Welcome to Open Gardens 2025
Hi, I’m Ian and I’m delighted to introduce you to this 2025 Open Gardens brochure.
By visiting some of these incredible gardens, you will be supporting St Michael’s, just as St Michael’s is currently supporting me.
Ever since I was diagnosed with prostate cancer a couple of years ago, St Michael’s has been there for me. I regularly visit as a day patient and I can honestly say that everyone at the Hospice has helped me, both in body and mind, to deal with my condition.
Gardens have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From school, I worked in a small plant nursery before my career in horticulture took me across Europe where I bought plants in Holland, Italy and Germany.
It wasn’t really work, it was my hobby and passion, and still is today. I just find plants and gardens to be a calming oasis, which is exactly the way I feel about St Michael’s Hospice.
I love strolling around the beautiful Hospice gardens, specifically designed to give access to even the
most poorly of patients. There is always something to see, even in the depths of winter.
I would have really struggled without the support of St Michael’s, and my weekly visits to such a beautiful, happy place.
So, as you stroll around the beautiful gardens featured in this brochure, you can do so safe in the knowledge you’re helping people like me receive the best care possible.
Enjoy your summer in the garden!
Ian Byrne
The Old Rectory
Wednesday 21st May
2pm - 5pm
Kenchester
HR4 7QH
TICKETS:
Pre-booked: £6.00*
On the day: £7.50
Under 16s: Free
• Live music performance
• Refreshments available
Parking available
Not wheelchair accessible
Assistance dogs only
* Bookings close: 12pm, 20th May.
Explore a beautifully crafted garden at The Old Rectory
Beginning in 2009 the owners have conjured a classic English garden almost from scratch, although a handsome Cyprus cedar, a large mulberry and a decayed orchard remain from days when the Regencyera rectory hosted village fêtes and local celebrations.
They are joined by a garden of yew-hedged “rooms” with
thoughtfully positioned vistas and herbaceous borders; a croquet lawn; vine-hung pergola and a maturing arboretum with interesting species of Acer and Sorbus.
After exploring the garden, sit back and enjoy a live music performance by the Hot Club Collective.
Weston Hall
Friday 23rd May
10am - 12pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Weston under Penyard HR9 7NS
TICKETS:
Pre-booked only: £6.00*
Under 16s: Free
• Refreshments available
Limited parking available
Limited wheelchair access Assistance dogs only
* Bookings close: 12pm, 22nd May.
Discover a garden shaped by generations at Weston Hall
Choose from two exclusive sessions to explore a stunning blend of past and present.
Weston Hall dates from the 16th century. It has been in Pelham Aldrich-Blake’s family for four generations, and each has left its mark on the house and garden.
The massive Cedar of Lebanon in front of the house possibly dates back to the 1830’s. This part of the grounds has many interesting trees and shrubs, including dawn redwood, maidenhair tree, pocket handkerchief tree,
various magnolias, and a fine variegated dogwood.
The walled garden was redesigned in 1989, and along with fruit and vegetables now has herbaceous borders, lawns, yew hedges and a pond.
The folly that overlooks the walled garden was built in 2000 to mark the millennium. The inner courtyard adjoining the house was redesigned in 2007, with a new pool and fountain.
Due to limited parking, we’ve split the event into morning and afternoon sessions.
Garden of the Wind
Saturday 31st May
2pm - 5pm
Walterstone
HR2 0DY
TICKETS:
Pre-booked: £6.00*
On the day: £7.50
Under 16s: Free
• Refreshments available
Parking available
Limited wheelchair access
Dogs on leads welcome
* Bookings close: 12pm, 30th May.
Discover
the challenging beauty of this Black Mountains Garden
The name of the garden is inspired by the fact that its open aspect to the Black Mountains and westerly winds present a challenge to gardening at this altitude. The gardens have been in development since the property was acquired in 2001. At this time, there was no garden. Instead, it was a small working farm where calves were fattened and sheep kept on the pastures.
The gardens extend to approximately four acres, and there are spectacular views over the Black Mountains
from the Skirrid to Black Hill along the whole Hatterrall Ridge.
