Located at Rodmell near Lewes in East Sussex, Monks House is a perfect cottage garden to visit on a Sunday afternoon. Former home of Virginia Woolf, it is now owned by the National Trust and is open from 13.00-17.30 (free admission to members).
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Silent Sunday - Gardens to visit - Monks House, East Sussex
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Last chance to see Little Wantley in Sussex for NGS opening this weekend
Imagine a house overlooking a wonderful lake and a garden full of surprises - this is what you'll find at Little Wantley in Sussex if you visit this weekend. It's a little piece of heaven - brainchild of the late Hilary Barnes, who died last year - created over the last two decades and now a peaceful oasis, complete with rowing boat for the family to use. But it's also provided a wonderful canvas and allowed the owners to plant a range of water-loving plants that couldn't flourish without it.
Everywhere you turn in this 4.5 acre garden, you'll find something different, like the rope walk (above) flanked by glorious borders brimming with perennials and roses, leading up to the pergola; and the Stumpery (below), made up of old roots of oak and chestnut, which took four years to collect. And as Hilary once said: "We were stumped on how to begin ... so we lifted the largest roots into place to form the base and then fitted the other pieces into position, like a jigsaw puzzle."
Everywhere you turn there is another charming vista, like the flower garden below - bursting with colour; a secret garden accessed through a pergola; a cantilevered jetty with its own pergola; and glorious views over the lake, which incorporates two islands. This garden is a masterpiece, and although Hilary once said: "Opening your garden is like baring you soul!", this is definitely one to visit this weekend, because it's the last chance you'll have to see it.
Little Wantley opens for the NGS for the last time this weekend - on Saturday, June 20th - from 14.00 - 17.30. Admission £5.00. Do get there if you can. And for other open gardens, you can use the NGS garden finder to see what there is on offer in your area.
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Silent Sunday - Gardens to visit - Parham House, West Sussex
Parham House in West Sussex is open every Sunday throughout the season 12.00 - 17.00. Also open Wednesday to Friday. Admission to the garden is £8.00 for adults (free to HHA members). Other notable gardens nearby include Sussex Prairies and West Dean.
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August gardens - Up in the air with John Brookes at Denmans
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| The walled garden at Denmans - seen from above |
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| Another view from on high into Denmans |
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| John Brookes in his garden early this morning |
In a determined attempt to get some new shots of Denmans early this morning, John Brookes (above) went and found a ladder and I perched on top to look at the garden. The walled garden was particularly interesting from above because you could see the lines and structure John has created there. Well worth a visit, particularly early in the day or later in the afternoon, so you get the best light. Open daily from 10.00-16.00.
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Yorkshire's 'Secret Garden' - Millgate House, Richmond
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| Millgate House is a fine Georgian house in the heart of Richmond, Yorkshire |
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| The 1/3 acre garden at Millgate House is laid out like a tapestry, with fine views of open countryside beyond |
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| Millgate has two terraced gardens within the ancient walls of the property |
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| So dense is the planting at Millgate that you think you're in a much larger space |
Richmond is a charming Yorkshire Dales market town steeped in history, perched on top of a hill and dating back to the 11th century, when a community grew up around the castle. You can see both the ancient castle above and the fast-moving River Swale below from the garden at Millgate, plus the green landscape beyond from various vantage points at the property. Guests in rooms overlooking the garden enjoy particularly fine views from their windows of both the garden below - laid out like a tapestry - and the countryside beyond.
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| Millgate House is a true plantsman's garden created by the owners |
Gravel paths wind through the garden and a profusion of plants cover every inch of available space - notably clematis, hostas, roses and ferns as well as a treasure trove of perennials, shrubs and topiary. This is a wonderful plantsman's garden that thrives on the Yorkshire weather, behind sheltered walls, with carefully placed tables and chairs, allowing guests and visitors to savour time there.
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| There is so much to see in this tiny garden .... and the views are astounding |
Garden lovers will be amazed by the variety and density of planting and rose enthusiasts will certainly be in heaven during June and July as there are well over 40 varieties on show. Particularly charming is the area at the far end of the garden, where there is an ancient stone building (below) virtually hidden by the plants surrounding it. But make sure you stop and admire the garden from the various vantage points, because only then will you appreciate the skilful planting here.
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| Prepare to be amazed by the density and variety of the planting at Millgate |
Yorkshire has many fine gardens, but this one is truly worth making a detour for. And if you want to base yourself somewhere for a tour of the area, you would do well to see if you can stay at Millgate House. But you will have to book well in advance because it has become even more popular since appearing on Alan Titchmarsh's show. If you are coming this far north, make sure you drop in at York Gate on the way, because this is another remarkable garden.
Millgate House is an RHS Partner Garden and also a member of the Historic Houses Association, but it still remains one of Yorkshire's best-kept secrets. I was amazed by what I saw here and would thoroughly recommend a detour to see it. Definitely worth basing yourself at the house (but book well ahead to guarantee a reservation) to look at gardens in the area.
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Scottish Castle Gardens I - Dunrobin
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| Dunrobin Castle - former home to the Duke of Sutherland - and now a major tourist attraction |
Scotland has some of the best castles in Europe, which rival those built by the French in the the Loire valley, but sadly the weather there is not as clement and, if you are going to visit, you need to go prepared with wet weather gear and wellington boots. Dunrobin in the Highlands, near Inverness is a fairy-tale castle of monumental proportions with an impressive formal garden, best seen from the windows above to appreciate the scale of the grounds below.
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| The main parterre at Dunrobin - viewed through the windows of the castle |
The castle was remodelled in the 19th century for the Duke of Sutherland by Sir Charles Barry, who designed the Houses of Parliament with Pugin. It is certainly one of the largest homes in northern Scotland and the dukedom once covered well over a million acres, but there is not a happy history here, because it was the Duke who was the instigator of the Highland Clearances - a major event in Scottish history - when more than 15,000 crofters were cleared from his land alone.
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| The secondary parterre divided into sections, with a pyramid garden at the centre |
Dunrobin is perched high on a hill overlooking the sea and the gardens sit below a series of steep terraces, surrounded by walls. The garden is divided into a main parterre and a secondary parterre divided into two sections by a pyramid garden where you will see diverse plants climbing the wooden structures, ranging from roses to raspberries. In the central section, there is a grove of mature trees and a croquet lawn. Between the castle and the parterres there are terraces with borders.
