Owner description:
Located in Minstead, Hampshire, in the heart of New Forest yet just off the end of the M25, this informal 10 acre woodland garden contains an......
more »
Owner description:
Located in Minstead, Hampshire, in the heart of New Forest yet just off the end of the M25, this informal 10 acre woodland garden contains an extensive collection of rare and beautiful plants from around the world. In the spring, banks of Azalias and Rhododendrons dazzle with colour, secret paths lead through drifts of primulas and bulbs to quiet glades, while viewing areas provide outlooks over the New Forest. Flowering shrubs and trees continue the interest through the summer with a blaze of autumn colour at the end of the year.In the water garden flowering and foliage plants thrive both in and out of the lake, enhanced by a collection of conifers. The waterfall leads into our reinstated water meadow.The gardens are wondeful for children. The shady play area has play houses, an overhead walkway, swings and crawl tunnel and there are plenty of places to picnic and play hide and seek. The gardens also hold a secret - over 30 tiny fairy doors hidden throughout the garden. Also popular are the thatching and bee displays and children love to meet our four alpacas and two very friendly miniature donkeys.Delicious locally made cakes and sandwiches are available in the Tea Rooms, which have plenty of seating inside and a pretty terrace overlooking the gardens. The Gallery showcases a variety of local art and crafts including woodwork, ceramics, needlecrafts and jewellry.Those visitors who like to go home with a souvenir of the leafy variety will enjoy looking around our plant sales area where plants are sold at very competitive prices.Visitors are welcome to visit the gardens all year round, although the Tea Rooms and Gallery are closed between (and including) Nov - Feb every year. March to October the Tea Rooms and Gallery open at 10am and last orders are taken at 4.15pm.Admission to the Gallery and Tea Rooms is free of charge. Entry to the Gardens is by minimum donation all year round (please place donations in the box provided when the Gallery is closed). The entry donation goes towards the upkeep of the gardens and to the work of the Charity in providing opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.
« less