The garden is also home to a collection of sculpture by British and Continental makers including many items of carved lettering by Richard Kindersley, Tom Perkins, John Neilson, John Shaw and Caitriona Cartwright.
Kentchurch Court
Thursday 12th June
- Friday 13th June
11am - 4pm
Kentchurch
HR2 0DB
TICKETS:
Pre-booked: £6.00*
On the day: £7.50
Under 16s: Free
• Refreshments available**
Parking available Dogs on leads welcome
* Bookings close: 12pm, 11th June.
** all proceeds from refreshment sales will go to Kentchurch Court.
Uncover the magic at one of the UK’s best-kept secrets
Kentchurch Court, the ancestral home of the Lucas-Scudamore family, is one of Herefordshire’s most historically significant houses.
Recognised by The Guardian as one of the UK’s best secret gardens, this hidden gem is part of a sprawling 5,000-acre estate. The gardens offer a charming, intimate retreat, featuring a flourishing vegetable garden, a tranquil orchard, and a picturesque deer park. Meandering paths are lined with vibrant perennials, creating a truly enchanting setting.
St Michael’s Hospice
Saturday 14th June
2pm - 5pm
Bartestree
HR1 4HA
TICKETS:
Pre-booked: £6.00*
On the day: £7.50
Under 16s: Free
• Refreshments available
• Live Demo & Talk
Parking available Assistance dogs only
* Bookings close: 12pm, 14th June.
Experience the Beauty and Comfort of Our Garden.
Take a leisurely stroll through our 1.5-acre garden, a peaceful haven lovingly tended by dedicated volunteers. Bursting with colour and fragrance, it offers a place of solace and reflection for our patients, their families, and our staff.
Co-designed by Monty Don, the garden is home to a stunning array of flora, featuring David Austin Roses, which will be in full bloom and bursting with delightful
fragrance—bringing moments of calm and comfort to all who visit.
Our team of volunteer gardeners will be scattered throughout the garden, ready and happy to answer any questions you may have.
Plus, join Liam Beddall, Senior Rose Consultant at David Austin Roses, from 2.30pm for a talk and demo on “How To Get The Best From Your English Roses.”
Millfield House
Sunday 15th June
11am - 4pm
Eaton Bishop
HR2 9QS
TICKETS:
Pre-booked: £6.00*
On the day: £7.50
Under 16s: Free
• Refreshments available
Parking available
Limited wheelchair access
Assistance dogs only
* Bookings close: 12pm, 13th June.
A Hidden Haven of Colour, Wildlife & Tranquility
Discover a breathtaking country garden that has been lovingly developed over the past decade. Stroll through shady woodland borders, wander into a sun-drenched gravel garden, and admire the hot borders, bursting with vibrant summer colour. A cool-toned purple and white border, complete with a charming folly and seating area, offers a peaceful retreat.
Delight in the structure of formal and naïve topiary, weaving through sweeping beds of perennials, shrubs, and roses. Spot frogs, newts, and dragonflies in the wildlife
pond, while wagtails and ducks make their frequent visits. In summer, the wildflower meadow hums with bees and insect life, adding to the garden’s natural beauty.
Explore the terrace, vegetable, and cutting gardens, enclosed by pergolas and espalier fruit trees, and framed by native hedges and trees that divide the garden into unique, tranquil spaces. A visit here promises a delightful blend of colour, wildlife, and serenity— perfect for a relaxing day out!
Homme House
Wednesday 18th June
11am - 4pm
Much Marcle
HR8 2LY
TICKETS:
Pre-booked: £6.00*
On the day: £7.50
Under 16s: Free
• Parkland walks
• Refreshments available
Parking available Dogs on leads welcome
* Bookings close: 12pm, 17th June.
Visit this stunning venue rarely open to the public.
A firm favourite in our Open Gardens calendar, Homme House is nestled in 200 acres of countryside and offers beautiful views of the Malvern Hills and Cotswolds beyond.
Wander around part of the Grade II* listed house and step outside to tour its grounds including the two-acre walled garden and the unique, unaltered Grade I listed 17th Century Gothic summer house.
Explore nature and conservation across 1.5 miles of parkland, driveway, and grass paths with a member of the Homme House family. Two walk & talk sessions are available at 11:30am and 2:30pm.