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| View of the secondary parterre as you descend the terraces from Dunrobin Castle |
The castle is certainly impressive and well worth taking a tour around, especially the library, drawing room and nursery (you cannot photograph inside, but are allowed to point your camera out of the windows into the garden below), even though you see only a fraction of the 189 rooms. There is a set entry price (£10.50 for adults) so you might as well enjoy the interior, because there is no discount for seeing only the gardens. The curatorial staff on duty are delightful and knowledgeable and will answer all your questions.
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| Standing on the terraces above the secondary parterre, across the pyramid garden |
The gardens are very green, in the sense that there is relatively little colour at this time of year, except on the terraces, and whilst impressive from the windows of the castle, you will soon realise when you reach sea level that the box partitions are suffering badly from blight, and that the planting is a little discordant. But there is no disputing the fact that the views of the castle make up for any disappointment in the garden.
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| View across the secondary parterre, towards the pyramid garden |
The garden is planted to reflect the seasons and is, I'm told, magnificent in springtime, when there is a spectacular display of tulips. This late in the season there is a profusion of geraniums, nepeta and other assorted perennials, but the overall impression of the parterre planting remains somewhat chaotic, given the grandeur of the design. But perhaps this will improve the box blight problem is solved.
It was clear from the parked cars that this is a major tourist attraction for overseas visitors, who come from all over Europe to see our landmarks. Dunrobin will delight in terms of a Scottish castle with astounding views over the garden below and the sea beyond and a collection of paintings and antiques to rival any other great ancestral home. But garden lovers may well be disappointed when they look closely at the verdant landscape below.
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| Border on the terrace below Dunrobin en route to the parterre |
In June, July and August Dunrobin Castle is open daily from 10.00 to 5.00. (last entry half an hour before closing). But check website for other times of year. If you are a member of Historic Houses Association, admission is free.
For more garden visit ideas, click here.
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Scottish Castle Gardens II - Cawdor
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| Castle Cawdor, near Inverness, dates back to the 14th century |
Another glorious Scottish castle - this time Cawdor, is within a stone's throw of Inverness. This one is much less imposing than Dunrobin, considerably smaller and has a colourful, well-kept garden and a well-publicised association with Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', in which the principle character is made 'Thane of Cawdor'. It draws visitors from far and wide and is one of the main tourist attractions in this area, so make sure to get there early to avoid the crowds.
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| The Flower Garden at Cawdor Castle |
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| There are fine views of the castle from the flower garden at Cawdor |
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| 'The Sun' slate sculpture at Cawdor Castle by James Parker |
You can also see large sections of the interior of the castle, with its impressive trappings, but gardeners will want to be outside. The formal gardens are to the side of the property, set behind walls, but with fine views from the Flower Garden to the romantic castle beyond. Exuberant herbaceous borders are planted so there is colour throughout the seasons and are particularly colourful in July and August, but continuing to look good well into September. Immaculately-clipped hedging divides the different sections of the garden, but what will impress most is the density of planting wherever you look. Rose enthusiasts will love the rose tunnel in season. |
| The Paradise section of the ancient walled garden at Cawdor |
The ancient Walled Garden at the castle was remodelled by the incumbent Lord Cawdor in 1981, with the help of his surviving wife Angelika, the current Dowager Countess, and is very different in character to the Flower garden, save for the Paradise section (above), although equally well planned to give colour and interest throughout the seasons. There is a holly maze here too, but it is often closed in August for clipping and maintenance.
If you visit on a Tuesday or Thursday during high season - May to August - you can either walk or drive to neighbouring Auchindoune (above) with its peaceful Tibetan garden and charming kitchen garden (below) which was laid out by Arabella Lennox-Boyd. It is very different in spirit and much less grand than the castle gardens, but well worth visiting. But only open from 10.00 -16.30, two days a week.
Cawdor Castle is open daily from the beginning of May until early October, from 10.00 to 17.30 (last admission 17.00). Prices are £10.50 for the castle and grounds, and £5.75 for the gardens and grounds (free to Historic Houses Association members). Auchindoune has an honesty box and entry is £3.00 per person.
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| The neighbouring gardens at Auchindoune are very different in spirit |
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| The kitchen garden at Auchindoune was laid out by Arabella Lennox-Boyd |
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Attadale - magnificent Scottish gardens with far-reaching views to the Isle of Skye
Attadale Gardens are situated overlooking the island of Skye at Strathcarron in Scotland and as soon as you walk through the gates you realise this is a very special place. The position of the property close to the Gulf Stream and the shelter from northern winds provided by the surrounding hills means that these are incredibly lush grounds, with a semblance of the tropics about them and a unique garden cherished and re-created by Nicky Macpherson and her husband Ewen since the terrible gales of the 1980s.
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| The water gardens at Attadale can be explored from ground level and a path above |
Ewen Macpherson's father, Ian, bought the property in 1952. Previous owners had included Baron von Shroder, who had a real interest in trees and plants and imported many fine redwoods from overseas, as well as a substantial collection of rhododendrons, which flourish in the protected microclimate here. But it is Nicky who created the very personal garden at the house today, with help at the outset from Michael Innes, who had trained at Kew and the late Professor Douglas Henderson, who was formerly in charge of Inverewe Gardens.
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| Meander along the higher path above the water garden at Attadale to catch the best light on the plants |
When you arrive at Attadale, you have the chance to meander down the drive through the water gardens, to be enjoyed at both ground level with all the magnificent reflections and from above, by walking along a winding path that leads to a viewpoint over the main house and the sea beyond. You will find huge gunnera plants in this part of the garden, imported from Brazil and the Magellan Straits, as well as a carefully chosen palette to give colour throughout the seasons, a waterfall and several small bridges that tempt you back to ground level.
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| The Sunken Garden at Attadale |
Closer to the house you have the symmetrical Sunken Garden (above), surrounded by old walls, with another palette of carefully-chosen plants to ensure interest from April to October - astrantia, sedum, heuchera and rosa rugosa to name but a few - and with fine displays of bulbs early in the season. From here you wander across to a huge sundial supported by the Macpherson cat, and then through a wooded area to the peaceful Japanese Garden, which features a selection of traditional Japanese plants including bamboo, azaleas, cherry and maple, as well as miniature conifers.
