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Gardens Open to the Public - 2009

Most of the gardens listed here are part of the National Gardens Scheme a charity started in 1927 to enable people to visit selected private gardens with the proceeds going to charity. The information on this page has been reproduced from The National Gardens Scheme Yellow Book and full details of the scheme can be found on their web site.

The British Red Cross is appealing for new gardens to join its Open Gardens scheme to raise money for this worthwhile cause - details.

More information on these gardens can be obtained from the NGS web site. Just enter the name of the garden and click search.

Abbey Cottage, Itchen Abbas, Hampshire Abbey Cottage, Itchen Abbas, Hampshire
This 1½-acre organic garden, on alkaline soil, is a fine garden by any standards. Inside the C18 walls of an old kitchen garden there are enclosures, on different levels, which together create an inspirational garden. The adjoining meadow contains specimen trees, an orchard, spring bulbs, summer wild flowers and a plantation of native trees

Open: Sun 5 Apr; Sun 30, Mon 31 Aug (12-5)

Bere Mill, Whitchurch, Hampshire Bere Mill, Whitchurch, Hampshire Garden
created since 1993 around the 1712 mill (not open) where Portals first made bank notepaper. Set by the R Test and carrier streams, a large lozenge-shaped site, loosely fashioned on a Japanese stroll garden. Herbaceous and Mediterranean beds; replanted walled orchard and vegetable garden; wisteria garden and lake with Japanese tea-house. Extensively planted with bulbs; irises a speciality. Modern sculpture

Open: Sun 3, Mon 4 May (1.30-5.30)

Berry Cottage, Farringdon, nr Alton, Hampshire Berry Cottage, Farringdon, nr Alton, Hampshire
Small organic cottage garden with all-yr interest. Spring bulbs, roses, clematis and herbaceous borders. Pond and bog garden. Shrubbery and small kitchen garden

Open: Suns 26 Apr; 31 May; 14 June; 26 July; 9 Aug; 6 Sept (2.30-6)

Blackdown House, Upham, Hampshire Blackdown House, Upham, Hampshire
A family garden in the making. 2009 will be the 2nd year of the 100m long, colourful herbaceous border set against a flint wall. There is a 12yr-old wild flower meadow to meander through, a part-walled kitchen garden, orchard and family garden. In all, the garden covers approx 5 acres. Jacob sheep and alpacas in the parkland

Open: Sun 14 June (2-6)

Bramdean House, Bramdean, Hampshire Bramdean House, Bramdean, Hampshire
Traditional 6-acre garden on chalk, famous for mirror-image herbaceous borders. Carpets of bulbs, especially snowdrops, in the spring. Very many unusual plants incl collection of old-fashioned sweet peas. 1-acre kitchen garden featuring prizewinning vegetables, fruit and flowers

Open: Suns 15 Feb; 15 Mar; 19 Apr; 21 June; 19 July; 16 Aug; 13 Sept (2-5). 14 Feb 2010

Brandy Mount House, Alresford, Hampshire Brandy Mount House, Alresford, Hampshire
1-acre, informal plantsman's garden. Spring bulbs, hellebores, species geraniums. National Collections of snowdrops and daphnes. European primulas, expanding collection of dwarf narcissi, herbaceous and woodland plants. 2 new raised beds to display early spring bulbs. New small collections of ferns in the shady part of the garden

Open: Sat 7 Feb (11-4)

Christchurch Road Gardens, Winchester, Hampshire Christchurch Road Gardens, Winchester, Hampshire
Two small walled gardens, 200yds apart, in central Winchester

Open: Evening Opening, wine, Fri 24 July (6-8). Sun 26 July (11-5)

12 Christchurch Road, Central Winchester, Hampshire 12 Christchurch Road, Central Winchester, Hampshire
Small town garden with strong design enhanced by exuberant planting and all-yr interest. Winter-flowering shrubs, bulbs and hellebores. 2 water features incl slate-edged rill bordered by climbers. Small front garden designed to be viewed from the house

Open: Sun 22 Feb (11-4). Also open Litton Lodge

Colemore House Gardens, Colemore, Alton, Hampshire Colemore House Gardens, Colemore, Alton, Hampshire
Situated in beautiful unspoilt country, 2½ acres with wide variety of unusual plants. Yew and box hedges, mixed herbaceous and shrub borders, yellow and blue garden, rose walk and excellent lawns. Garden is being constantly developed and incl spectacular water rill, swimming pool garden and the creation of a wild flower, tree and shrub area. Many different roses, salvias, penstemons and tender plants and bulbs. Extensive new planting of trees and shrubs

