Garden lovers will be sure to find something to delight them in the famous gardens of the The Royal Forest of Dean, Wye Valley, Vale of Leadon and the Severn Vale areas . You can stroll around a garden attached to an old castle and soak up the atmosphere or admire the formality and manicured gardens elsewhere.
This is a splendid plant-lover's garden on a difficult site, with fine borders leading down to the ferny river walk and a meadow planted with interesting trees. Mrs Ward says her 'rambling garden' has 'stopped getting any bigger', but the truth is that the garden grows, changes and improves with every visit and she has just taken in another acre of field - bamboos, trees, shrubs and more perennials than ever: very exciting.
Arrow Cottage Garden is a delightful array of 24 separate 'rooms', each with its own character - formal or overflowing with exuberant and imaginative planting.
It is a garden for all seasons - early spring brings the snowdrops and, a little later, bluebells along the Woodland Walk. In spring and early summer the peonies and old roses combine with complementary plantings of geraniums and other hardy perennials.
The grim battlements of Berkeley Castle are host to an extensive collection of tender plants. On three terraces are {Cestrum}, {Cistus} and {Rosa banksiae} among hundreds of plant varieties introduced by the owner's grandmother, a sister of Ellen Willmott.
An Elizabethan-style bowling green and a water lily pond fit well into the overall scheme.
11 am - 5.30 pm; daily (except Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays) but open for Bank Holidays; 1 April to 1 October.
Adults £3.50; Children 50p.
Fridays - Sunday 11am to 4pm May to 30th August Refreshments Plant Sales Adults £3.50 chidren under 14 £1 Kids Go Free if under 10 no dogs except guide dogs
11 am - 4 pm; Tuesday - Friday; April to September. Plus 2 pm - 5 pm; Sundays; April to October. Gardens open at week-ends only with combined Castle ticket.
Garden only: Adults £4; Children £2. Garden & Castle: Adults £7.50; Concessions £6 Children £4.50.
This majestic park is classic Capability Brown. The National Trust has laid out a one-mile parkland walk which takes in the best vantage points and shows you how the landscape would have looked when young. The pleasure gardens around the house are Victorian - laurel walks and an avenue of golden yews. In the old walled garden, the Hereford & Marches Historic Apple Collection is supplemented by old pear varieties, quinces and medlars.
Eastnor is all about trees. The arboretum planted by Lord Somers from 1852 to 1883 is now mature, and full of champion specimens. Many are rare, including a tall American beech ({Fagus grandifolia}) and an enormous red hickory ({Carya ovalis}). It is however the conifers which dominate the setting for the neo-Norman castle, largely because they were planted so thickly and in such great numbers.
Beautiful and mysterious garden, little changed since 1750. The Dutch water garden - a long rectangular pool - reflects the orangery of Strawberry Hill Gothic design. Nearby Frampton Manor, also owned by the Cliffords, may also be visited; it has a pretty walled garden with shrub roses. Gardens form an important part of the history and life of Frampton. The garden and magnificent park at Frampton Court is Grade 1 listed.
12 noon - 5 pm; Saturday - Wednesday, plus Good Friday; 20 March to 1 November. Plus weekends only from 4 March to 19 March and 4 November to 17 December.
ADDMISSION £3.50
11 am - 5 pm; 13 to 17 April, then on Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays to 1 October. Also daily except Saturdays from 17 July to 31 August.
Adults £3; OAP's £2; Children £1.
By appointment all year. House & garden £5; Garden £3. [2005 prices].
Berrington Hall Leominster
Herefordshire HR6 0DW
01568 615721
Hampton Court was the estate of King Henry IV of England prior to his ascension to the throne. The estate was then bestowed as a reward for a knight's bravery at Agincourt, and the manor home took shape in the 1430s. Hampton Court became famous throughout Europe in the eighteenth century for its formal gardens. Since its acquisition in 1994, Hampton Court has been carefully restored to its former splendour, and its gardens are once again a sight to behold.
Hergest Croft is an extremely important woodland garden and arboretum around a whopping Edwardian house. It has over 4,000 rare trees and shrubs, but there seems no end to the garden's marvels: huge conifers, magnificent birches, scores of interesting oaks, many acres of billowing rhododendrons - Hergest Croft is one of the best rhododendron gardens in Britain.
Highfield is a large nursery, specialising in fruit trees and bushes: it offers a good choice of the best and most reliable cultivars. It also has a good list of roses, ornamental trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants - something for everyone, in fact. Highfield have now been growing and dispatching quality stock for over 80 years, each order receiving personal attention. The quality of their plants are excellent.
11am - 5pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Saturday and Sunday Closed Monday& Friday except Bank Holidays Discount for Groups: Yes - Groups of 20+ pre-booked. Season tickets available Admission Price: Adults: £5 Children: £3 Senior Citizens: £4.50 Family:£14
12.30 pm - 5.30 pm (noon - 6 pm in May & June); daily; 1 April to 29 October.
Adults £5; Children free. RHS Members free (only at some times).
