THE HOLLOW 25 Newton Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2EA Wander around this dramatic sunken garden, formerly a stone quarry. Stone terraces with unusual shrubs and grasses form a harmonious pattern of colour and foliage attracting butterflies and bees. Pieces of medieval London Bridge lurk in the walls and steps have elegant handrails. Open for the NGS on Wednesday 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th August, 2pm-5.30pm. Admission £3 children free. For more details contact Stuart & Suzanne Nutbeem on 01929 423662 or email gdnsuzanne@gmail.com
HILLTOP Woodville, Stour Provost, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5LY A gorgeous riot of colour and scent, the old thatched cottage barely visible amongst the flowers. Unusual annuals and perennials grow alongside the traditional and familiar, attracting abundant wildlife – and there’s a gothic garden loo. Open for the NGS on Sunday 4th, 11th & 18th August, 2pm-6pm. Admission £3, children free. For more details visit www.hilltopgarden.co.uk
OLD CAMPS Newbury Road, Headley, Thatcham, Hampshire, RG19 8LG A breath-taking garden set over an acre, with panoramic views of Watership Down. Traditional herbaceous borders through desert/ prairie planting, an enchanted knot garden, potager to exuberant subtropical schemes; featuring bananas, cannas, hedychiums and more. Open for the NGS on Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th August, 10am-5pm. Admission £6.50, children free. For more details contact Mr & Mrs Adam & Heidi Vetere on 07720 449702 or email gardens@oldcamps.co.uk www.oldcamps.co.uk
THE HOMESTEAD Northney Road, Hayling Island, Hampshire, PO11 0NF A garden of just over one acre surrounded by working farmland with views to Butser Hill and boats in Chichester Harbour. Trees, shrubs, colourful herbaceous borders and a small walled garden with herbs, vegetables and trained fruit trees, large pond and woodland walk with shade-loving plants. Open for the NGS on Sunday 11th August, 2pm-5.30pm. Admission £4, children free. For more details contact Stan & Mary Pike on 02392 464888 or email jhomestead@aol.com www.homesteadhayling.co.uk www.countrygardener.co.uk
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