Brinsop Court
Tuesday 29th July
11am - 4pm
Brinsop
HR4 7AX
TICKETS:
Pre-booked: £6.00*
On the day: £7.50
Under 16s: Free
• Falconry displays
• Refreshments available**
Parking available Dogs on leads welcome
* Bookings close: 12pm, 28th July.
** all proceeds from refreshment sales will go to Brinsop Court.
Brinsop Court is one of Herefordshire’s most popular wedding, event and holiday venues.
Located just off Tillington Common, Brinsop is situated in the heart of the county’s rolling countryside.
Discover why the location holds such a special place in people’s hearts by spending the day here. The Grade I listed 14th Century moated
manor house will be open for informal tours.
Explore the grounds surrounded by the 800-acre estate with its ancient woodlands, rolling hills and fields stretching as far as the eye can see.
Visitors can also enjoy a flying display from Wye Valley Falconrys at 12.30pm and 2.30pm, with meet and greet experiences outside these times.
Brobury House Gardens & Cafe
Wednesday 6th August 11am - 4pm
Brobury HR3 6BS
TICKETS:
Pre-booked: £6.00*
On the day: £7.50
Under 16s: Free
• Refreshments available**
Parking available
Limited wheelchair access
Dogs on leads welcome
* Bookings close: 12pm, 5th August.
** all proceeds from refreshment sales will go to Brobury House.
Brobury House Gardens & Cafe are set on the banks of the River Wye, halfway between Hereford and Hayon-Wye.
Originally laid out in the 1880’s, Brobury House Gardens blend Victorian charm with breathtaking countryside views. Stroll through 8 acres of terraced gardens, past mature trees and tranquil water features, including a Lutyens-inspired grotto and sunken garden.
Follow winding paths from the water features to serene ponds and woodlands, past flowering boarders that offer a stunning visual display of colour before reaching the water meadow, where the river views await. The Café, nestled within the walled garden, serves a selection of cakes and lunches, with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day out for the whole family.
Lower Hope
Sunday 17th August
2pm - 5pm
Ullingswick
HR1 3JF
TICKETS:
Pre-booked: £6.00*
On the day: £7.50
Under 16s: Free
• Live choir performance
• Refreshments available
Parking available Assistance dogs only
* Bookings close: 12pm, 15th August.
The well-tended garden spans five acres facing South and West.
Herbaceous borders, rose walks, a laburnum tunnel, and Italian Gardens are among the highlights, plus the addition of a Japanese garden.
Conservatories and large greenhouses contain species
of orchids, plus colourful butterflies and bougainvillaea.
Visitors are welcome to stroll through the lime tree walk to the wildlife pond, landscaped with wild flowers and abundant in wildlife.
As you explore, enjoy a live performance by the Hereford Police Male Voice Choir.
The
Vern
Monday 18th August
11am - 1.45pm or 2.15pm - 5pm
Marden
HR1 3EX
TICKETS:
Pre-booked only: £6.00*
Under 16s: Free
• Refreshments available
Limited parking available
Limited wheelchair access
Assistance dogs only
* Bookings close: 12pm, 17th August.
Discover the beauty of a restored historic garden
Originally designed by the renowned Percy Cane a century ago, this stunning garden has been lovingly restored after years of neglect. Since 2017, the current owners have breathed new life into the grounds, reviving the Walled Garden, which now flourishes with fresh fruit and vegetables.
Wander through beautifully reclaimed spaces, including the Sunken Garden, now transformed into an elegant rose garden, and explore the oak garden nestled beneath towering trees. An old aviary has been re-imagined as a
charming tool shed, while restored bird ponds and pools provide a haven for wildlife.
Enjoy a peaceful woodland walk beneath ancient oaks, take in the breathtaking backdrop of Dinmore Hill, or follow the garden’s edge to the tranquil River Lugg. This is a truly magical setting, blending history, nature, and restoration—an experience not to be missed!
Due to limited parking, we’ve split the event into morning and afternoon sessions. If you’re visiting in the morning, please leave by 1:45pm to make room for afternoon guests.