9 am - 4 pm, Monday - Friday. Closed Saturdays & Sundays.The adjoining garden centre is open 9 am - 6 pm daily (5.30 pm in winter, and 10.30 am - 4.30 pm on Sundays).
Hampton Court Herefordshire, Nr. Hope under Dinmore, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0PN
Little remains of the original Highnam, laid out when the house was built in 1658. The garden was however very famous 100 years ago for the features designed or commissioned by Thomas Gambier-Parry in the middle of the 19th century: the terraces, the broad walk, the arboretum and, above all, the winter garden where natural stone is supplemented by Pulhamite.
How Caple Court Gardens are set high above the River Wye with views towards the Forest of Dean and the Welsh Mountains. The 11 acre gardens date from Edwardian times. Spectacular formal gardens laid out about 100 years ago (some Italianate, others more Arts & Crafts), and now undergoing restoration. Pergolas, loggias, dramatic terraces and {giardini segreti} with stunning views across a lushly wooded valley. How Caple is a garden of national importance, but little known even locally.
The gardens and the nursery at Kenchester are equally important for anyone interested in water-plants. The range of plants grown and offered for sale is excellent, and includes nearly 210 cultivars of {Nymphaea}, of which they have a National Collection. The gardens have pools and ponds over a large area - well worth a longish visit. This is a dynamic nursery which is getting bigger and better all the time.
11 am - 5 pm; first Sunday of the month; April to September. Adults £4; Children free.
10 am - 5 pm; daily; 13 March to 15 October. Adults £3; Children free.
9 am - 6 pm (5.30 pm from October to March); daily; all year. 10.30 am - 4.30 pm on Sundays. Closed Christmas Day.
The main feature of this garden is its National Collection of old {Dianthus} cultivars, some 140 cultivars which flower in early summer. This is the place to see such rarities as {D.} 'Fenbow Nutmeg Clove' and {D.} 'Cranborne Seedling'. Mr & Mrs Hughes also sell plants which they have propagated from their collection. There is much more to see as well as the pinks, including a sunken terrace garden, a large pond and a grotto.
Lydney is recognised as one of the best rhododendron gardens in England. a remarkable collection planted over the last 50 years is the backbone to the extensive woodland garden. And not just rhododendrons, but azaleas and camellias too - all are carefully planted to create distinct effects from March to June. The numbers are still growing, and include plants grown from collected seed and hybrids from distinguished breeders, many as yet unnamed, while others have yet to flower.
10 am - 5 pm; Sunday - Friday; 1 May to 8 July. And by appointment. Adults £2 for National Gardens Scheme.
11 am - 6 pm; Sundays, Wednesdays & Bank Holidays; 26 March to 4 June. Plus daily, 1 to 7 May & 29 May to 4 June. £4, but £3 on Wednesdays; Children 50p.
Kingstone Cottage Plants, Weston under Penyard, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7PH
Lydney Park Gardens, Lydney Park, Gloucestershire, GL15 6BU
Shipley Gardens surround a 17th Century Wye Valley homestead standing upon the site of previous dwellings that since Roman times have administered the adjacent ford and former ferry .
The Gardens created during the last 40 years, are set within 30 acres of mixed environmental habitats as a magical structure of Garden Rooms moulded into the base of the escarpment next to the flood plain of the valley floor. There are unique atmospheric Tea Rooms and Garden rooms of surprise and informality with lecterns of whimsical information .
The gardens at Staunton Park date back to the 1850s when they formed part of the "pleasure grounds" of the then large estate.
The present 10-acre garden contains many mature specimen trees, a rose garden, kitchen garden and a Victorian rock garden, as well as extensive mixed borders. A woodland path leads to a lake sorrounded by rhododendrons and continues round the lake, past the 18th century dove-cot and back to the house offering views to the undulating landscape of the Welsh Marches - an ideal garden in which to spend a restful afternoon. This garden is part of the NGS scheme.
Stockton Bury Gardens are a superb, sheltered, 4 acre garden with a very long growing season giving colour and interest all year long.
An extensive collection of plants, many rare and unusual set amongst medieval buildings. A real kitchen garden, pigeon house, tithe barn, grotto, cider press, pools, ruined Chapel and rill which are all surrounded by unspoilt countryside.
Open from the end of March to the end of October . Daily from ten till six . Wheelchair access . Dogs on leads welcome . Plants for
sale . Interesting Seed sometimes available .
Staunton Park Gardens is open as a part of the NGS scheme,
Thursdays from May 17 until last Thursday in August 11-5. Partial disabled access - ring for details. Home-made self-service Teas available. Small selection of plants from the garden for sale.
Staunton Park is located between Pembridge and Titley/Presteigne.
