Open GardensComments from our members

Good at any time of the year but try to get there for the Yellow Book opening in September (it was 23rd Sept this year) when the asters are outstanding. The Head Gardener does a guided tour at 11am which is well wrth getting there for.

I agree with spritzhenry - this garden is a must-see. A useful hint - get there when it first opens and head straight for the bit you want to see first before the crowds get there. The Lime Walk in April/May and the Rose Garden in June come under this heading

I'm going to disagree with you Littlelarford. Hidcote is my favourite garden - its only fault is it is full of people! A plantaholics heaven

I totally agree Heather, a must-see. A thought-provoking garden, you'll either love it or hate it but look out for all sorts of interesting plants

Stunning in the rhodo season (I was there on May 20th a few years back)

If you like cottage-style gardens, this one is a must. Planted by the late Margery Fish, mainly in the 1960s when cottage plants were out of vogue, she did much to resurrect this type of garden. One or two parts under restoration but lots to see. National Collection of hardy geraniums, loads of plants for sale, pricey eatery

This is a must for any garden lover. Probably good at any time but there is a June border so that's a good month to aim for a visit

Philip and Elizabeth Henslowe invite you come and vist us at Moyclare, at Liskeard in Cornwall.
Being a Cornish garden Moyclare is at its most spectacular in the Spring and early Summer so we are open to the public, without appointment, during April, May, and June at weekends and on Bank Holiday Mondays, from 2pm to 5pm. We look forward to seeing you!

Thanks for pointing that out Andrea. I have corrected the entry and the map position.

Whoever said Vancouver Island was the United States of America might have racked off a load of Canadians by now!! It is off the west coast of Canada, off Vancouver.

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.