12 open garden events in Dorset - July 2017

PUBLISHED: 16:03 29 June 2017 | UPDATED: 16:03 29 June 2017

24a Western Avenue

Archant

Sculpture by the Lakes

See 30 pieces by renowned sculptor Simon Gudgeon set against a stunning planting palette created by his wife Monique in this multi-award-winning garden.

• Open: 5 July, 11am - 5pm

• Where: Pallington, Dorchester, DT2 8QU

Little Cliff

Finalist in the Daily Mail Garden of the Year, this south-facing sloping seaside garden has spectacular views of Lyme Bay and features a series of garden rooms: hot garden, white garden and bog garden with jungle walkway at the bottom.

• Open: 9 July, 2-5pm

• Where: Sidmouth Road, Lyme Regis, DT7 3EQ

22 Holt Road

This ¾ acre walled garden, includes a Mediterranean courtyard garden. Walk up the slope beside the rill and bog garden to a raised-bed vegetable garden, and return past a waterfall cascading to a pebble beach.

• Open: 16 July, 2-5pm

• Where: Branksome, Poole, BH12 1JQ

Lower Abbotts Wootton Farm

The owner of this garden is a sculptor, and her creative flair for form, shape and colour is reflected in its design - a perfect setting for her sculptures.

• Open: 8 & 9 July, 2-5pm

• Where: Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bridport, DT6 6NL

Holy Trinity Primary School

Award-winning garden looked after by enthusiastic pupils and staff, includes wildlife pond, World War II garden with Anderson shelter, Dorset’s largest living willow classroom and a lush ‘Jurassic Garden’ with dinosaurs!

• Open: 22 & 23 July, 1-5pm

• Where: Cross Road, Weymouth, DT4 9QX

2 Spur Gate

This challenging hilly site has been converted into a series of banks and terraces, which progress from the formality of pool terraces, to a gravel garden, Japanese area with Teahouse and woodland.

• Open: 22 & 23 July, 2-5pm

• Where: 24 Spur Hill Avenue, Parkstone, BH14 9PH

Well Cottage

One acre garden, with spectacular views over the Marshwood Vale, features natural planting with an emphasis on colour. Owner’s textile art studio open too.

• Open: 22, 23 & 25 July, 11am -5pm

• Where: Ryall, Bridport, DT6 6EJ

Western Gardens

This secluded and magical garden, created over 40 years, offers enormous variety with Mediterranean courtyard, rose garden, herbaceous borders, and woodland garden. Lush foliage and vibrant colour enhanced with topiary and sculpture.

• Open: 30 July, 2-5.30pm

• Where: 24A Western Gardens, Branksome Park, Poole, BH13 7AN

For a full list of gardens to visit ngs.org.uk 


4 Open Garden Weekends

1–2 July: Tarrant Monkton & Tarrant Launceston

Visit 12 very different gardens in these two picturesque villages in the beautiful Tarrant Valley near Blandford Forum. Teas in Village Hall and plant sales. Proceeds to All Saints Church, Tarrant Monkton, and Village Hall Fund. Runs 1.30 - 5pm.

Poyntington

Situated in a valley 2 miles north of Sherborne, this village is throwing open 12 of its garden gates, including a Manor House garden and a vineyard. Some are on the hillside, others have the River Yeo running through them. Plant sales and refreshments. Proceeds to Village Hall and church. Runs 2 – 5pm.

8–9 July: Upwey Open Gardens

Explore up to 25 gardens at this annual village event. Other attractions include craft stalls, demos by local potters, display of vintage vehicles and art exhibition in Old School Hall. Outdoor cafe in one of the gardens. All proceeds to support future village events.Runs 2 – 6pm.

Pimperne

Visit up to 13 gardens including one designed by a Chelsea Gold Medal Winner and another that featured in Amateur Gardening and The Garden. Tea and homemade cakes in Village Hall. Plant sales. All proceeds to Village Hall. Runs 2-5pm.