Staunton Park Gardens,
Staunton Park,
Staunton-on-Arrow,
Leominster,
Herefordshire,
HR6 9LE
Tel 01544 388556
Stockton Bury Gardens, Kimbolton, Leominster
Location: Two miles north of Leominster on the A49, turn right onto the A4112 Kimbolton road. A4112, two miles north-east of Leominster.
www.stocktonbury.co.uk
‘The Garden at The Bannut’, is set in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside,Manicured hedges divide the garden into formal and informal garden rooms, each with its own character and interest. Lawns, shrubs, trees, herbaceous plants, colour themed gardens, spring and summer flowering heather gardens and an unusual knot garden, provide visitors with plenty to see throughout the whole season. Rhododendrons, azaleas, pieris and other shade-loving plants thrive in the Old Goat Paddock – and the Far Garden, with its many magnolias and other interesting trees and shrubs, is also home to thousands of cowslips in the late spring.
The Picton Garden has evolved during several decades on the original site of Ernest Ballard's Michaelmas Daisy nursery.
There are many fine specimens of interesting trees and shrubs, creating a backdrop to thousands of herbaceous perennials.
The garden is intensively planted with both traditional borders and areas of more modern, natural planting schemes.
The main feature is the NCCPG Plant Heritage Collection of Autumn Flowering Asters. these create a rich tapestry of colour through September and October. A wide range of other late season Herbaceous Perennials are grown with the Asters. Many of them bring colour from late July onwards.
The Weir Garden
is a tranquil garden of about 4 hectares (10 acres) on a steep slope above a bend in the River Wye,
The Weir is spectacular in early spring, with drifts of snowdrops, daffodils, Scillas, followed by bluebells and a wide variety of wild flowers throughout the summer. The setting provides the perfect habitat for a variety of butterflies, dragonflies, birds and other wildlife.
The many vantage points provide stunning views of the Wye valley and Herefordshire countryside beyond.
Open (2006) 14 April to 1 October Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holidays 12.30 to 5 pm. Adult £3.00; Child £1.50
Picton Garden and Nursery is open August
Wednesdays to Sundays
September & 1st weeks of October daily, Last two weeks of October - By appointment 11.00 am until 5.00 pm.
Nursery also open from May to July Fridays to Sundays.
National Trust
28 February - 29 April daily 11 - 5.
2 May - 28 October daily except Mon & Tues 11 - 5
30 Jan - 29 Feb 2008 Weekends only.
Bringsty, Herefordshire WR6 5TA
Tel/Fax 01885 482206
The garden is 2½ miles east of Bromyard on the A44 Worcester road (½ mile east of the entrance to National Trust, Brockhampton). www.bannut.co.uk
Picton Garden, Old Court Nurseries
COLWALL, Malvern, WORCESTERSHIRE WR13 6QE
Tel 01684 540416
Website: Picton Gardens
The Weir
Swainshill, Near Hereford,
Herefordshire, HR4 7QF
Tel 01981 590509
Westbury was restored in the 1970s to become the best example of a medium-sized 17th-century Dutch garden in England. An elegant pavilion, tall and slender, looks down along a long tank of water. On the walls are old apple, pear and plum cultivars. Parterres (now planted in the 17th-century style), fine modern topiary and a T-shaped tank with a statue of Neptune in the middle make up the rest of the garden. All the plants were known to cultivation before 1720. The garden is going through a period of consolidation; visitors should expect changes. The Water Gardens include a long canal bordered by yew hedges. An elegant Dutch style pavilion is at the head of one canal.The Westbury Court Garden is set on low land on the banks of the River Severn.
Featured on BBC Gardeners World in September 2003 the 2 acre gardens at Westonbury Mill are laid out around a tangle of streams and ponds behind the Old Corn Mill. Planting includes a huge variety of moisture loving and bog plants with splendid primulas, irises, rushes and grasses. Numerous bridges connect the different areas of the garden and you can walk through a forest of giant gunnera. There are unusual features including a castellated stone tower with gargoyles which spout water raised by an old iron water wheel. Adjacent to the main garden a wild flower garden is being developed with walks besides the stream and mill leat. Westonbury Mill is in a wonderfully peaceful area of the Welsh Marshes close to the historic half timbered village of Pembridge.
This garden has been entirely made by the owners, enthusiastic plants men, since they moved here in 1987. At first they developed just an acre around the house: it remains a good garden of mixed herbaceous and shrubby plantings, with some particularly fine shade-lovers - trilliums, erythroniums and dodecatheons. Then they started to plant the adjoining field as an arboretum, under planted with native daffodils, snowdrops and ground orchids, {Dactylorhiza} species. Among the many interesting plants here are {Sinocalycanthus chinensis} and several {Lespedeza} species; some have been collected on their travels in China and North America.
10 am - 5 pm, Wednesday - Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays; 8 March to 29 October. Daily in July & August. Adults £4; Children £2.
Thursday - Monday - Easter - 30 Sept, 11 - 5.
Signed from the A44 1.5 miles from Pembridge in the direction of Kington.
1 pm - 5 pm; 16, 17 & 30 April; 1, 14, 15, 28 & 29 May; 2, 3, 16 & 17 July; 6, 7, 13 & 14 August. Groups and private visits by appointment. Adults £2.50; Children free.