The rhododendron dell stretches away up a hill beyond the old wood adjacent to the Japanese Garden (above). Remember to look up at the fine Californian redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron gigantum), as you walk through here. And although the rhododendrons were not in flower when I visited, it is easy to imagine the fine colour displays in springtime - a veritable legacy from Baron von Schroder's days, but added to by the present owners.
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| The Japanese garden at Attadale in Scotland |
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| Ferns in the geodesic dome, built by head gardener Geoff, at Attadale |
The Fernery, completed as recently as 2012, may come as a bit of a surprise as you emerge from this part of the garden - you will find a mini geodesic dome, resembling those at the Eden Project - designed to protect the plants that would not survive the harsh winter climate here. Many of the plants you see outside were given by a great friend of the Macpherson family, the late Peter Hainsworth, who loved this part of the garden. And head gardener, Geoff Stephenson, who arrived at Attadale in 2003, has also made a huge contribution to the collection by propagating ferns from outside gardens and various expeditions.
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| The kitchen garden produces all fruit and vegetables for the house, and the surplus goes to local restaurants |
The kitchen garden (above) close to the house, is an impressive working area, with gravel paths and raised beds, which produces fruit and vegetables for both the main house and some local restaurants. Joanna Macpherson, Nicky's daughter, who also plays a major role in the garden today, credits both productivity and organisation of this part of the garden to head gardener Geoff, but having met Joanna and her mother, I suspect that they too, with their boundless energy, have made a major contribution to what you see there today.
Attadale's charm is indisputable, wherever you are in the garden. It is impeccably kept and filled with interesting plants and vistas, but most noticeable is the sense of calm and serenity here. Well worth making the effort to see and open daily, except Sunday, from April to October every year, 10.00-17.30. Admission is £6.00 for adults.
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Herterton House, Northumberland - a masterpiece garden created in just an acre
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| View from the gazebo at Herterton House in Northumberland |
I had never heard of Herterton House before I headed north recently and only then discovered it because I happened to visit the walled garden at the nearby Wallington Estate in Northumberland. Both are within spitting distance of Cambo, birthplace of Capability Brown, yet you rarely see anything about either of these gardens in the press and I would never have found them, but for being told about them by friends in the vicinity.
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| The Nursery Garden at Herterton |
Herterton House Gardens will come as a delightful surprise to anyone who visits them. Hailed by well-known British garden writer, Robin Lane-Fox, as “one of the most influential English gardens to be created since the end of World War II”, they have been created by a husband and wife team, Frank and Marjorie Lawley, over the last 40 years since taking on the lease of a run-down National Trust property in 1975.
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| Looking through the garden gate at Herterton |
They have renovated both house and garden during their tenancy and created an extraordinarily varied landscape in less than an acre, but with five very different garden rooms and a range of plants that will astound any visitor. Marjorie Lawley was brought up in the area – her father was a stonemason on the neighbouring Wallington Estate, with its famous walled garden. Frank came from Staffordshire, and before moving into Herterton, they had a cottage at Wallington, where they first discovered the joys of gardening.
The garden here is wrapped around a 16th century stone farmhouse and the Lawleys have made use of each different aspect of the adjacent land, so that every part of the garden enjoys different views. At the front of the property is the Formal garden, filled with topiary in shades of green and gold, and far-reaching views over the Northumberland countryside; then to one side of the house is a Physic Garden, and at the rear there are three different garden rooms, known as the Flower, Fancy and Nursery gardens. At the far-end of the property, there is a stone gazebo, built by the Lawleys, which gives wonderful views and enables visitors to fully-appreciate the design of the gardens below.
The garden here is wrapped around a 16th century stone farmhouse and the Lawleys have made use of each different aspect of the adjacent land, so that every part of the garden enjoys different views. At the front of the property is the Formal garden, filled with topiary in shades of green and gold, and far-reaching views over the Northumberland countryside; then to one side of the house is a Physic Garden, and at the rear there are three different garden rooms, known as the Flower, Fancy and Nursery gardens. At the far-end of the property, there is a stone gazebo, built by the Lawleys, which gives wonderful views and enables visitors to fully-appreciate the design of the gardens below.
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| The Fancy Garden at Herterton |
It doesn't matter where you start at Herterton, to the front or rear of the house, because you'll be enchanted by the different rooms and the range of plants here. The Fancy garden (above) is accessed through the Nursery garden and leads into the Flower garden adjacent to the house. Climb the steps into the gazebo to get a bird's eye view of the different gardens and you will really appreciate the skill of the planting and the use of space here.
There was nothing here when the Lawleys arrived in 1975, just a ramshackle farmhouse needing a lot of repairs and a completely blank canvas around the house, with a few outbuildings. Frank and Marjorie had already learned about gardening at their previous cottage on the Wallington Estate, but this was a very different prospect. Forty years later, this charming garden is a colourful tapestry of plants and you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped into a landscape steeped in history.
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| View of Herterton's Flower garden, with the gazebo in the distance |
Walk to the other end of the garden and you can climb more steps to see what lies below - this gives you a good view of the Flower garden, planted with many different herbaceous plants, interspersed with more topiary. Winding paths lead you through this part of the garden, which changes colour as you wander through it. You'll find many yellows, close to the house, orange and blue in the centre, surrounded by geometric topiary and rich reds and purples close to the gazebo, inspired by the paintings of Klee and Mondrian.
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| The Physic garden at Herterton House |
The Physic garden surrounds an old granary building with fine Northumberland arches (above) and is planted with a very different palette, featuring many medicinal plants in intricately-shaped beds. Overlooked by two sides on the house, this has a very different feel to other parts of the garden and is much more minimalist in its planting.
The Formal garden (above) is located at the front of the house and features finely clipped topiary shapes in green and yellow - a perfect compliment to the hues of the stone farmhouse that has been the Lawleys home for 40 years. Herterton House is open daily from the beginning of May until the end of September, except Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 13.30 to 17.30 and admission is £5.00. Definitely worth making the effort to see and, if you can, combine it with nearby Wallington.
Frank Lawley, who is now approaching 80, has written a book about the garden he has created with Marjorie over the last 40 years: 'Herterton House and a New Country Garden'. It's a well-written account of what they have learned in their time here and gives a real insight into the creation of the garden.
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Midney Gardens and Nursery - A new Somerset plot full of surprises
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| The seaside garden at Midney |
Although the British have a great passion for garden visiting, there are not that many new gardens around the country. So when I accidentally stumbled upon Midney in Somerset - traditionally a country where the gardens are either those of great houses or in the hands of the National Trust - I was delighted. This is a true plantsman's garden with some very unusual plant combinations.
