West Green Gardens

This is listed on the NT, and as members you get in “”free” but have to pay for parking.

It was left to the NT in 1957, the house and gardens. The house was badly damaged by an explosion in 1990, the NT considered demolishing the house, but instead repaired the fabric and sell it on a 99 year lease to someone who would sensitively complete the restoration of the house and gardens. It was purchased by Marilyn Abbott, a Chelsea Flower Show medalist who has restored and developed the gardens. The gardens combine neo-classical style and contemporary design, exuberant planting and all year round colour (see collage). There are some follies as well as a lake with Canadian geese and swans. Tge gardens also host a number of events through the year - teaching workshops in floristry and beginners flower arranging as well as summer music evenings listening to big bands, there is also a formal opera season held in July plus other events.

On entering there is a sign to advise that the house is privately owned and not not open to the public.

The grounds were very pretty, with some colour as well as buds getting ready to open. Lots of seats to relax and contemplate and listen to the birds. The tea/coffee shop do hot & cold food, snacks and cakes and plenty of outdoor (and indoor) seating.

It will be one that we visit again.

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