beans – perfect for filling your basket (and your kitchen) with fresh, seasonal produce.

Goodall’s Strawberry Farm, Lymington

For a more traditional, no-frills PYO experience, Goodall’s Strawberry Farm is a south coast classic.

Best known for its beautifully grown strawberries, this is the place to come on a sunny day when only the freshest, sweetest fruit will do. Simple and seasonal!

Fruit picking in Wiltshire

Lotmead Pick Your Own, Wanborough

Friendly, relaxed, and easy to visit, Lotmead PYO is a great all-rounder for families and casual pickers.

Fields are well-kept and full of variety, with strawberries and raspberries in summer giving way to pumpkins as autumn rolls in. Whether you’re planning a wholesome day out or just popping by for a punnet or two, it’s a lovely spot to soak up the seasons.

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How you could get free entry to RHS Wisley this spring

Zoe Gater

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outdoors

Zoe Gater

Do you have a gardening-related name? From 2 April to 31 May 2026, RHS Wisley invites you to enjoy a FREE visit to its Surrey garden.

If you have a name ‘rooted’ in gardening, don’t miss the chance to visit RHS Garden Wisley for free throughout April and May 2026.

Whether your name is Rose, Daisy, Violet, Sage, or Willow, or you have a surname such as Potts, Bloom, Gardener, or Grass, show your ID upon entry and enjoy the seasonal delights without spending a penny.

Gardening-related names have a long history in the UK, often reflecting traditional occupations, local landscapes and plants that shaped everyday life.

According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, nature-inspired names are more popular than ever in the UK, reflecting a cultural affinity for nature and gardening, with classical botanical names such as Lily, Ivy and Poppy all in the top ten baby name lists.

With so many of these names still flourishing in today’s baby name charts, RHS Garden Wisley is celebrating the long-standing connection between people and gardening, inviting those with gardening names to enjoy a free visit for a limited time.

Plus, spring is a great time to explore the garden, with more than 100,000 tulips waiting to wow you; beautiful blossoms across Battleston Hill; and early colour in the mixed borders too.

And if you’re looking to keep the kids occupied this Easter, take part in the Who’s Framed the Easter Bunny Trail or enjoy a year-round stroll with The Wind in the Willows Trail – which brings Kenneth Grahame’s classic characters into the garden for a fun and interactive adventure.

For more information, visit the RHS website.

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New sensory garden supports pupils at Farnborough Primary School

Zoe Gater

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Cherrywood Community Primary School in Farnborough has opened a new sensory garden, offering pupils a peaceful, inclusive outdoor space, created with support from the 2025 Kebur Community Project Awards.

A new sensory garden is providing a safe and inclusive environment for pupils at a primary school in Farnborough thanks to the 2025 Kebur Community Project Awards.

Applications for the 2026 awards which offer up to £3,000 worth of garden materials to support community groups, schools and charities in improving outdoor spaces for people and wildlife are now open.

Cherrywood Community Primary School received £1,500 of garden materials to help create a calming, inclusive outdoor space designed to support pupils’ wellbeing.

The new Addagrip resin-bound surface was installed in February with the help of local contractor Esme Garden Design and Landscaping. The materials for the surface were jointly funded by Kebur Garden Materials and Addagrip.

The wider sensory garden will feature tactile planting, fragrant herbs, raised beds, reflective spaces and wildlife-friendly elements such as bug houses and pollinator-attracting plants.

Claire Hills, Social Emotional and Mental Health Lead at the school said: “This sensory garden will provide a safe and inclusive environment, particularly supporting children with autism, sensory processing needs, and any pupil who would benefit from a peaceful, nurturing outdoor space.”

Jo Holtom, Business Partner at Kebur Garden Materials, called the installation “a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local businesses collaborate”.

To apply for the 2026 awards please visit kebur.co.uk/community.

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Discover National Garden Scheme spaces open near you

Zoe Gater

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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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outdoors

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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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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National Garden Scheme spaces to visit in Berkshire

Zoe Gater

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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.

I‘ve gardened for a living for over 60 years now,” says Alan Titchmarsh CBE, “and for pleasure for almost 70 years. It’s so heartening to think that something I love – carried out by thousands of extraordinarily generous garden owners – helps to improve the lives of so many people right across the country every day.