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| The Clarice Cliff garden created by Dave Chase |
Midney has been created over the last six years by Dave Chase and his partner, Alison Houghton. Dave has always been a passionate gardener and worked for many years with Marylyn Abbott at West Green House in Hampshire. He is a great admirer of Sylvia Crowe's designs and likes Jekyll's prolific planting style - both are obvious influences on the delightful small garden that he has created here.
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| The gin garden at Midney in Somerset |
But prepare to be surprised, because although you will recognise the Crowe influence in the curving lines of the pathways and the palette of Gertrude Jekyll in the planting, Dave has put his own stamp on the garden here. And, if you keep your eyes open, you will see many unusual and humorous touches as you wander through it.
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| Midney is very different in style to the National Trust gardens in Somerset |
Created on the site of a former quarry, Dave and Alison dug up some interesting junk when they began clearing the land around the former gamekeeper's lodge at the heart of the property that is now their home. They found many scrap items that they have effectively incorporated into the garden design, including gates and other metal objects like the rusty bicycles that are effectively used as plant supports in the vegetable garden.
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| The vegetable garden at Midney |
This is a small garden full of original ideas, cleverly planted to give a range of different colour palettes and incorporating a seaside garden (charming); a Clarice Cliff garden (inspiring); a fire garden (complete with fire pit - useful if we had the weather to enjoy it to the full); a white garden (always a favourite with visitors) and a gin garden (inspired by the various ingredients); to name but a few of the different areas open to visitors.
Midney is clearly a work in progress and Dave is the first to admit that it's all taken longer in the making than he anticipated, but he clearly loves the outdoor life here and the garden is beginning to attract more visitors each year. Two new areas under development are the woodland walk and the wildlife pond, accessible through the now well-established vegetable garden.
There is also a nursery, stocked with many of the plants you see growing in the garden. So for something different to the historical gardens that make up the well-trodden National Trust quadrangle locally - Barrington Court, Lytes Carey, Tintinhulland Montacute - head to Midney on the outskirts of the charming village of Somerton in the south-west corner of the county. Open from the beginning of April to mid-October, Thursday-Sunday 11.00-17.00. Admission is £4.50 for adults.
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Win a week away in springtime and Discover Scottish Gardens©
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| Your chance to win a week's holiday at Attadale and Discover Scottish Gardens |
Scotland has some of the best gardens in Britain and I've certainly had many pleasant surprises north of the border on my various visits as The Galloping Gardener©. Many of the gardens are now joining forces as part of a new initiative to promote themselves and work together under the banner "Discover Scottish Gardens", which has launched a new website with comprehensive information about its growing number of members.
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| Autumn colours at Benmore |
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of these gardens, including Attadale, Benmore, Crarae, Glenarn and Greenbank – even if I haven’t yet written them all up - and each one has been exceptional.
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| Autumn at Crarae on a wet and windy day |
My most recent visit was to Attadale, on a fine day in August, where I was able to enjoy wonderful views across the gardens to the Isle of Skye beyond. The garden looked spectacular when I visited, but it was obvious from the planting that it provides year-round interest. All the others I visited later in the season en route to friends on the West Coast and was treated to displays of autumn colours that still stick in my mind, even though the weather was cold and wet.
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| Glenarn in springtime |
If Scotland is on your wishlist, you can win a week’s holiday at Attadale for four people in one of the charming self-catering cottages on the estate – by visiting the Discover Scottish Gardens website, clicking on the link on the opening photograph and then following the instructions. What better way of brightening up the winter months than knowing you’re in with a chance to go on holiday in springtime, or if you'd prefer, the autumn?
And if you are lucky enough to win, why not share your Scottish gardens with my readers on this blog? All you need to do is contact me before you go and take your camera. And let the gardens tell their own stories through your pictures!
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| Greenbank in October |
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A sea of tea - in the hills in Southern India
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| The first of the great tea plantations in Munnar - Harrisons, which has 1500 acres of tea growing today |
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| Smiling tea picker in Munnar carrying her pickings on her head and on the way to the weighing station |
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| A sea of tea in Munnar |
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| Tea picker at work in Munnar |
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| The plant that provides tea is the same family as the camellia that so many of us grow in our gardens |
There are five major tea growing areas in India - Assam, Darjeeling, Munnar, the Nilgiri Hills and Wyannad. I am currently in Munnar, high in the hills in southern India, touring the tea plantations. More to come on that later! But there have also been some unusual surprises here, like the small nursery I found on the side of the road, selling strawberry plants .....
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Wordless Wednesday - Colours of southern India
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Not garden related, but too special not to share!
Words can't describe the place that I'm lucky enough to be staying - on the edge of the Arabian Sea in Kerala, India. All the fish we eat is freshly caught; the vegetables home grown; the beach is clean and the people here are utterly charming .... gone to heaven!
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Wordless Wednesday - Welford Park Snowdrop Extravaganza
Welford Park, near Newbury opens annually from early February to March to show off its extensive snowdrop collection and is well worth a visit on a sunny day. But hurry if you want to catch this year's display as it ends on Mother's Day - Sunday 6th March. Open Wednesday to Sunday until then, from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Admission £6.00 for adults.
For other spectacular snowdrop displays, follow this link.
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Fullerton Arboretum, California, offers plenty to see throughout the seasons
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| Fullerton Arboretum in southern California has a lot more to offer visitors than trees |
Take a quick glance at the picture above, with its abundant greenery and scattering of flowers and you could be forgiven for thinking it's an English garden beginning to bloom in springtime, but take a closer look and you'll soon realise that apart from the euphorbias, there is little here that we grow in the UK. Not surprising as this is the garden at Fullerton Arboretum in California that I visited recently, to find a stunning array of plants, notably cactus and succulents, as well as a fine collection of trees.
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| There's a good collection of desert plants at Fullerton Arboretum |
Given its city location, not far from central Los Angeles, I was amazed by its verdancy and delighted by some of the unusual plants I found in this 26-acre haven that forms part of the campus at California State University. It was established as recently as the late 1970s by a group of faculty members and students who decided to nurture the plot at the northeastern end of the campus, which had been under threat of conversion for additional parking for the college. Today, the garden is enjoyed by students and visitors and although parking is somewhat limited, it's a small price to pay for the botanical bonuses to be found at Fullerton.
