Open GardensComments from our members

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.

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.