GARDEN VISITS
CATTISTOCK GARDENS Cattistock, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 0JJ Another new group opening for the NGS, from elegant walled gardens to perfectly-formed courtyard spaces showcasing different planting styles from classic cottage summer perennials to the pub garden community vegetable patch. Many of the gardens have views out to the Dorset countryside. Flower festival in the church, open to visitors. The village community adventure playground and the village pub will be open. Open for the NGS Saturday 12th June 1pm-5pm, Sunday 13th June 1pm-5pm. Pre-booking available but visitors can pay on the day. Admission £8, children free, covers entry for both days. Limited wheelchair access to some gardens.
BARNSTAPLE WORLD GARDENS Little Elche, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 3AF Explore three very different spaces, one focusing on everything Japanese, one on tropical plants, and one to interest the plantsman. 31 Anne Crescent with palms, agaves, bananas, cacti, tree ferns and pond loaded with a wide variety of colourful koi. 21 Becklake Close has all things Japanese. 25 Elmfield Road has mixed borders, gravel area, hardy palms, Mount Etna Broom, lawn edged by mixed borders of unusual plants, enhanced by a stream trickling past the end of the garden.
Open for the NGS on Sunday 20th June 11am - 4pm. Admission £5, children free. Pre-booking available but not essential.
LITTLEFIELD Parsonage Way, Woodbury, Exeter, Devon EX5 1HY This is an eco-garden, managed on permaculture techniques, half an acre rescued from derelict land in 2009/10, only 13m wide, 150m long, divided into herbaceous, shrub and tree planting, with a large veg area, fruit and orchard with chickens and beehive; it’s stocked with a large range of plants, in colourful combinations. Sculptures, unusual ironwork, wildlife pond all add charm and interest. Open for the NGS on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th June 11am-5pm both days. Admission £4. children £1. Pre-booking available but not essential.
HILLSIDE Bickwell Valley, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 8SG A town garden of half an acre, with an abundance of roses, herbaceous beds with perennial geraniums and shrub borders. Open for Hospiscare on Sunday 20th and Monday 21st June from 1pm until 6pm. Admission £4. Parking available on road outside or public car park 15 minute walk, with drop off for disabled visitors available on the drive. www.hospicare.co.uk
FROYLE GARDENS Lower Froyle, Froyle, Hampshire GU34 4LG As Froyle Gardens open their gates this year, enjoy a wide variety of gardens, with seven gardens on show including two new openings. A beautiful village with many old and interesting buildings, the gardens harmonise well with the surrounding landscape and most have spectacular views. You will see rich planting, greenhouses, water features, vegetables, roses, clematis and wildflower meadows. Open for the NGS on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June, 2pm-6pm both days. Admission £7.50, children free, single price for admission to all gardens. Prebooking available but not essential.
WHIDDON GOYLE Whiddon Down, Okehampton, Devon EX20 2QJ Whiddon Goyle enjoys stunning views over Dartmoor and sits 1,000 ft above sea level. Built in the 1930s, it was designed to protect its two-acre garden against the Dartmoor weather, with a rockery, croquet lawn, rose garden herbaceous borders, ponds, small vegetable and flower plot along with a pair of majestic monkey puzzle trees. Open for the NGS on Saturday 5th June 11am-4pm, Sunday 6th June 11am - 4pm. Pre-booking available but not essential. Admission £4, children free.
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Country Gardener