Fullerton is classed as both arboretum and botanical garden and takes great pride in both its trees and native collections, boasting some 4,000 different plants, divided into four main collections - cultivated, desert, Mediterranean and woodland. One tree in particular has a famous provenance - a bodhi (ficus religiosa) - which was donated to the gardens by the Dalai Lama at the start of the new millennium, when he came to visit the university. In India, the bodhi is sacred.
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| Fullerton Arboretum runs an allotment programme to local residents and ensures they keep plots up to scratch |
In addition to the four main plant collections, Fullerton also runs an allotment programme for local residents and offers a range of plots for Californian natives to grow their vegetables. An innovative idea that gives pleasure to those that have plots, while offering a good visual bonus to visitors. But the rules are tough and if allotment tenants don't tend their plots properly, they're out! The management checks the plots regularly to see that tenants aren't getting sloppy.
For California natives, the collections here are pretty much the norm, with strong emphasis on cactus and succulents, but for those of us from further afield, the sheer size and range of drought-resistant plants makes this an interesting place to visit. Also notable is the climber collection (make sure you seek this out by walking the perimeter fence), where you'll see bright red passion flowers (below) and many other unusual offerings.
Planting at the Fullerton ensures that there is year-round interest for visitors. No mean feat when you learn there are only three full-time gardeners here and that funding comes entirely from donations. There is no admission charge to the arboretum, but visitors are encouraged to give a $5.00 entrance contribution, which seems incredibly reasonable by UK standards (around £3.50 at today's exchange rates).
Watch out for trees like the bombax (above) and the tulip tree when in bloom, plus the Californian redwood, which doesn't normally grow this far south - these are displays that you won't get in colder climates and provide real eye candy for overseas visitors like me. Fullerton is also known for its fruit tree collection and more recently, its wildflower meadow, created in the last few years. Certainly worth a visit if you're in the vicinity and easily accessible from downtown Los Angeles. The Fullerton is open daily from 8.00-16.30. Special thanks go to Holly Hillman, who showed me round when I visited.
Fullerton has a really comprehensive interactive online database for all its plants - a real bonus for visitors who are not familiar with some of the plants and trees growing there. You can access it online here or when visiting the garden using your phone.
For more California gardens, click here.
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Hortense Miller's unique hillside home and garden above Laguna Beach, California
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| The Hortense Miller Garden is on a steep 2.5 acre hillside site above Laguna Beach |
It's hard to beat the spectacular location of the Hortense Miller Garden high above Laguna Beach in southern California. Perched on the crest of Boat Canyon, it has unrivalled views over the Pacific and it was here that the spirited environmentalist and author, who gave her name to the garden, lived and worked there for more than 40 years in the single-storey house; creating the 2.5 acre landscape on a steep gradient; and then leaving her legacy to the local community.
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| There are far-reaching views of the Pacific throughout the Hortense Miller garden |
Hortense was born in 1908 in St Louis, Missouri and spent her formative years there. At 12 years old she announced that she would never marry, but when she met her husband Oscar - a successful Chicago lawyer - on a paddle steamer cruising the Mississippi, some 40 years later, she changed her mind. She was a self-taught artist, although marriage afforded her the opportunity to attend the Chicago Art Institute, which laid the foundations for some of the artwork you can see at her home today - the house and garden that she and Oscar bought when he retired in 1950 and they moved to California, to the rugged, hilly plot in Boat Canyon.
Many potential purchasers had rejected the plot because of its potentially difficult location on the hillside, but Hortense saw the full potential of the site, with its stunning views over the ocean and knew she could create an unusual garden here, using native southern California plants and trees. Undaunted by the steepness of the site, she set out to create the unusual property that visitors see there today, designed entirely to maximise on the location and the unique setting overlooking the rugged land of the canyon and the ocean beyond. Extensive work was carried out on the property under Hortense's direction and it was finally completed in 1959. But sadly, Oscar, who was 30 years her senior, died later that year.
Hortense was now on her own at her California home and threw herself into both her garden and her art, creating the extraordinary legacy that she has left to the nation. She survived both fire and fury during her time there - both literally and metaphorically: the terrible fires of 1979 and 1993 that raged close to the property, but left the house standing; and heat from neighbours who objected to the house and garden - located within an exclusive, gated community - opening to the public.
But Hortense soldiered on alone and today visitors can see that part of the impact of her unique home is the way the house is a gallery onto the garden and the terrain beyond - huge picture windows offer light and spectacular views, reminiscent of a modern art gallery where the exhibition is actually the views. There can be few gardens anywhere in the world with these attributes, and it is thanks to her foresight that it will remain open to the public. Fearing sub-division of the property after her death, Miller donated it to the City of Laguna in 1976. The Friends of the Hortense Miller Garden was founded one year later to maintain the property and offer docent-led tours.
The garden is planted with native California plants - punctuated with hundreds of steps to access the different levels - and an abundance of wildflowers, perennials and succulents. It's uniqueness is in the levels, the steep gradients and the sense of hanging on a hillside, overlooking vertical gulleys into the valley below. But it's definitely not a garden for visitors who suffer from vertigo, or sadly for the disabled because it sits on too many different levels connected by steps and walkways.
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| Visitors to the Hortense Miller Garden can see her artwork on show, inside and out |
The house is just as interesting - a perfectly preserved mid-century style property, filled with period furnishings and rooms crafted by Hortense to make the most of both the terrain and the views from the windows. House and garden are interspersed with Hortense's own artwork: large murals like the one above in the garden; paintings and hand-painted furniture; brightly coloured collages depicting historical figures or mermaids; home-made ceramics and sculpture; or hand-built steps linking the different garden areas.
Hortense Miller lived to be 99 years old and was a favourite garden character with both friends and visitors. Her reputation spread far beyond the confines of California, attracting visitors from all over the world to her garden and she was only a few months short of 100, when she died back in 2008. Today her legend lives on, thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Hortense Miller Garden. I was lucky enough to visit with head docent and long-term friend of Hortense, Marsha Bode, who continues to nurture the property with fellow Friends.
Visits to the garden can be arranged for every first and third Saturday of the month, plus every second and fourth Thursday, by calling (949) 497-0779. Tours take place from 10.00 am to noon and last approximately two hours. Tours are free, but donations are encouraged and there are also annual memberships available to local residents. But do book early to avoid disappointment. This is a garden well-worth visiting.