Open: Sun 28, Mon 29 June (2-6)

The Coach House, South Warnborough, Hampshire The Coach House, South Warnborough, Hampshire
¾ acre of semi-walled garden almost entirely given over to plantings of perennials and grasses in a naturalistic and informal style. Gravel planting and deep generous beds with an emphasis on height and proximity to plants

Open: Sat 4, Sun 5 July; Sun 20 Sept (2-6). Evening Opening £4.50, wine, Fri 3 July (5-9)

The Cottage, Chandler's Ford, Hampshire The Cottage, Chandler's Ford, Hampshire
¾ acre. Azaleas, bog garden, camellias, dogwoods, erythroniums, free-range bantams, greenhouse grapes, honey from our bees, irises, jasmines, kitchen garden, landscaping began in 1950, maintained by owners, new planting, osmunda, ponds, quiz for children, rhododendrons, smilacina, trilliums, unusual plants, viscum, wildlife areas, eXuberant foliage, yr-round interest, zantedeschia

Open: Suns, Mons 12, 13 Apr; 3, 4 May (2-6)

Cranbury Park, Otterbourne, nr Winchester, Hampshire Cranbury Park, Otterbourne, nr Winchester, Hampshire
Extensive pleasure grounds laid out in late C18 and early C19 by Papworth; fountains, rose garden, specimen trees and pinetum, lakeside walk and fern walk. Family carriages and collection of prams will be on view, also photos of King George VI, Eisenhower and Montgomery reviewing Canadian troops at Cranbury before D-Day

Open: Sun 14 June (2-6)

Dean House, Kilmeston, Hampshire Dean House, Kilmeston, Hampshire
The 9 acres have been described as 'a well-kept secret hidden beside the elegant facade of its Georgian centrepiece' with mixed and herbaceous borders, symmetrical rose garden, pond garden, working walled garden and glasshouses, sweeping lawns, York stone and gravel pathways and many young and mature trees and hedges

Open: Weds 27 May; 17 June; 8 July (10-4). Suns 19 July; 2 Aug (12-5)

The Down House, Itchen Abbas, Hampshire The Down House, Itchen Abbas, Hampshire
2-acre garden developed by owners since 2001, laid out in rooms overlooking Itchen Valley, adjoining the Pilgrim's Way, with walks through a large meadow to the river. Carpet of snowdrops and crocus, plus borders of coloured stems in winter. Roped rose garden, hot borders, wildlife pond and shady places in summer. Pleached hornbeams, yew-lined avenues, woodland nut and orchard walk. Working vineyard

Open: Suns 15 Feb (12-4); 28 June (2-6). 7 Feb 2010

Farleigh House, nr Basingstoke, Hampshire Farleigh House, nr Basingstoke, Hampshire
Contemporary garden of great tranquillity designed by Georgia Langton, surrounded by wonderful views. 3-acre walled garden in three sections: ornamental potager, formal rose garden and wild rose garden. Greenhouse full of exotics, serpentine yew walk, contemplative pond garden and lake with planting for wildlife. Approx 10 acres and 1 hour to walk around

Open: Suns 12 July, 13 Sept (2-5)

Fir Trees, Old Basing, Hampshire Fir Trees, Old Basing, Hampshire
Just under ½ acre inspiring garden, recently transformed by owners from overgrown orchard (photographs on show). Stone terrace leads onto lawn with various themed herbaceous borders. Perennials, shrubs, rose-covered pergolas, acers, old apple trees. Large organic vegetable garden and solar powered rainwater system

Open: Sun 5, Tue 7 July (2-5.30)

Hinton Ampner, Alresford, Hampshire Hinton Ampner, Alresford, Hampshire
12 acres; C20 shrub garden designed by Ralph Dutton. Strong architectural elements using yew and box topiary; spectacular views. Bold effects using simple plants, restrained and dramatic bedding. Orchard with spring wild flowers and bulbs within formal box hedges; magnolia and philadelphus walks. Dell garden made from chalk pit. Shrub rose border dating from 1950s. Walled garden now restored

Open: Sats 18 Apr; 20 June; 18 July; 19 Sept (11-5)

