Yesterday I popped round to my local nursery, not so much to buy plants but out of intrigue; I am in Venice and until I watched Monty Don's trip the other day I did not imagine that such a horticultural space existed in this unique city. It is terribly easy to get lost in Venice … Continue reading A trip to a Venetian nursery
Plants
A touch of Spring at Ivy Croft
It was a joy to be out visiting gardens again and on my way driving to Hay-on-Wye for a jolly weekend, I found a garden open for the National Garden Scheme just the other side of Leominster, and very conveniently for me it was open on the Thursday. You do not need to be a … Continue reading A touch of Spring at Ivy Croft
The Royal Trinity Hospice
Hospice gardens do not immediately spring to mind as 'must go to visit attraction'. However while on child care duties in south London last weekend I took the opportunity to visit The Royal Trinity Hospice, Clapham Common which kindly opened its gates to the public in aid of the National Garden Scheme. The Hospice, with … Continue reading The Royal Trinity Hospice
5 Burbage Road, Herne Hill; a tiny touch of Spring.
Following the book launch of the National Garden Scheme's Gardens to Visit at the Royal Festival Hall last Thursday I decided to walk along the Thames, jump on a train at London Bridge and travel to North Dulwich. As I walked the 5 minutes down Half Moon Lane the sun came out and there was a feeling … Continue reading 5 Burbage Road, Herne Hill; a tiny touch of Spring.
Pembroke College, a peaceful and pretty peramble. (1/18)
It is just over a year ago now that I began to blog about my garden visits. The first was Robinson College, Cambridge and I remember being surprised it was open on 2nd January. It is still very much open for the NGS and I thoroughly recommend a visit: Robinson College However finding myself back in … Continue reading Pembroke College, a peaceful and pretty peramble. (1/18)
42 Falconer Road, all a twinkle in Bushey. (88)
When I began my Ninety Garden Adventure back in January, I did not imagine that there would still be gardens opening in November. The entry in Gardens to View appeared encouraging if not a little intriguing especially with the opening time advertised as 4pm. I could not resist a visit on my circuitous route to London. The … Continue reading 42 Falconer Road, all a twinkle in Bushey. (88)
Lakeside House, a welcome and watery restoration. (87)
The calendar of garden visiting is on pause now, and with the skiing season fast approaching one of the gardens I look back at with fondness, is the extraordinary garden at Brundall, once known as 'The Switzerland of Norfolk'. The garden was created in 1880 by a Dr Beverley who, along with planting an arboretum, … Continue reading Lakeside House, a welcome and watery restoration. (87)
Ramster, open for 90 glorious years. (86)
I cannot draw to the end of my 'ninety' without including the historic rambling wooded gardens of Ramster in Surrey. It was one of the original 609 gardens that opened for the NGS back in 1927 and has opened every successive year since. It is the only other garden along with Sandringham to hold such … Continue reading Ramster, open for 90 glorious years. (86)
Great Comp Garden, follies fun and salvias. (84)
Great Comp is near Sevenoaks in Kent. The seven acre garden was developed by Eric and Joyce Cameron who purchased the house back in 1957 and first opened for the NGS in 1968. Now it is managed by a Trust, with the Curator William Dyson and a team of gardeners and volunteers. Dyson has been … Continue reading Great Comp Garden, follies fun and salvias. (84)
Askham Hall, artful acres of abundance. (83)
Last month following a visit to Larch Cottage Nursery in Cumbria (blog 79) we decided to visit the grade II listed gardens of nearby Askham Hall on the Lowther estate. You enter the garden through the homely cafe situated in the converted Barn; it is always a good idea to begin a garden visit with … Continue reading Askham Hall, artful acres of abundance. (83)
The Garden Gate is Open 