“For me the National Garden Scheme is the heart and soul of Britain, and proof of just what good can come from looking after your own little bit of the planet and sharing it with others.”

Step inside Berkshire’s most beautiful gardens

This spring, gardens big and small across Berkshire 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 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?

Opening a garden to give back

Patricia Vella and Jon Black opened their Wargrave garden as a way to “give back”, having been introduced to the NGS through Jon’s aunt.

“When we visited we would often take her to visit one of the many NGS gardens in Essex, where she lived. She suffered from dementia in her last years, but gardens always reached her – and she enjoyed the tea and cake! After she passed, we saw an appeal from Berkshire NGS for new gardens to open and felt it was an opportunity to give back.”

Her haven in Beverley Gardens RG10 8ED has primarily Mediterranean and exotic planting and “is intended to evoke a sense of being on holiday” and with their young grandniece a frequent visitor, it is also designed with exploration in mind, the chickens and ducks in particular are always an attraction for youngsters.

“We want our visitors to have a relaxing afternoon out with tea and homemade cake and were delighted when one of our NGS visitors settled down on the hammock seat with a book and fell asleep,” adds Patricia.

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. 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, children can often go free, so it’s a very pocket-friendly outing for the whole family to enjoy.”

A waterside retreat in Newbury

For many owners, it’s a reason to maintain their plots to perfection, try new planting ideas, and connect with fellow horticulturists. The ‘social’ aspect of opening a garden is invaluable for Karen Swaffield whose pretty waterside garden at Island Cottage, Newbury RG14 5HT, is set between the River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal. Karen loves to see visitors enjoying her garden.

“The visitors are always so appreciative and it’s nice to just chat about garden things with like-minded people. I’ve picked up lots of tips and met some lovely people. I have given a talk about how the garden has developed with some pics and video, which was nerve-racking but really enjoyable.

“People enjoy my carrot cake and cream teas! I have a team of friends who help with teas and chats, so it’s also a get-together time.”

From stud farm to garden sanctuary

Another garden which will welcome visitors is Deepwood Stud Farm near Maidenhead. Visitors enjoy four acres of formal and informal gardens, including a small lake with a Monet-style bridge, set within a 25-acre stud farm.

Its owner Christabel Goodwin tells us: “We’ve been opening our garden through the NGS for about 12 years and have found it a wonderful experience. It’s great to have a reason to make an effort in the garden and the visitors are – without exception – delightful.

“One lady returned a few months later with lots of little fish for the pond and people are always offering me cuttings or spare plants. I think our visitors also love being able to see the horses through the windows of the herbaceous border.”

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 Berkshire’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.

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

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Celebrate British Pie Week at The Savill Garden

Zoe Gater

Posted on

outdoors

A special British Pie Week menu at The Savill Garden will showcase venison sourced from Windsor Great Park itself, offering visitors a true field-to-fork dining experience this March 2026.

Visitors to The Savill Garden can enjoy a true taste of the estate this British Pie Week, as the garden’s restaurants shine a spotlight on a signature venison and ale pie – made with meat sourced directly from Windsor Great Park.

Taking place from Monday 2 to 8 March 2026, the celebration highlights a field-to-fork approach, featuring parkland venison paired with pale ale from Windsor & Eton Brewery, topped with golden puff pastry and served just steps from where the deer roam.

Meanwhile, at the Gallery Cafe, guests can enjoy a choice of hearty, freshly made pies for £14, each served with two salads.

Menu highlights include a chicken, ham hock and leek pie with a creamy sauce and shortcrust pastry lid, alongside a cauliflower and spinach pie filled with spiced cauliflower, chickpeas and lentils in vegan pastry.

For those looking for a more indulgent dining experience, The Savill Garden Kitchen is serving a Pie Week special priced at £20.

The elevated dish features venison braised with pale ale and root vegetables, topped with puff pastry and served with spring greens and creamy mash.

Set within 35 acres of ornamental gardens and woodland, The Savill Garden has been welcoming visitors since 1932.

British Pie Week offers the perfect opportunity to explore seasonal displays before sitting down to enjoy a dish that reflects the flavours — and provenance — of the surrounding park.

For more information, visit Windsor Great Park’s website.

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