Hill House, Old Alresford, Hampshire Hill House, Old Alresford, Hampshire
Traditional English 2-acre garden, established 1938, divided by yew hedge. Large croquet lawn framing the star of the garden, the huge multi-coloured herbaceous border. Impressive dahlia bed and butterfly-attracting sunken garden in lavender shades. Prolific old-fashioned kitchen garden with hens and bantams both fluffy and large. Small Dexter cows, possibly with calves

Open: Sun 2, Tue 4 Aug (1.30-5)

The Hyde, Old Alresford, Hampshire The Hyde, Old Alresford, Hampshire
Tucked away behind an old field hedge, a delightful ¾-acre garden created by the owner to attract wildlife and reflect her flower arranging passion for colour and texture. Flowing borders contain an abundant mixture of perennials, half-hardies, annuals, grasses and shrubs. Interesting planting for shady areas

Open: Suns, Tues 16, 18 Aug; 6, 8 Sept (1.30-5)

Lake House, Northington, Hampshire Lake House, Northington, Hampshire
2 large lakes in Candover Valley set off by mature woodland with waterfalls, abundant bird life, long landscaped vistas and folly. 1½-acre walled garden, mixed borders, long herbaceous border, rose pergola leading to moon gate. Formal kitchen garden, flowering pots, conservatory and greenhouses. Picnicking by lakes

Open: Sun 7, Tue 9 June (1-5.30)

Linden Barn, Church Bank Road, East Stratton, Hampshire Linden Barn, Church Bank Road, East Stratton, Hampshire
1/3 -acre garden created from old farmyard in 2001. Flowing herbaceous planting contained within topiary hedging with emphasis on structure and colour combinations. Gravel and paved paths, seating areas and many interesting vistas. Planting scheme creates drifts of colours using classic cottage garden plants alongside contemporary species. Specimen trees create woodland escape against backdrop of village church

Open: Sun 24 May (1-6); Sun 28 June (11-6)

Litton Lodge, Winchester, Hampshire Litton Lodge, Winchester, Hampshire
A tranquil ½-acre garden overlooking the city, with traditional and exotic species flourishing in the flint-walled microclimate. Unusual scented winter shrubs, hellebores and bulbs are succeeded by colour-themed borders with uncommon perennials

Open: Suns 22 Feb (1.30-3.30); 26 Apr (2-5)

Manor House, Upton Grey, Hampshire Manor House, Upton Grey, Hampshire
Gertrude Jekyll's 1908 garden for Arts and Crafts figure Charles Holme. Copy of her plans on display. 5-acre garden incl tennis and bowling lawns, rose garden, herbaceous borders, dry stone walls, orchard and kitchen garden. Wild garden holds some of Miss Jekyll's original daffodils, a pond, shrubs, trees and wild flowers

Open: Wed 29, Thur 30 Apr (9-4)

The Old Rectory, Swarraton, Hampshire The Old Rectory, Swarraton, Hampshire
Interesting, well designed 2-acre garden enveloped by 13 acres of Glebe land. Courtyard garden with topiary alongside thatched barn. Subtle combinations of perennials and unusual annuals, raised in Victorian-style greenhouse, cascade down terraced beds with flint walls. Mature trees, long traditional border, young orchard, vegetable corner. Woodland walk through Parsons Belt with old beeches and countryside views. Alpacas

Open: Thur 6, Sun 9 Aug (2-6)

Rotherfield Park, East Tisted, Alton, Hampshire Rotherfield Park, East Tisted, Alton, Hampshire
Take some ancient ingredients: ice house, ha-ha, lime avenue; add a walled garden, fruit and vegetables, trees and hedges; set this 12-acre plot in an early C19 park (picnic here from noon) with views to coin clichés about. Mix in a bluebell wood in May and apple-picking in September

Open: Suns 3 May; 20 Sept (2-5)

'Selborne', East Worldham, Alton, Hampshire 'Selborne', East Worldham, Alton, Hampshire
A garden of surprises. ½-acre mature garden with old established orchard of named varieties. Meandering paths provide changing vistas across farmland. Mixed borders feature a large collection of hardy geraniums and other herbaceous plants and shrubs. Soft fruit garden, containers, metal and stone sculpture and summerhouses. Listen to birdsong as you enjoy tea in the dappled shade of the orchard, or in the conservatory

