Going Green

Gardens

The sheer inventiveness of Britain’s gardeners needs to be seen to be believed. The green-fingered lovingly tend to their bulbs and box parterre the year round for the benefit of the public, some employing age-old methods to keep gardens many centuries old. Others are dedicated to bringing back to our attention the magical open spaces that time forgot.

Bodnant Garden
Looking across the River Conwy, Bodnant’s lily terrace, laburnum tunnel and camelia collection make it one of Wales’s best-loved open spaces. Set over 80 acres, Bodnant has been cared for by just two families in its 134 year history.
Colwyn Bay, Conwy; tel: (01492) 650460; www.bodnantgarden.co.uk.

Rosemoor
This enchanting 65-acre garden with year-round interest for all ages. Formal and informal gardens, lake and woodlands. Over 80 events held each year. Plant Centre, shop, restaurant and tea room on site.
RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon; tel: (01805) 624067; www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor.

Glorious Kent
The true ‘Garden of England’ and home to many National Trust houses, gardens and castles, including Sissinghurst Garden, Knole, Chartwell, Ightham Mote and Scotney Castle.
Discover more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme
This organisation masterminds the opening of gardens throughout Scotland to the public in aid of charities. Most garden openings provide home made teas for which the Scheme is renowned and a plant stall selling locally grown plants. Children are always welcome.
Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, Edinburgh; tel: (0131) 226 3714; www.gardensofscotland.org.

Castle Kennedy & Gardens
Perfect for exploring, these famous gardens are situated between two lochs and include a walled garden, the romantic ruined Castle Kennedy,
a charming tearoom, gift shop, plant centre and seasonal children’s activities.
Castle Kennedy & Gardens, Stair Estates, Stranraer, Scotland

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