Gardening March_vZ.qxp_Layout 1 17/02/2015 17:13 Page 2
SPRING | GARDENING
WORTH THE JOURNEY: Dewstow Gardens in Monmouthshire has been spectacularly restored
It may be a trek into Monmouthshire to visit Dewstow Gardens fve acre Grade 1 listed garden, but I believe it’s worth it. This garden was buried and forgotten after the Second World War and rediscovered in 2000 and features underground grottoes, tunnels and ferneries and above ground impressive water features. It’s open for the NGS on Sunday 12 April and Sunday 13 September from 10am to 4pm. Tel: 01291 431020. Web: dewstowgardens.co.uk Kilver Court Secret Gardens at Shepton Mallett were created in the 1800s and restored in the earlyv1960s by the Showering family, who commissioned George Whiteleg to recreate his gold
WWW.THEBATHMAG.CO.UK
medal winning Chelsea garden. The garden, recently featured on BBC Gardeners’ World, showcases a millpond, herbaceous borders and formal parterre with the most dramatic backdrop, the viaduct built for the Somerset and Dorset railway. The gardens are open for the NGS on Wedneday 15 April, Thursday 28 May and Monday 14 September from 10am to 4pm. Tel: 01749 340410. Web: kilvercourt.com
Go to a Show The earliest big RHS Flower Show takes place just over the bridge in Cardiff from 17 to 19 April and is well worth a visit. Tickets cost a very reasonable £7.50 in advance, or £10 on the day for
RHS members; non-members £8.50 in advance, £12 on the day. Call 0844 338 7539 for tickets or take a look at the RHS website: rhs.org.uk/shows I love the Malvern Shows partly because of the charming location of the Three Counties Showground. The Spring show takes place from 7 to 10 May and ticket prices range from £15 to £39. Call 01684 584924 for tickets. The best known flower show in the world is something you must visit at least once in your life. This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place from 19 to 23 May and tickets cost from £24 to £69. It starts at 8am and gates close at 8pm, so take my advice, arrive as the gates open and make a bee-line for the big show gardens as you’ll get your best view of them when it’s quiet. Alternatively stay until the end and hope to get a good view as the crowds thin out towards 6ish. I’ve done both and it’s well worth it, but don’t forget to pace yourself – the Royal Hospital grounds might be small but the RHS pack in the delights so several circumnavigations are necessary. Ticket details as for Cardiff but book early to get tickets for RHS member days of Tuesday and Wednesday. ■ Jane Moore is the award-winning head gardener at the Bath Priory. She writes regularly for the Telegraph and can be followed on Twitter @janethegardener.
MARCH 2015
|
THEBATHMAGAZINE 85