For more US gardens, click here
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The Huntington Library and Gardens - a slice of paradise in Los Angeles
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| The Huntington Library and Gardens lie in the lea of the San Gabriel mountains |
The Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino, California, former home of Henry E. Huntington, a successful 20th century railroad magnate, are just a stone's throw from downtown Los Angeles. Today they rank in the world's top gardens, and deservedly so, but don't expect to see everything in a day because this is more than a horticultural paradise, showcasing plants and trees from around the world; it's also a museum and library, housing formidable collections of both art and books, all acquired by Huntington when he finally retired from business.
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| The impressive Huntington pergola leads from the Rose garden to the Japanese garden |
The Huntington Library Art Collection and Botanical Gardens cover more than 200 acres at the heart of an exclusive San Marino residential area, with more than half open to the public. Add to this three art galleries and a library filled with rare books and manuscripts and you soon realise that the $25.00 entrance fee is not so steep. Visitors clearly agree because numbers top 600,000 a year, all eager to see the legacy that Huntington left to the nation. And, if there is one garden to see in California, this should be top of your list.
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| Vast tracks of greenery display trees and plants from around the world |
It is not just the size and scope of Huntington that makes this garden so impressive, it is also the diversity of plants and the 12 magnificent themed gardens at the property, including Chinese, Japanese, Australian, Palm and Desert, to name just a few. The Desert Garden is particularly impressive - a massive 12-acre plot, dedicated to succulents and cacti that will make your head spin, described by the well-known Brazilian landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx as "the most extraordinary garden in the world."
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| Don't miss the lily ponds with their impressive clivia displays |
Henry Huntington first discovered the San Gabriel Valley in 1893, en route to San Francisco with his uncle, Collis Huntington, who was then president of the Southern Pacific Railroad, when they stopped and stayed overnight at the 600-acre San Marino Ranch, which he finally bought for himself 20 years later in 1903. In the same year the talented horticulturalist, William Hertrich arrived in California, and Huntington hired him the following year as grounds superintendent and landscape gardener. Together they created the backbone of the gardens we see today.
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| Roberto Burle Marx described the Desert area as "the most extraordinary garden in the world" |
It was Hertrich who encouraged his employer to create the Desert Garden at San Marino, and during his time at the property he became a plant explorer in his own right as he searched far and wide for the plants growing there today, travelling widely throughout the southern US, Mexico and further afield to acquire new specimens for his employer. Huntington was committed to providing the financial support to develop his San Marino plot, but also spent much of his time, acquiring both the works of art and books and manuscripts that make up his extraordinary museum collections.
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| The Japanese Garden was one of the first areas to be developed by Huntington and Hertrich |
Visit in springtime and autumn and you will see the Japanese Garden - one of the first created on the site, when Huntington and Hertrich were hard at work landscaping the estate - in full bloom in the early part of the year, filled with a riot of colour provided by the flowering azaleas and camellias; go back in the fall to see the magnificent autumn colours provided by the extensive acer collection. But don't forget to visit the adjacent Chinese Garden, opened in 2008, which is one of only four in the continental US. It has a very different feel to it, with its minimalist planting and lakeside pavilions, and is best explored by taking the wheelchair route, which leads down to the Japanese Garden and gives fine views from above.
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| Don't miss the Chinese Garden, opened in 2008, with its minimalist planting and lakeside pavilions |
During his time at his magnificent home in San Marino, Huntington also made a bride of his late uncle Collis' wife Arabella, who became one of the great American art collectors and together they acquired many of the priceless paintings on display at the Museum today - a collection that includes masterpieces by Blake, Gainsborough, Reynolds and Turner, as well as the earliest known edition of Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales', just one of many rare manuscripts in the library.
But towards the end of their married life together, Arabella spent less and less time in San Marino, preferring her grand houses in New York and the south of France, so Henry devoted himself to his home and his grounds, with Hertrich as his right-hand man. Arabella died in 1924 and three years later, Henry followed her to the grave, leaving his extraordinary legacy to the American nation.
But towards the end of their married life together, Arabella spent less and less time in San Marino, preferring her grand houses in New York and the south of France, so Henry devoted himself to his home and his grounds, with Hertrich as his right-hand man. Arabella died in 1924 and three years later, Henry followed her to the grave, leaving his extraordinary legacy to the American nation.
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| The Desert Garden is spectacular in springtime |
Nearly a century later, the Huntington is one of the most famous gardens in the continental US - home to an extraordinary combination of visual treats for both art and horticultural fanatics. From early September (Labour Day) to the end of May it is only open to non-members from midday during the week and closes at 4.30 p.m. which allows too little time to savour what's on offer. Weekend openings are longer, and you can visit from 10.30 in the morning. It is only in high summer - June, July and August that the doors open daily from 10.30. It is always closed on Tuesdays.
For more US gardens, click here
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The Galloping Gardener © Recommends Best British Gardens - A Directory
The following is a list of gardens in the UK and Europe that I've visited personally since I started this blog in 2009. It's growing all the time as I continue to visit more gardens. The list is by no means exhaustive and I've visited many gardens that are not included - why? If a garden doesn't make the grade for me, I don't write about it! Or alternatively, I may have visited and not yet had time to review, so do check back regularly for all the latest additions.
Thank you for all your visits so far and I hope you'll continue to drop by as my list of gardens grows. Click on the link and it will take you to the garden review. Happy garden visiting!
