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
Trees
Frankham Farm
Last weekend we were staying in Lyme Regis and by way of using the National Garden Scheme App, I discovered that Frankham Farm some 18 miles away was open on the Sunday. We drove through the delightful Dorset lanes, narrow with neatly trimmed bare brown hedges and banked with primroses. Situated in the extraordinary sounding … Continue reading Frankham Farm
Pehuenes in the Andes
With no garden visits planned for November I decided it was the perfect time to go and find my daughter who lives at Pino Hachado, a mountain pass on the Argentinian side of the Andes. Horses and Huskys de los Pehuenes Situated at least an hour away from any neighbour, windy and arid with not a … Continue reading Pehuenes in the Andes
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)
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)
Walkern Hall; Tiny Flowers and Tall Trees. (11)
I have travelled a few miles in the car over the last couple of months and I enjoy looking at the countryside rolling past. But what really upsets me is the layers of rubbish littered along the roadside. What I think might be snowdrops turns out to be discarded wrappers or cans. A glimpse of … Continue reading Walkern Hall; Tiny Flowers and Tall Trees. (11)
The Garden Gate is Open 