Open GardensComments from our members

I am lucky enough to have been there twice, once in 1980 and again in 1988, I have relatives on Vancouver Island and it is the most beautiful place, totally pure.

A fabulous garden. We had a happy afternoon at Drummond Castle gardens. We shall be returning in the summer of 08 to catch the garden on a sunny day when the trees will be in full leaf and the roses in bloom. I heartily recommend this garden.

Agreed, Andrea. Chatsworth looks magnificent at Christmas. We've been twice just to see the wonderful decorations and Christmas trees. We usually make a weekend of it and stop at a hotel in nearby Rowsley - any excuse for a break!

And as an added bonus the house looks wonderful if you visit near Christmas when it is decorated Victorian style!

I can't possibly be the only person to review one of the most influential gardens in England!

GET ALONG THERE! Massive borders, wild wild meadows, an extraordinary tropical garden, and a truly exuberant spirit, as well as a nursery which it is impossible not to spend money in.

But be warned - not for the tidy-minded, and certainly not for the National Trust-style good taste school. Hopefully Fergus will maintain the legacy of Christopher Lloyd, and if you haven't read his books, you should.

One of my favourite gardens. Extensive, woodland-style for a large part, but with formal parts near the house (whch also stages concerts) and a nusery specialising in shrubby salvias, of which there are several borders. Hosts local nurseries for garden fairs which are alo worth a trip.

Remarkably relaxed and 'natural' but with interest at every turn. Also open through the year and has good displays of hellebores in spring (if the mice don't get them).

This was (possibly - not entirely sure) my 30th Chelsea and all I can say is, you should have tried it when they didn't limit the numbers. Pace yourself, wear jeans and trainers, and try not to swear at the old dears prodding you with a walking stick. And knock off for a bevvy every couple of hours.

The things to go for are design ideas and new plants, and to pick up catalogues for interesting new nurseries (or furniture, sculpture etc). Hampton Court - which I also go to - does sell plants but most nurseries are selling reasonably easy to find types. Chelsea is the place to find and order the rarities.

NOBODY ever agrees about gold medals. I too thought Beardshaw wuz robbed, but that's part of the fun.

Beautiful garden, and a beautiful island.

The most mystical place and garden I have ever seen. So pure and perfect.
Please, I'll do anything to go there :)))))))))

Mature 4 1/2 acre garden surrounding C16 farmhouse. It is both an architectural and a plantsmans garden with an immaculate kitchen garden. Good use on a windy site of walls and hedges to shelter borders filled with a mixture of shrubs, bulbs, and unusual perennials. Mown paths through rough grass reveal glimpses of countrysid beyond. Open for the National Gardens Scheme Sunday 1 June 2008 2pm-5.30pm and also by appointment for groups of 10+. See ngs website for contact details.

A beautiful place to visit. Prince Albert had it built for Queen Victoria. Italian garden architecture is a strong influence and it is well worth a visit.

Bess of Hardwick and her husband also built the original Chatsworth which is west in the Peak District. The gardens are very pretty with lots of herbaceous borders and the herb/medicinal garden is inspirational.

Built by Bess of Hardick, one the very few Elizabethan buildings left in the UK. Famous for its herb garden

I will be spendaing lots more time here when I move back to the Island next year!!

This can't be missed. I grew up in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight and this garden was where I spent a great deal of time. The sub-tropical temperate on the Southern Coast of the Island makes conditions ideal for a diverse collection of plants from all over the world, plus little lizards can be seen basking in the sun. There is a hot house, education centre, cafe and many walks into many horticultural habitats. I am a huge fan and if you walk eastwards through the gardens towards the cliff you will come across a gorgeous little beach - Steephill Cove, where you can rent a deckchair and eat a famous crab pastie.

The jewel of the Peak District and home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. The house is a must see but the gardens are gorgeous with the superb water features and the landscaping by Capability Brown and Joseph Paxton - a must see the facilities are fantastic with a farm for the children restaurants for everyone and a tour on wheels around the gardens for the less able

Main reason for visiting this location was to look at the house but the garden was good too & I will be returning for a better look when the property reopens next year. There is a rose garden & a working kitchen garden but I don't have any photographs of them.

One of my favourite gardens. I haven't any digital pictures because we went before I had the camera. The views are different at every turn. At Rhododendron and Azalea time it's just as spectacular with lots of 'Wow' factor!

This is a beautiful location at any time of year but I was completely captivated when I visited on the 2nd of November 2007 and viewed Stourhead in all its Autumnal glory.
I don't think my photos even begin to do it justice.......
Well worth a visit!

Welcome Reg. Lucky you, living in St. Brelade. Many years ago, I remember taking several wonderful holidays along St. Brelades Bay. It's such a lovely place. Love the look of your garden and have nothing but admiration for you opening your garden every day. We open twice in April for the NGS and then have about three solid weeks of private visits every day, sometimes twice a day, for up to 50 people at a time. It really is hard work greeting and catering for so many, but you do meet some lovely people, don't you. Will check out your website. Hope you enjoy Grows on You as much as we do.