Open: Sats, Suns 18, 19 Apr; 16, 17 May (2-5). Evening Opening, wine, Fri 12 June (6-8). Sat, Sun 13, 14 June; Sat 1, Sun 2, Mon 3 Aug (2-6)

Shalden Park House, Shalden, Hampshire Shalden Park House, Shalden, Hampshire
4-acre garden surrounded by woodland, redesigned in 2005/6 by Georgia Langton. Extensive views. Herbaceous borders. Walled kitchen garden and glasshouses. Early stage arboretum. We are working on a new planting design around the pond

Open: Sun 19 July (2-5)

Treeside, Littleton, Hampshire Treeside, Littleton, Hampshire
1/3 acre, 6 seating areas for different times of the day. 2 unusual water features. Original raised beds for vegetables. Fruit cage, divided greenhouse and cold frames. Split ponds, young and established wild flower areas with increasing plant and insect species. Mainly shrubs with flowers highlighting key areas. Quiz for children

Open: Fri 3, Sat 4, Sun 5 July (1-5)

Ulvik, Winchester, Hampshire Ulvik, Winchester, Hampshire
Completely enclosed hedged garden of ½ acre designed to create interesting and unfolding views and sinuous shapes with many nooks and crannies. Fairly naturalistic planting of mixed herbaceous borders, large variety of shrubs, many ornamental grasses, prairie-style border, small vegetable area, pond, wooded areas for shade-loving plants and features to encourage wildlife. Fun sculptures and children's discovery quiz

Open: Sat 11 to Tues 14 July incl: Sat 8 to Tues 11 Aug incl (1-5)

Weir House, Alresford, Hampshire Weir House, Alresford, Hampshire
Spectacular riverside garden. Contemporary vegetable and cut flower garden incorporating many different crops, surprising uses for scaffolding and painters' ladders and sculpture by Mark Merer. Children can use the playground at their own risk. The rose/swimming pool garden will be reopened for the 2009 season

Open: Suns 19 Apr; 17 May; 13 Sept (2-5)

Westbrook House, Holybourne, nr Alton, Hampshire Westbrook House, Holybourne, nr Alton, Hampshire
3-acre garden designed and evolved over the past 30yrs by the present owner, with the benefit of existing mature trees such as a magnificent Gingko biloba. Though not a 'room garden' as such, the garden has nevertheless been planned with different areas each with its own character, ranging from formal mixed borders to orchard, stream and village pond

Open: Suns 15 Mar (2-4); 24 May (2-5). Evening Opening, wine, Sun 21 June (6-8)

The White Cottage, Beech, Alton, Hampshire The White Cottage, Beech, Alton, Hampshire
1-acre garden with a wide range of shrubs and plants. Large collection of hellebores and bulbs in spring. Herbaceous borders with plenty of late-summer colour. Pebble area with fountain for display of sun-loving plants. Greenhouses, soft fruit area, conservatory with exotics and scree bed

Open: Suns, Mons 22, 23 Mar; 26, 27 July (2-5)

Wrens Farm, Lower Bordean, Hampshire Wrens Farm, Lower Bordean, Hampshire
Plantsman's garden in former farmyard setting. Mixed and herbaceous borders. Gravel beds focus on plants for hot, dry conditions. Mediterranean-type terrace with vine-covered pergola and sun-loving plants. Many unusual plants, stunning atmosphere

Open: Sat 20, Sun 21 June (2-6)

2009

Gardens Open by Month

February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October

Hinton Ampner Garden

National Trust Info
Events
Picture Gallery

Brandy Mount Garden Picture Gallery

Bramdean House Garden

2006 was the 60th anniversary of Bramdean House Garden being open for the NGS. This traditional 6-acre garden on chalk is famous for mirror-image herbaceous borders. Very many unusual plants including a collection of old-fashioned sweet peas. Snowdrops in February followed by carpets of bulbs in the spring and 1-acre kitchen garden featuring prizewinning vegetables, fruit and flowers. BBC2 Flying Gardener & 'The Times' feature 2003, Saturday 'Telegraph' 2004. Bramdean House Gardens was also included in Alan Titchmarsh's series, 'The Gardening Year' on BBC 2.

Bookings during the week, by previous appointment, are welcome - £4.50 per head Call 01962 771214.

Bramdean House Garden Picture Gallery