Open GardensComments from our members

I visited these famous gardens many years ago, and had the chance to go again this week. I had forgotten how beautiful they are! They are working on a new area of raised beds at present. Even at this time of year there are plenty of plants in flower, including many different Asters, Autumn crocuses, Verbenas, Rudbeckias and lovely grasses. There is a well-run Nursery on site - very tempting - and helpful staff who know their plants!

There are various events held in these halls throughout the year - I went to the Great Autumn Show here - have a look at my blog about it.

Although they list their address as Chipping Campden, Kiftsgate is actually nearer the village of Mickleton and almost opposite the well-known Hidcote Manor garden. Of the two, I actually prefer Kiftsgate as it seems to have more of interest. Kiftsgate Court is a beautiful Georgian fronted Manor house built in the late 1800's, surrounded by a rambling romantic garden which has been created by 3 generations of women gardeners. It even has a rose named after it - the Kiftsgate rose - a white rambler which they say is so rampant it will lift the roof off!
Kiftsgate has lovely herbaceous borders and a sunken garden where you can sit in peace and watch a central fountain. There's a new modern water sculpture comprising 24 tall stems with bronze philodendron leaves on top. At timed intervals water drips off the leaves into the pool below - it's fascinating to watch. But the highlight was The Lower Garden - after climbing down quite a few steps, you reach the bottom of a terraced area containing mainly drought-tolerant plants and exotics. Looking back up the hill is the rather bizarre sight of an old Italian villa nestled against the hillside but if you turn around you see the family's half moon shaped swimming pool in front of you leading on to the most wonderful view across the Cotswold countryside. After climbing back up the steps you're ready for a nice cuppa - the Tea room has a lovely selection of cake and light snacks. We had a great day out and highly recommend this garden visit.

This is a RHS site, so don`t forget your membership card if you have one (I did!). The gardens cover a range of topiary, woodland walks, many species of plants, a maze, jungle garden and giant board games, and an award winning walled garden .You can also visit the lovely Elizabethan House. I`m not sure October was the best time to visit as lots of things had died down, but will go again next year. There was a very large interesting collection of various cuttings in the greenhouse! Admission charge in October 2007 was £3 gardens only or £6 to go in the house as well. There is also a very nice tea room and shops and a big variety of plants and seeds collected at Burton Agnes for sale. You can visit at Christmas which I`m sure will be lovely as the house will be decorated.
As it is only about 6 miles to Bridlington from there it made a lovely day out! Hope this is helpful.

Next opening for the Yellow Book will be on Sunday 18th May 2008 (along with another garden in Bracknell). I'm also open by appointment so if anyone is in the area or just passing through, please get in touch - I can even give you a guided tour!

I read an article in 'The Garden' magazine about this garden and decided to visit. They hold the national collection of Heleniums, but there's so much more to see in the two acres. I imagine that it would be beautiful at any season. A very natural organic garden.

Love that part of the country

I agree spritzhenry, it was a great day out. I go every year, wouldn't miss it

P.S. The arrow o the map is not quite in the right place (sorry) but it's easy to find and well signposted.

This was my first visit to the show. It really lived up to expectations, with lots to admire.and to buy!! I enjoyed looking at the student gardens, all so different but so imaginative. The 'Wow' factor was in the Floral Marquee, where growers exhibit their perfect plants. Most had plants for sale, and were helpful and knowledgeable. A wonderful day out.

Rydal Hall is now a Christian conference and retreat centre with a lovely cafe! The terrace was designed by Thomas Mawson and the waterfall viewed from a summerhouse was an inspiration for the start of the 'picturesque' movement. More work needed but much to see and admire - next door to Wordsworth's house!

One of our oldest gardens and one of the best! Stunning topiary, wonderful use of colour, great veg/fruit gardens, colourful, interesting and historic all at once!

An interesting lakeside garden created by John Ruskin and his descendents. Dante's ascent from purgatory, a physic garden, fern collection, alpine walk and many more areas to explore. Strange and compelling, with stunning views. Cafe.

Superb garden to visit, loved isola Bella too, and on Lake como the wonderful villa Carlotta!

Shirley open Gardens Weekend 1st and 2nd Sept. 2-5pm: two gardens open on Sat. and seven open on Sunday. Entry by voluntary donation. For further details call: 020 8 662 9599 mornings between 10-12.30

Yes, its more relaxed I felt, really enjoyed the Veg plot, well worth a visit.

I went to this flower show with my Mum and she bought loads of plants! It is a bit like a mini Hampton Court in that nurseries put up displays and have loads of the plants on sale. One marquee on the lawn but jam-packed with ideas and plants. Good fun - it finishes tomorrow, 23rd August.

17 acres of garden of a house dating from 1582.well laid out friendly for visitors.lawns with herbaceous borders, mixed borders and interesting trees, garden overlooks Corsham Park.

This National Trust property has extensive grounds and a handsome walled garden including a vineyard and an orchard.

Very pretty -- although maybe the gardener (a Croft descendant) was on holiday because some of the kitchen plants had gone to seed.

I like to think of the Geffrye Museum as a little garden that happens to have a little museum attached. It is the small, formal herb garden that attracts me. It reminds me of the kitchen garden on my childhood farm.

Now, do not expect something extraordinary. If it was, then there would be far too many visitors. The Geffrye is another of the secret little oases that I know to be dotted around London. They are the type of thing to take an aged aunt to visit. The right mix of activity and place to rest, relax, chat and catch up with each other.

The walled herb garden is on the grounds of an alms house. You can imagine the residents tending it and using the herbs in cooking. There are more than 170 different herbs arranged in 12 beds. There are beds for cosmetic, medicinal, culinary, household, aromatic and dye plants. The herbs are informally grouped and well labelled. While I was visiting, a mother was translating the names into Dutch for her five year old daughter. The beds are intersected by geometric paths and there is a fountain in the centre. Take your aunt for a seat on one of the three arbours beneath climbing plants and roses.
Leading out of the walled herb garden is the 17th century planting. The alms house gardens are functional in nature. The 17th century planting is based on a medieval pattern. The plants provide medicinal, culinary and household uses.
Thereafter, comes the 18th century planting. You can see the prevailing taste was for simplicity and tidiness of the times. Many ornamental gardens included paved paths, geometric beds with box edging and the use of evergreen shrubs. The box and evergreen shrubs are neat and tidy, clipped and distinct from one another. These gardens were often an extension of the house and a place for children to play. The Geffrye is a contained and quiet place to take a small child, who is allowed to wander around while you and the aunt chat.

Following the geometric medieval planting is the 19th century planting. Victorians were collectors. Collecting and displaying plants was evidence of affluence. Gardens became more formal. Plantings had scallop-edged beds. Heating a conservatory was now possible. Greenhouses became affordable and popular and supported raising exotic plants.

Last is the 20th century planting. The Edwardians preferred informal styles, rejecting the rigidity of the Victorians. Gardens focused on old-fashioned flowers. Cottage gardens appeared with a return to medieval plants and their purposes.

Finish your visit with a cake in the tea room for the good little child that played patiently while you and your aunt had a chat. After all, the tea room offers one last glimpse of the garden from the window. Maybe, if time permits and your aunt’s energy is up to it, you can visit the museum.