The Gardens of Dorset
Bennetts Water Gardens
Located in Chickerell, Bennetts Water Gardens are a 'Site of Nature Conservation Interest' and the 8 acres of gardens hold National & International Collections of Water Lilies, flowering from late spring through to autumn, creating one of the most outstanding displays of water lilies in Britain. There are many scenic places to sit and take in not only the water lily displays but also the abundance of pond life that has been attracted to the area, including most species of British Dragon Fly. Blooming at their best throughout the summer months is one of the most outstanding displays of water lilies in Britain.
The gardens are one of only six in the world to hold a registered collection of water lilies, 150 varieties are displayed within tranquil landscaped lakes, surrounded by huge pond and moisture loving plants, native trees, palms, wild plants and flowers. There is a replica 'Monet' style Japanese bridge and water lilies originating from the same French nursery, in Bordeaux, that supplied Monet's garden in Giverney. The Tropical House contains exotic plants including a cacti collection and a Family Nature Trail keeps young visitors interested.
There is a museum which plots the history of the site from the brick workings of the 19th century to the gardens of today. The plant nursery offers for sale a wide selection of quality garden plants, aquatic plants and water lilies all grown on site. The gardens are open between March and November.
^ Back to topAbbotsbury sub-tropical gardens
Located just outside of Abbotsbury, the gardens were established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle. Developed since then into a magnificent 20 acre garden filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Many of these plants were first introductions to this country, discovered by the plant hunting descendants of the Countess. Since the restoration after the great storm of 1990 many new exotic and unusual plants have been introduced. The Garden is now a mixture of formal and informal, with charming walled garden walks and spectacular woodland valley views. World famous for its Camellia Groves and Magnolias, noted for its Rhododendron and Hydrangea collections. In summer it is awash with subtropical colour. The gardens are open all year round except late December and the site also has a nursery.
Kingston Maurwood
Kingston Maurward has formal gardens laid out in the Arts and Crafts style of the Edwardian period. The series of garden rooms were designed by Sir Cecil and Lady Hanbury after they purchased the estate in 1914. These are enclosed within splendid stone terraces, balustrading, steps and yew hedges and include water features and topiary.
The gardens and exterior of the House were extensively re-furbished, and additional features including the Edwardian garden to the West of the House were the portico on the North facade and new chimneys.
The contemporary parkland and pleasure gardens were laid out in the “Jardin Anglais” style popularised by Capability Brown. Simplicity was the hallmark of the gardens which consisted of rolling turf, carefully placed groups of trees, a lake and a lakeside temple. Situated on a hillside the views over the surrounding countryside are stunning. Behind the Elizabethan Manor stands the ornamental walled garden which was once the kitchen garden for the Old Manor House.
Kingston Maurward has National Collections of Penstemons and Salvias and fine examples of these plants amongst many others can be purchased from the Visitor Centre. The gardens are open all year round excluding the Christmas period running through to New Year.
^ Back to topAthelhampton House
Inigo Thomas was engaged to create one of England's great gardens as a series of "outdoor rooms" inspired by the Renaissance in 1891. These grade 1 gardens cover twenty acres of formal gardens which are encircled by the River Piddle, and consist of eight walled gardens with numerous fountains and pavilions, plus a balustraded terrace, statues, obelisks and magnificent vistas through gate piers. Great Court contains 12 giant yew topiary pyramids set around the pool by the great terrace. The lawn to the west has an early 16th-century circular dovecote, and the south terrace features a vast "Magnolia grandiflora" and a Banksian rose. Pear trees cover the old walls and support roses and clematis. Fine collections of tulips and lilies can also be seen in season.
The gardens are open March to October: Monday - Thursday & Sunday.
November to February: Sunday only.
Horn Park
This large garden at Horn Park, with splendid trees, has a unique setting looking over terraces and lawns and across fields and rolling hills to the sea beyond. The plantsman's garden has many unusual trees, shrubs and plants and surrounds a charming house designed by a pupil of Lutyens.
From the house,steps planted with white roses, lead from here to the bottom lawn where there are three formal beds of standard brooms and roses. The water garden is planted for stronger colours and seats have been carefully placed around the garden so that visitors can enjoy the changing vistas. A wild flower meadow, with over 160 species including orchids, has mown grass paths leading to a bluebell wood. Home-propagated plants are for sale in the greenhouse.
Horn Park can be visited by appointment only - call for times and days on Tel: 01308 862212
^ Back to topMinterne House
The Minterne Valley was landscaped in the manner of Capability Brown in the 18th Century. The gardens are laid out in a horseshoe below Minterne House, with a chain of small lakes, waterfalls and streams. They contain a unique collection of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Azaleas, with Spring bulbs, Cherries, Maples and many fine and rare trees; the garden is noted for its Autumn colouring.
Of particular note are the profusion of spring bulbs. Many flowering cherries were brought from Japan in 1920 and the Pieris Forrestii with their brilliant scarlet shoots. A very fine collection the pocket handkerchief tree produce striking bracts in late May and early June, when the streams are lined with primulas, astilbes and other water plants.
Over 1.5 miles of walks with Palm trees and towering Rhododendrons framed by tall Cedar and Beech trees, provide a new vista at each turn. The gardens are open daily 1st March - 9th November.
Sticky Wicket
Set in the heart of Thomas Hardy's Wessex, Sticky Wicket is a personal paradise for the owners and a safe haven for wildlife. Beginning in 1987, Peter and Pam Lewis designed and created their three acre gardens and meadows from four acres of rough pasture.
There are several different garden areas, each planted in gentle colour harmonies and with a particular focus on both seasonal and wildlife interest. Although primarily a wildlife garden, high priority is set on aesthetic values. The wildflower meadows most romantically exemplify the importance of wildlife habitat creation. All the land is sympathetically and organically managed to be 'in tune with nature'. With this in mind, and with the death of Peter, Pam is now to record how nature reclaims the land with just the minimum intervention from its custodian. "My challenge is to help this to happen gracefully whilst lightly steering the process, allowing for the effect of changes in we ather patterns and monitoring the fluctuations of wildlife and wildflower populations in this exciting 'Wilder Wicket'". This means that Sticky Wicket is closed to the public in 2009 while the process is managed and should reopen to a new chapter in 2010.
Mapperton House
The valley gardens at Mapperton reflect at least three periods of history. On the upper level, close to the house, is the Italianate garden complete with grottoes, stone ornamental birds and animals and a fountain court. Below the wall and summer house are 17th century fish ponds. An orangery was added in the 1950s and the lower garden extended with specimen shrubs and trees.
The gardens contain many secret paths and walks. The surrounding countryside is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with many bridle paths and public rights of way with outstanding views. The gardens are open between 1st March - 31st October 2009.
^ Back to topSherborne Castle Gardens
Sherborne Castle gardens gardens sit within a Capability Brown influenced landscape. In the spring be greated by a large collection of bulbs, summer months bring to life the seductive atmosphere of the garden. The tranquil lakeside walk takes you through a superb collection of trees and plants. The Ginkgo, spectacular Metasequoia and gigantic Cedars are a must for any arborist. Indeed, if trees are your thing then make sure this is the garden you visit. The 12th century ruins of the Old Castle have been skilfully incorporated as a romantic backdrop for the garden and its many interesting features, statues and follies.
The garden is dog friendly, has picnic areas, has abundant bird and wildlife (spot the kingfisher at the waterfall). The gardens are open between 1st April to 1st November.
^ Back to topTo bring your group to the Heights Hotel so that you can explore the gardens of Dorset, please call Jenny or Kathy to discuss your personal requirements on 01305 821361.
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