The first ever National Open Gardens Day is on for this Friday, April 17, and Emma Ashley's got a roundup of the best places to smell the roses
As part of National Gardening Week (April 13-19) which was launched four years ago by the Royal Horticultural Society, the first ever National Open Gardens Day is taking place on April 17. There will be plenty of beautiful gardens open free to the public to enjoy at your leisure, I’ve done some research into a variety of gardens that promise to allure the senses and get you in the mood for planting, growing or just enjoying the great outdoors.
Below you can find a roundup of the best five!
You can visit the National Gardening Week website for more information on events and open gardens
- Page 1 (Results 1-10)
-
1
Kensington Roof Gardens
This rooftop garden was designed in the 1930s, and offers 1.5 acres of themed garden above one of London’s thriving streets. There is a Spanish Garden (featuring palms, olive trees and more), a Tudor Garden (with three court yards and an English Woodland) and even a Wildlife Garden featuring flamingos and exotic ducks that really bring it to life, providing a little extra magic. An alfresco restaurant can also be found in the Tudor Garden, so on a beautiful day you can enjoy the surroundings with excellent food and a cold drink.
On April 17 it will be free to the public between 9am – 5pm.
The nearest tube stop is High Street Kensington.
-
2
RHS Garden Wisley
The garden is arguably one of the most impressive in the country and has plenty to see and do for all the family. From the glass house, home to an array of plants from around the globe, to Battleston Hill, a garden exploding with colour especially in April and May, here's magic to inspire all. There are ponds, wide grassy areas, mixed borders which change with the seasons and far more. RHS Wisley is a garden teeming with inspiration, and will be particularly bright this month.
On April 17 it will be free to the public between 10am – 6pm.
-
3
Dunsborough Park
A magnificent 62 acres of landscaped gardens await you at Dunsborough Park, a beautiful country estate situated in Ripley. Different plots, including walled gardens, have been shaped using box hedging, and there are extensive herbaceous borders with beautiful wisteria surrounding. There is also a lovely water garden and an ancient mulberry tree.
Admission is by donation between 1pm – 5pm.
-
4
Moleshill House
A smaller but romantic garden by the florist Penny Small. The garden features a charming "gypsy caravan" garden, and is definitely one for lovers of honey as the garden contains beehives. There are fountains, colourful topiaries, a conservatory and more.
Usually the garden is only open by appointment, but for April 17 it is open from 2pm – 5pm with admission by donation.
-
5
Raworth Gardens
Another smaller, private garden, the Raworth Gardens offers true English charm with a collection of Old English roses, a pond complete with a bridge, a conservatory with climbers and rare plants, Pergola with climbing roses and Clematis and a fernery. There is also a waterfall which provides plenty of intrigue...
Admission is by donation on April 17, from 2pm – 5pm.
- Page 1 (Results 1-10)