ENGLAND
ENGLAND
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| Arley Hall, Cheshire |
Apple Court, Hampshire
Arley Hall, Cheshire
Arundel Castle Gardens, West Sussex
Ascott, Buckinghamshire
Asthall Manor, Oxon
Arley Hall, Cheshire
Arundel Castle Gardens, West Sussex
Ascott, Buckinghamshire
Asthall Manor, Oxon
Athelhampton House, Dorset
Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, Cornwall
Barnsley House, Gloucestershire
Barrington Court, Somerset
Bateman's, East Sussex
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| Barnsley House, Gloucestershire |
Barrington Court, Somerset
Bateman's, East Sussex
Beth Chatto Gardens, Essex
Biddulph Grange, Staffordshire
Bonython Garden, Cornwall
Borde Hill, West Sussex
Biddulph Grange, Staffordshire
Bonython Garden, Cornwall
Borde Hill, West Sussex
Bourton House, Gloucestershire
Bowood House, Wiltshire
*Open for NGS and by appt
Bressingham Gardens, Norfolk
Brook Cottage, Oxon
Bowood House, Wiltshire
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| Bressingham Gardens, Norfolk |
Bressingham Gardens, Norfolk
Brook Cottage, Oxon
Caerhays Castle, Cornwall
Charleston, East Sussex
Cherkley Court, Surrey
**Check website for details
Chiffchaffs, Dorset
Claydon House, Buckinghamshire
Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
Coleton Fishacre, Devon
Colesbourne Park, Gloucestershire
Coton Manor, Northants
Cothay Manor, Somerset
Coughton Court, Warwickshire
Cranborne Manor, Dorset
Crossing House, Cambridgeshire
**Check website for details
Chiffchaffs, Dorset
Claydon House, Buckinghamshire
Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
Coleton Fishacre, Devon
Colesbourne Park, Gloucestershire
Coton Manor, Northants
Cothay Manor, Somerset
Coughton Court, Warwickshire
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| Denmans, West Sussex |
Crossing House, Cambridgeshire
Denmans Garden, West Sussex
Docton Mill, Devon
Docwra's Manor, Cambridgeshire
Doddington Place, Kent
Dorothy Clive Garden, Staffordshire
Driftwood, East Sussex
Dunsborough Park, Surrey
East Lambrook Manor, Somerset
East Ruston Old Vicarage, Norfolk
Easton Walled Gardens, Lincolnshire
Ecclesden Manor, West Sussex
Docwra's Manor, Cambridgeshire
Doddington Place, Kent
Dorothy Clive Garden, Staffordshire
Driftwood, East Sussex
Dunsborough Park, Surrey
East Lambrook Manor, Somerset
East Ruston Old Vicarage, Norfolk
Easton Walled Gardens, Lincolnshire
Ecclesden Manor, West Sussex
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| Great Dixter, East Sussex |
Forde Abbey, Dorset
Furzey Gardens, Hampshire
Gibberd Garden, Essex
Gilbert White's House, Hampshire
Gipsy House, Buckinghamshire
(Roald Dahl's garden - open for NGS)
Glen Chantry, Essex
Glendurgan, Cornwall
Furzey Gardens, Hampshire
Gibberd Garden, Essex
Gilbert White's House, Hampshire
Gipsy House, Buckinghamshire
(Roald Dahl's garden - open for NGS)
Glen Chantry, Essex
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| The Garden House, Devon |
Glendurgan, Cornwall
Godinton House, Kent
Godolphin, Cornwall
Goodnestone Park, Kent
Gravetye Manor, West Sussex
Great Comp, Kent
Godolphin, Cornwall
Goodnestone Park, Kent
Gravetye Manor, West Sussex
Great Comp, Kent
Great Dixter, East Sussex
Great Fosters, Surrey
Green Island Gardens, Essex
Gresgarth Hall, Lancashire
Greys Court, Oxon
Groombridge Place, Kent
Hampton Court, Herefordshire
Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden, Surrey
Heale House, Wiltshire
Helmingham Hall, Suffolk
Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex
Hergest Croft, Herefordshire
Herterton House, Northumberland
Hestercombe Gardens, Somerset
Great Fosters, Surrey
Green Island Gardens, Essex
Gresgarth Hall, Lancashire
Greys Court, Oxon
Groombridge Place, Kent
Hampton Court, Herefordshire
Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden, Surrey
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| Hever Castle, Kent |
Helmingham Hall, Suffolk
Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex
Hergest Croft, Herefordshire
Herterton House, Northumberland
Hestercombe Gardens, Somerset
Houghton Lodge, Wiltshire
How Caple Court, Herefordshire
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| The Laskett - Herefordshire Sir Roy Strong's garden |
Kelmscott Manor, Gloucestershire
(William Morris' country home)
Kew (Royal Botanical) Gardens, London
Kiftsgate Court, Gloucestershire
(William Morris' country home)
Kew (Royal Botanical) Gardens, London
Kiftsgate Court, Gloucestershire
Knole Park, Kent
Lake House, Hampshire
Lamorran House, Cornwall
Larmer Tree Gardens, Wiltshire
Leonardslee Gardens, West Sussex
(** Sold 2010)
Levens Hall, Cumbria
Little Malvern Court, Worcestershire
Lamorran House, Cornwall
Little Wantley, West Sussex
*NGS and by appointment
London Wetland Centre
Longstock Park, Wiltshire
*Limited opening - check website
Mapperton House, Dorset
Marks Hall Arboretum, Essex
Leonardslee Gardens, West Sussex
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| Hestercombe Gardens, Somerset |
Levens Hall, Cumbria
Little Malvern Court, Worcestershire
Lamorran House, Cornwall
Little Wantley, West Sussex
*NGS and by appointment
London Wetland Centre
Longstock Park, Wiltshire
*Limited opening - check website
Loseley Park, Surrey
Lowther Castle, Cumbria
Lullingstone Castle, Kent
*See The World Garden (below)
Lytes Cary Manor, Somerset
Lowther Castle, Cumbria
Lullingstone Castle, Kent
*See The World Garden (below)
Lytes Cary Manor, Somerset
Manor House, Upton Grey, Hants
Mapperton House, Dorset
Marks Hall Arboretum, Essex
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| The maze at Hampton Court, Herefordshire |
Marks Hall Arboretum, Essex
Manor House, Upton Grey, Hants
Mapperton House, Dorset
Marks Hall Arboretum, Essex
Marle Place, Kent
Marwood Hill, Devon
Master's Garden (Lord Leycester Hospital), Warwickshire
Merriments Gardens, East Sussex
Marwood Hill, Devon
Master's Garden (Lord Leycester Hospital), Warwickshire
Merriments Gardens, East Sussex
Michelham Priory, East Sussex
Midney Gardens, Somerset
Mill Dene, Gloucestershire
Millgate House, Yorkshire
Misarden Park, Gloucestershire
Monks House, East Sussex
Moors Meadow, Herefordshire
Mottistone Manor, Isle of Wight
Midney Gardens, Somerset
Mill Dene, Gloucestershire
Millgate House, Yorkshire
Misarden Park, Gloucestershire
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| Parham House, West Sussex |
Moors Meadow, Herefordshire
Mottistone Manor, Isle of Wight
Nyman's Garden, West Sussex
Old Buckhurst, Kent
Oxford Botanic Gardens, Oxon
Painswick Rococo, Glos
Parcevall Hall, Yorkshire
Old Buckhurst, Kent
Oxford Botanic Gardens, Oxon
Painswick Rococo, Glos
Parcevall Hall, Yorkshire
