Open GardensComments from our members

Excellent garden a wonder to behold

The enourmous effort and care has certainly paid off

Chelsworth Open Gardens is an annual event which has been in operation every year since 1967 (except 2001 - Foot & Mouth). The villagers of Chelsworth open their gardens on the last Sunday in June, on 29th June in 2008, with all proceeds donated to All Saints Church in the village. 2008 will be our 41st anniversary making, we believe, this Open Gardens event the longest running charitable Open Gardens event in the UK. Details and pictures can be found at www.chelsworth.co.uk

In 1997 my husband and I had a fantastic day at the Chelsea Flower Show. Although neither of us were in the best of health at the time and we both found it challenging being on our feet for most of the day it was one of the most enjoyable we were ever to share. The crowds were horrendous but it was worth tolerating them to see such incredible garden designs 'in the flesh' and to be astounded by the innovations on display. We had seen the show featured on television earlier in the week but in no way did that spoil our experience, in fact it added to it because we knew there were some things we wanted to see; we loved every minute of it. We came away with loads of memories, a bag full of informative leaflets, seeds of plants we particularly liked and quality pair of secateurs as a souvenir. By the end of that summer my husband had died, memories of our shared experience of Chelsea are among the most treasured.

As you can see from the photos I've uploaded the Japanese garden is second to none. The vibrant colours and the sound of water trickling around are superb. Definately worth a visit.

We live near Beth Chatto's garden, and regularly visit to buy plants from the nursery.

In fact we will be there in the next few days as we are replanting an area of our own garden:

http://www.littlemartins.com

Every two years Langham village opens a number of gardens to raise money for the local Church.

This year 16 gardens were open on the two days of the Bank Holiday weekend, 25th & 26th May.

see http://www.langham-gardens.org.uk/ for more details

I live just a fifteen minute drive from here and visit fairly often. It has such a wide range of planting, from the dry garden to waterside plants, that there really is something of interest on every visit. It is beautifully landscaped and is very relaxing and peaceful (even with lots of visiting enthusiasts!). The nursery has a huge selection of perennials and I've not yet managed to visit without being tempted to buy at least one. The plants are well cared for and I think they are good value for money. There is also a tea/coffee shop that sells wonderful home made cakes!

I agree - the Barbican is a real hidden treasure. Last time I was in London, however, the tropical indoors bit was no longer open to the public. Hope this has now changed.

There used to be one in Rouken Glen park here in Glasgow-but sadly the park is still there minus it's Butterfly Farm -unless someone knows better???

This is not too far away for me and still have not seen it ,think each time ready to go its yes that wet stuff from the sky rain.

We went across during the summer 2007 ,hopefully get back again this year well worth a visit.

The hanging baskets were specatacular we found this wonderful coffee shop ,here is the link
Kind Kyttocks Kitchen - Café Days by Visit Scotland and got nice cakes.

If you would like I did take some photos and gardens in Falkland Palace well worth a visit.

Can post some photos of Falkland Palace.

Tim Smit is one amazing man! This restoration was a labour of love for him, and it is unbelievable how he was able to bring this truly lost garden back to its full glory, and then move on to build The Eden Project! The store has a DVD on the restoration of the garden, we bought one and can relive our experience each time we watch. This is a must see for anyone considering a visit.

I was at Stourhead in May of 2007. Enchanting and spectacular! If you are visiting this garden, make time to spend the entire day, and stop into the gardens own pub 'The Spread Eagle Inn' to enjoy an ale! I would have to say, this was the most amazing garden I visited while on the garden tour. The biggest Rhododendrons! And so much colour! At every turn, and everywhere I looked, I felt I was walking through a postcard.

The man (whom is related to the original owner) and his wife who run Milton Lodge are so friendly! The property is very beautiful! Unfortunately, this was our first garden of our England tour, and I did not take many pictures. Do not pass this garden by, if you have the chance, make a visit.

I was at Lanhydrock in May of 2007. The grounds are amazing! I have many, many pictures of Lanhydrock and would be more then happy to share more if someone wishes. If you have the chance to visit, don't miss it! We toured the house as well as eating in the quaint restaurant. It was a day well spent!

A china clay pit, transformed into what truly is an eden. To experience this garden is to experience the most beautiful exotic plants of the world. Unfortunately, I only had half a day at Eden, but hope to return to England some day and visit it again.

I was on a ten day English Garden Tour through Trafalger Tours last year, it ended with an entire day at the Chelsea Flower Show. I have nothing to compare my visit to, as I have never been to anything like this. I was awe struck at every garden in the show. It is amazing the little time the designers have to build the gardens in the show. I came away inspired and loaded with new ideas.

I live very close to Castle Brom. gardens and feel it would draw more attention if the house was also open to the public but it is private (business premises)

Not so much a garden as a butterfly sanctuary with a hot house of good speciment plants which host the butterfly collection. Other interesting displays including soldier ants, various reptiles and good interpretation information. There are also interesting grounds, herb garden, play area, animal zones and a 'Birds of Prey' collection. A good day out for the family / school trip with links to national curriculum. dioon11

Local garden centre. Open 7 days a week. Evergreen shrubs, conifers, all types of Hedging.