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Wiltshire’s Fabulous Gardens Are ‘Blooming’ Marvellous
10 March 2011
Numerous private gardens across Wiltshire opening their doors to the public this spring with proceeds going to charity, all as part of the National Gardens Scheme which gives visitors rare entry into gardens that are considered of interest.
Each of Wiltshire’s gardens is ablaze with early colour from the delicate snowdrops to the vibrant bursts daffodils, tulips and crocus.
There are a range of truly spectacular gardens taking part including:
Stourhead
It takes a full day to explore the entire splendour of Stourhead Gardens, one of the finest landscape gardens in the world. Snowdrops and daffodils are in abundance, soon to be followed by rhododendrons, bluebells, magnolias and camellias all set against a backdrop of exotic trees. Adult garden admission costs £7.30 and children £4. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk or telephone 01747 842005 for further information.
Abbey House
Abbey House, a pretty 16th century property in Malmesbury, was purchased in 1994 by ‘Naked Gardeners’, Ian and Barbara Pollard. The five acre garden, which is open to the public, is one of the most beautiful in Wiltshire. March sees numerous flowers spring into life including camellia, crocus, daffodil, early tulips, heathers, hellebore, hyacinth and primulas closely followed by aubretia, fritillary imperials, apple and cherry blossom and Japanese maples. Adult entry £6.50, children £2.50. Visit www.abbeyhousegardens.co.uk or call 01666 822212 for further information.
Numerous other spectacular gardens are lesser known but of particular beauty are opening to the public during spring only as part of the National Gardens Scheme.
Avon Cottage in Salisbury features a beautiful unspoilt valley with snowdrops along the stream and woodland with aconites, crocus, hellebores, erythroniums and other spring bulbs. Mature hedges break up the level site with early flowering, fragrant shrubs. Adult entry of £3, children free. Visit www.visitwiltshire.co.uk or call 01722 782295 for opening times.
Boscombe Village Gardens contains two contrasting gardens ¾ mile apart with over an acre of orchids, hellebores, pulmonarias and spring bulbs. Westcroft’s 2/3 acre of wilderness paradise with a pond, sun-baked terraces, colour-themed herbaceous planting, naturalised chalk bank with orchids and climbing roses over old fruit trees. The enchanting ½-acre cottage garden at Cottage in the Trees has been immaculately planted, with a water feature, raised vegetable patch, small wildlife pond and gravel garden. Combined admission £4.50, children free. Visit www.visitwiltshire.co.uk or call 01980 610877/01980 610921 for opening times.
The Mill House is located a few miles north of Salisbury and houses a 10 acre traditional wet water meadow surrounded by the River Till and 300 species of old fashioned roses. Herbaceous borders crammed with plants of yesteryear provide unforgettable scents. Adult entry of £3, children free. Visit www.millhouse.org.uk or call 01722 790331 for opening times.
Corsham Court in Corsham features a park and gardens laid out by Capability Brown and Repton. Large lawns house fine specimens of ornamental trees and surround the Elizabethan mansion. An 18th century bath house is hidden in the grounds. Features in the early season include spring bulbs, a beautiful lily pond with Indian bean trees, young arboretum and stunning collection of magnolias which appear in April/May. Adult admission costs £2.50 and children £1.50. Further information can be found at www.corsham-court.co.uk or telephone 01249 712214.
Bowood’s Gardens, designed in 1762, have daffodils providing early colour with bluebells soon to follow creating a carpet of blue. The famous Rhododendron Walks cover two miles within the 60 acre woodland and open in April. The walks are signposted and mainly named after members of the family. Adult entry costs £9.50 and children £7.50. www.bowood-house.co.uk or call 01249 812102.
For further information about all the gardens including individual opening times visit www.visitwiltshire.co.uk or call 0845 602 7323, alternatively visit each individual property’s website.
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