Pashley Manor, East Sussex
Parham House, West Sussex
Pensthorpe, Norfolk
**Piet Oudolf's Millenium Garden
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
Prospect Cottage, Kent
Parham House, West Sussex
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| Rodmarton Manor, Gloucestershire |
**Piet Oudolf's Millenium Garden
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
Prospect Cottage, Kent
Ramster, Surrey
Restoration House, Kent
Riverhill House, Kent
Rodmarton Manor, Gloucestershire
Roof Gardens, London
Rousham House, Oxon
Restoration House, Kent
Riverhill House, Kent
Rodmarton Manor, Gloucestershire
Roof Gardens, London
Rousham House, Oxon
Saling Hall, Essex
Sandgate Close, Sussex
Sandringham, Norfolk
Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden, Sussex
Savill Garden, Surrey
Scotney Castle, Kent
Sandgate Close, Sussex
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| Stourhead, Wiltshire |
Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden, Sussex
Savill Garden, Surrey
Scotney Castle, Kent
Sezincote, Glos
Sheffield Park, East Sussex
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire
Sissinghurst Castle, Kent
Sheffield Park, East Sussex
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire
Sissinghurst Castle, Kent
Snowshill Manor, Gloucestershire
Spencers, Essex
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| Tremenheere, Cornwall |
Stoneacre, Kent
Stone House Cottage, Worcestershire
Stone House, Gloucestershire
*Open by appt - check website
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire
Sussex Prairies, West Sussex
Swiss Garden, Bedfordshire
Vann, Surrey
Valley Gardens, Surrey
Sussex Prairies, West Sussex
Swiss Garden, Bedfordshire
The Courts, Wiltshire
The Garden House, Devon
Toddington Manor, Bedfordshire
Town Place, West Sussex (NGS)
Trebah, Cornwall
Tremenheere, Cornwall
Vann, Surrey
Valley Gardens, Surrey
Ventnor Botanic Garden, Isle of Wight
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Wakehurst Place, West Sussex
Waterperry Gardens, Oxon
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
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| Garden of Cosmic Speculation designed by Charles Jencks and open just one day a year |
Waterperry Gardens, Oxon
West Dean Gardens, West Sussex
West Green House Garden, Hants
Westonbury Mill Water Gardens,
Herefordshire
Winterbourne Botanic Garden,
Birmingham City Centre
Wisley (RHS), Surrey
Wollerton Old Hall, Shropshire
Westonbury Mill Water Gardens,
Herefordshire
Winterbourne Botanic Garden,
Birmingham City Centre
Wisley (RHS), Surrey
Wollerton Old Hall, Shropshire
SCOTLAND
Bodnant
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| Le Manoir d'Eryignac, France |
Ambrass Schlosspark, Austria
Chateau de Chaumont International
Garden Festival, Loire Valley, France
Chateau le Boutemont, Normandy, France
Chateau Marqueyssac, Dordogne, France
Gourdon, France
Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam, Holland
Jardines de Alfabia, Mallorca, Spain
Keukenhof, Holland
La Bambouseraie, Languedoc, France
Le Bois de Moutiers, Normandy, France
Le Manoir d'Eryignac, Dordogne, France
Les Jardins Agapanthe, Normandy, France
Les Jardins des Sericourt, Picardy, France
Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam, Holland
Jardines de Alfabia, Mallorca, Spain
Keukenhof, Holland
La Bambouseraie, Languedoc, France
Le Bois de Moutiers, Normandy, France
Le Manoir d'Eryignac, Dordogne, France
Les Jardins Agapanthe, Normandy, France
Les Jardins des Sericourt, Picardy, France
Majorelle Gardens, Morocco
Serre de la Madone, Menton, France
Swarovski Crystal Garden, Austria
Val Rahmeh, Menton, France
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Cap Ferrat,
France
Villandry, Indre-et-Loire, France
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Cap Ferrat,
France
Villandry, Indre-et-Loire, France
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Galloping Gardener Walks © - Spectacular bluebell displays near London this Bank Holiday weekend - and some are dog friendly
There's nothing quite like glimpsing bluebells as you drive through the countryside and catch sight of a sea of cobalt colour in woodlands beside the road, but there are also many spectacular gardens to enjoy this weekend where you can enjoy bluebells and blossoms to your heart's content. Hole Park in Kent (above) has one of the best displays on offer, with wonderful woodland walks for adults and children. Open every day until 11th June daily (11.00-17.00) and then on Wednesdays and Thursdays until 31st October.
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| Bluebells at Ramster in Surrey |
Ramster (above) near Chiddingfold in Surrey, has stunning spring colour displays and is famous for its azaleas and rhododendrons; you'll also be treated to spectacular bluebell displays. Opening hours are 10.00-17.00 daily until 12 June. **Dogs on leads are welcome. And if you're visiting Ramster, you may want to make the extra effort to go to Vann, which is very close by and open on Bank Holiday Monday (2 May, 14.00-18.00) and then daily from 3 May - 8 May, 10.00-18.00).
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| High Beeches in West Sussex is another fine bluebell location |
In Sussex, you've got High Beeches garden - another favourite of mine - and easily accessible from London. Open every afternoon (13.00- 17.00 pm) except Wednesday, you've got 27 acres to explore and fine displays of bluebells, azaleas, camellias and magnolias, as well as all the rhododendrons beginning to come into bloom. A great garden to go with the kids, because there's so much space for them to run around in! But only guide and assistance dogs permitted here.
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| Riverhill House has one of the finest bluebell woods in the country |
And then of course, there's the famous Arlington Bluebell Walk in East Sussex - open this year for the 39th time and offering a walk through one of the most glorious Bluebell Oceans you're likely to find anywhere in the country! And close enough to Riverhill Himalayan Garden to combine the two in a day if you want a glut of bluebells. Open every day from 10.00 to 17.00 until 8 May.
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An enormous amount of work has gone on at Riverhill Himalayan Garden since I last visited and this year sees another of the best bluebell displays in the country. But there's plenty else to see beside bluebells, you could easily spend half a day here admiring what's in bloom. Open Sunday to Wednesday inclusive 10.30-17.00 plus Bank Holidays. **Dogs on leads are welcome.
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