Open gardens in Dorset - June 2017

PUBLISHED: 11:27 26 May 2017 | UPDATED: 10:54 31 May 2017

The roses are in bloom at Hatchlands in Netherbury

Archant

3 June

Chedington Open Gardens & Studios

From cottage garden to Chedington Court there are 13 very different gardens to admire. Alongside 10 local artists and makers opening their studios, all in aid of their village hall. 11am – 6pm. facebook.com/ChedingtonVillage. 


4 June

Water inspires Sturminster Marshall’s glorious gardens

‘Water’ is the theme for this year’s Open Gardens drawing on inspiration from the rivers Stour and Winterbourne which run through Sturminster Marshall, as well as the ancient bridges, White Mill (National Trust), the meadows and the bund. Some of the 14 gardens opening between 11am – 5pm border the river, while others have river views. All will inspire! Lunches and cream teas as well as plant stall. Not to be missed is the famous Teddy Bear Drop from St Mary’s Church tower at 4pm. Bring your own teddy and parachute. Tickets £5 (children go free) from Memorial Hall where you can pick up a detailed village map. All proceeds to St Mary’s Church and Memorial Hall. For full listings of all Open Garden events happening in the county please visit opengardens.co.uk.


10 – 11 June

Netherbury Open Gardens

From tranquil riverside to a riot of rambling roses admire 10 glorious gardens in this pretty village tucked away in the Brit Valley. Included in the mix are legendary NGS venues - The Mill House (featured in Country Life), Hatchlands and Slape Manor. Homemade lunches in village hall, teas served in various gardens. Plant stalls. 1- 5pm. Tickets £7 (valid for both days)


17-18 June

Cerne Abbas Open Gardens

Explore 26 private gardens all within easy walking distance of the free car park from 2 – 6pm. Plant stall in village square. Teas in St Mary’s Church. Tickets £6. cerneopengardens.org.uk.

Hinton St Mary Open Gardens

Admire the extensive gardens of the Manor House as well as 20 other private gardens from 2 – 6pm and help raise money for St Peter’s Church. Sculpture exhibition, as well as plant sale, in Manor Garden. Cream teas and homemade cake in Tithe Barn. Tickets £5. hintonstmary.com.

Owermoigne Open Gardens

Run in conjunction with the Flower Festival at St Michael’s Church take time to enjoy 15 lovely gardens. Plants and local crafts for sale. Refreshments at church and village hall. Sat 11am – 5pm/Sun noon – 5pm. Tickets £5

Tarrant Gunville & Stubhampton Open Gardens

Explore 10 diverse gardens in these pretty villages near Blandford Forum. Local artists’ exhibition at village hall, which is also serving tea. Light lunches at Home Farm, Tarrant Gunville. Plant sales. 1- 5pm. Tickets £5

Witchampton Open Gardens

The 15 gardens opening range of from cottage garden to manor house. Refreshments in village hall. Witchampton & Crichel Club open for lunch and refreshments. Plant stall at Allenview Cottage. 11am – 5.30pm. Tickets £6.


25 June

Blandford Forum’s Hidden Gardens

Around 20 gardens, from historic to modern, open their gates in this glorious Georgian town (11am -5pm). Plants on sale. Start at Marsh & Ham car park where you can buy ticket with map from Blandford Information Office. Tickets £5

Wimborne Minster Open Gardens Day

Some 18 fabulous Wimborne Minster gardens of all shapes, sizes and designs open their gates (11am-5pm) in aid of Wimborne in Bloom. Tickets £6 wimborneinbloom.org.uk.


Flower Festivals

11 – 15 June - Athelhampton Flower Festival

Owermoigne Flower Club dazzle with displays of fresh and dried flowers in and around this beautiful Elizabethan manor house and gardens near Dorchester. athelhampton.co.uk.

24 – 25 June - Puddletown Church Flower Festival

Floral displays representing bible stories and parables with the theme ‘In the beginning was the Word’ feature at St Mary’s Church. 


NGS Venues Open This June

Marren

This Mediterranean-inspired 4-acre coastal garden features strong structural planting. Approached from nearby NT car park via steep footpath and 64 grass steps, you are rewarded with stunning views of Weymouth Bay.

Open: 3 & 4 June, 2-5pm

Where: Holworth, Dorchester, DT2 8NJ

Donhead Hall

Martin Lane Fox designed the terracing, and advised on the landscaping of this wonderful walled garden overlooking a deer park. Enjoy sensational vistas over Cranborne Chase.

Open: 7 June, 6-8.30pm & 11 June, 3.30-6pm

Where: Donhead St. Mary, Shaftesbury, SP7 9DS

Old Down House

Tucked down a farm track, this 3/4 acre garden surrounds an 18th century farmhouse. Cottage garden planting combines with formal elements, climbing roses and a stunning wisteria sinensis.

Open: 7 June, 2- 5pm (nearby is another open NGS venue Mayfield, 4 Walford Close, Wimborne, BH21 1PH) & 11 June, 2-5pm

Where: Horton, Wimborne, BH21 7HL

Anderson Manor

Explore 3-acres surrounding an Elizabethan/Jacobean manor house (not open) with formal gardens, topiary, walled garden and old rose walk beside the Winterbourne.

Open: 8 June, 2-4.30pm

Where: Anderson, Blandford Forum, DT11 9HD

The Old Rectory

Beautifully restored 5-acre garden with a 120 foot herbaceous border on south facing wall. Wildflower meadow and well maintained Victorian kitchen garden.

Open: 11 & 14 June, 2.30 - 5.30pm

Where: Manston, Surminster Newton, DT10 1EX

The Old Rectory

A 500 year-old lime and superb ancient trees form the backdrop of this 2-acre garden which surrounds a 17th century house. Beech and yew hedges create terraced rooms for rose, swimming pool and vegetable gardens. Interesting garden sculptures.

Open: 10 & 11 June, 2-5pm

Where: Winterborne Stickland, Blandford Forum, DT11 0NL

The Hollow

Hillside cottage garden created on chalk, with water features for wildlife. Productive fruit and vegetable garden with raised beds.

Open: 24 & 25 June, 2-5pm

Where: Tower Hill, Iwerne Minster, DT11 8NJ

Corfe Barn

Final opening of this semi-rural wildlife friendly garden, with its mix of trees, shrubs and flowers on three levels.

Open: 25 June, 2-5pm

Where: Corfe Lodge Road, Broadstone, BH18 9NQ