For gardening enthusiasts there are a wide variety of lovingly tended gardens open to the public near Ross this summer. Set in the beautiful landscapes of Herefordshire they are a real treat and visiting them helps raise money for charity. Relax and enjoy looking at the hard work of others, take inspiration from their efforts and, in most instances, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake. The information for this blog comes from the National Garden Scheme, Herefordshire Open Gardens for Charity booklet, which is widely available from tourism information sites. For more information go to http://www.ngs.org.uk Numbers in brackets correspond to the number of the garden in the NGS booklet. Some gardens are open by prior appointment only.
April: Sunday 15th & 29th 1-5pm The Old Corn Mill, Aston Crews, HR9 7LA (34) 01989 750059. A four acre country garden that includes streams, ponds and woodland. Also a pop-up art exhibition in the house. Refreshments available.
April through to October by prior arrangement only Weston Hall Garden, Weston-under-Penyard, HR9 7NS (51) 01989 562597. Six acres of garden including a large walled garden, herbaceous borders, ornamental ponds and a lake. Refreshments available on request.
April through to October by prior arrangement only Lawless Hill Garden, Sellack, HR9 6QP (26) 07595 678837. A collection of “rooms” created on a steep hillside with dramatic views over the Wye and demonstrating a Japanese influence. Waterfalls and exotic planting. Not suitable for those with mobility problems. Refreshments available on request.
May: Sunday 13th & 27th & Monday 28th 1-5pm The Old Corn Mill, Aston Crews, HR9 7LA (34) 01989 750059. A four acre country garden that includes streams, ponds and woodland. Also a pop-up art exhibition in the house. Refreshments available.
May: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 29th May to 15th August 2-5pm Church Cottage Garden, Hentland, HR9 6LP (14) 01989 730222. A garden packed with plants of many unusual varieties and including a pottage, gravel garden and white border. Refreshments available.
Some gardens open by prior arrangement; see above entries.
June: Sunday 10th 11-5pm Mulberry House Garden, Goodrich, HR9 6JW (30). A plant lovers cottage garden with wonderful views. Refreshments available.
June: Saturday 2nd 11-6pm Seabournes Garden, Fawley, HR1 45P (43) 01432 840217. A romantic 10 acre garden on the banks of the Wye which is being restored to its original Arts and Crafts layout with some original features. An ornamental pond and woodland walk along with many fine specimen trees. Refreshments available.
June through to October by prior arrangement only Poole Cottage Garden, Goodrich HR9 6JH (38) 01600 890148. A 2 acre hillside garden created by designer Jo Ward-Ellison. Includes a kitchen garden and orchids. Not suitable for those with mobility problems. Refreshments available.
June through to October by prior arrangement Grendon Court Garden, Upton Bishop, HR9 7QP (19) 07971 339126. Designed by Tom Stuart-Smith this is a contemporary garden on 2 levels featuring ornamental grasses and perennials with a valley walk. Refreshments available on request. Also see September.
Some gardens open by prior arrangement; see above entries.
July: Saturday 7th 10-4pm Ross-on-Wye Community Garden, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 5PB (42) . A 3 acre plot growing fruit and vegetables with community groups in the heart of Ross.
Some gardens open by prior arrangement; see above entries.
August: some gardens open by prior arrangement; see above entries.
September: Sunday 2nd 2-5.30pm Grendon Court Garden, Upton Bishop, HR9 7QP (19) 07971 339126, a combined opening with Brockhampton Cottage Gardens, Brockhampton, HR1 4TQ 1-4pm (6) both designed by Tom Stuart-Smith. Brockhampton Cottage Garden has a 5 acre wildflower meadow as well as woodland, extensive borders, a lake and stream. Refreshments available at Grendon Court Garden.
October: Sunday 28th 11-6pm Seabournes Garden, Fawley, HR1 45P (43) 01432 840217. A romantic 10 acre garden on the banks of the Wye which is being restored to its original Arts and Crafts layout with some original features. An ornamental pond and woodland walk along with many fine specimen trees. Refreshments available.