NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME IN HAMPSHIRE:
NGS Website is now open for 2020 - even better than ever. So much so that our amazing technical guru's have received an award for the "Website of The Year - 2019" from the Garden Media Guild. The award was for easy of use and content, along with many other accolades, so what better time to try it out on the following link:- www.ngs.org.uk .
Secondly - Fantastic News from Hampshire NGS. Yet again we have exceeded all expectations in the amount raised throughout 2019 for our caring, nursing and health charities. A staggering £240,000 - the largest amount raised by a County - EVER. Without you (our garden visitors) this would not have been possible. So Many, Many Thanks To You All.
I'm sure many of your event/visits secretaries are now looking to fill a few slots for the 2020 calendar, so here are a few gardens open 'By Arrangement' specifically for Groups. The group sizes vary from garden to garden. You can check this out on the website OR if you prefer by contacting the Garden owner. This link takes you directly to all the 'By Arrangement' Gardens - www.ngs.org.uk/byarrangement . Or maybe you would like to fill those empty slots with a talk from one of our experienced speakers. Our talks are lighthearted, informal and informative, touching on the history of the NGS, our beneficiaries and slides of some of our stunning Hampshire Gardens. If you would be interested in booking a talk, please contact me in the first instance.
BY ARRANGEMENT GARDENS FOR 2020:
The Down House, Itchen Abbas SO21 2LR
Open By Arrangement throughout February: for groups of 20+: Contact owners at 01962 791054 or markstephenporter@gmail.com for details and to arrange visits
ALSO:
Open Sunday 16th February 1pm to 4pm: £ 5.00 Children free: Home-made teas.
A 3 acre garden laid out in rooms overlooking the Itchen Valley, adjoining the Pilgrim's Way, with walks to the river. In February come and see the snowdrops, aconites and crocus, plus borders of coloured dogwoods, willow stems and white birches. A garden of structure with pleached hornbeams, a rope-lined fountain garden and yew lined avenues - plus a pruned and trained vineyard, and a warm tea room! https://www.ngs.org.uk/find-a-garden/garden/21395
Little Court, Crawley. SO21 2PU
Open By Arrangement February to August: Groups of any size: Contact Owners on 01962 776365 or elksic@btinternet.com for details and to arrange visits.
Open By Arrangement February to August: Groups of any size: Contact Owners on 01962 776365 or elksic@btinternet.com for details and to arrange visits.
ALSO:
Open Sunday & Monday 16th & 17th: 23rd & 24th February 2 pm to 4.30pm: £5.00 Children Free: Home Made Teas
This walled sheltered garden has naturalised crocuses in the apple orchard, large and small herbaceous borders in harmonious colours and unusual plants, with touches of humour. There is a traditional kitchen garden, colourful bantams running free, a tree house, and a south facing natural wildlife field. Many seats with good views both within the garden and to the surrounding farmland.
Bramdean House: Alresford. SO24 0JU
Open By Arrangement from March to September: for groups of 5+: Contact owners at office@bramdeanhouse.com for details and to arrange visits.
Open By Arrangement from March to September: for groups of 5+: Contact owners at office@bramdeanhouse.com for details and to arrange visits.
ALSO:
Open Sunday 9th February 2pm to 4pm. £5.00 children free. Home-made teas. This is the one to see the snowdrops and Spring Bulbs.
(Other dates later in the year -see website)
Beautiful 5 acre garden with, carpets of spring bulbs especially snowdrops. A large and unusual collection of plants and shrubs giving year round interest. A one acre walled garden featuring prize-winning vegetables, fruit and flowers. Small arboretum. Many hardy Nerine cultivars.
https://www.ngs.org.uk/find-a-garden/garden/3145
https://www.ngs.org.uk/find-a-garden/garden/3145
Beechenwood Farm: Hillside Odiham RG27 1JA
Open By Arrangement from March to June: No limit for groups size: Not suitable for coaches: Contact owners on 01256 702300 OR beechenwood@totalise.co.uk for details and to arrange visits.
ALSO:
Open Sunday 29th March & Monday 25th May 2pm to 5pm: Admission £4.00 children free: Home-made teas:
2 acre garden in many parts. Lawn meandering through woodland with drifts of spring bulbs. Rose pergola with steps, pots with spring bulbs and later aeoniums. Fritillary and cowslip meadow. Walled herb garden with pool and exuberant planting. Orchard including white garden and hot border. Greenhouse and vegetable garden. Rock garden extending to grasses, ferns and bamboos. Shady walk to belvedere. 8 acre copse of native species with grassed rides.
Pilley Hill Cottage: Pilley Lymington SO41 5QF
Open By Arrangement throughout March & April: No limit for group size: Contact Owners on 01590 677844 OR stephglen@hotmail.co.uk for details and to arrange visits.
ALSO:
Open Saturday & Sunday 28th & 29th March : Saturday & Sunday 18th & 19th April: 2pm to 5pm: Admission £3.00 children free: Cream Teas
Pilley Hill Cottage garden changes constantly through the seasons. Entering through the creeper covered lych gate, the garden reveals itself via winding pathways with surprises around every corner. Dogwood, cornus and ghost bramble supply spring structure. Gnarled fruit trees provide shelter for bulbs and wild flowers are making a welcome debut. Steph will be giving a demonstration of spring bulb propagation at 3pm on each open day, a particular interest to those who may wish to increase their stock of snowdrops. Some slippery slopes. Visitors with wheelchairs have managed our garden, so please phone to discuss.
Twin Oaks: 13 Oakwood Road Chandler's Ford Eastleigh SO53 1LW
Open By Arrangement April to August for groups up to 20: Contact Owners on 02380 907517 OR syd@sydh.co.uk for details and to arrange visits.
ALSO
Open Sunday & Monday 12th & 13th April, Monday 25th May and Sunday 26th July: 1pm to 5pm: Admission £3.50 children free: Home-made teas:
Continually evolving 1⁄3 acre suburban woodland water garden, designed and planted by owners, bordered by mature oak beech and birch trees. Enjoy spring colour from azaleas, rhododendrons and bulbs. The lawn meanders between informal beds and ponds and bridges lead to a tranquil pergola seating area overlooking a wildlife pond. The rockery is skirted by a stream with a waterfall into a lily pond. There is also an aviary. https://www.ngs.org.co.uk/find-a-garden/garden/36124
Terstan: Longstock Stockbridge SO20 6DW
Open By Arrangement April to September for groups of 20+: Contact Owners at paburnfield@gmail.com for details and to book visits.
ALSO
Open on Sundays 26th April, 28th June, 26th July and 13th September: 2pm to 5pm: Admission £5.00 children free: Home-made teas:
A garden for all seasons, developed over 50 yrs into a profusely planted, contemporary cottage garden in peaceful surroundings. There is a constantly changing display in pots, starting with tulips and continuing with many unusual plants. Gravel garden, water features, cutting garden and Showman's Caravan. Art Groups welcome. Live music for NGS openings. Wheelchair access with some gravel paths and steps. https://www.ngs.org.uk/find-a-garden/garden/22660
I hope one of the above might appeal to your group. Watch out for the January Newsletter for more 'By Arrangement' gardens - starting from May onwards. Or you can always click on the link www.ngs.org.uk/byarrangement (as mentioned at the beginning of this Newsletter).
Seasons Greetings to you all - keep warm!
Best Wishes
Pat Beagley (Publicity)
National Garden Scheme - Hampshire
