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Knoll Gardens

A wonderfully calming garden with naturalistic plantings of ornamental grasses interspersed with an array of flowering perennials. Grand specimen trees and beautiful shrubs offer shady spots to take in the open vistas of the prairie style gardens, benefiting both wildlife and environment. On Tues 2nd Sept owner, Neil Lucas, will be offering a guided tour of the gardens (tickets must be pre-booked).

Owner Info

Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens

About Knoll Gardens

Knoll Gardens is especially known for its exquisite plantings of ornamental grasses, yet when Neil Lucas arrived 30 years ago it was the wonderful woody shrubs and rare trees that attracted him to this secluded Dorset garden. Over the last three decades he has created a stunning naturalistic garden that thrives in our ever-changing climate and being low maintenance, is environmentally friendly too. The grasses now undoubtedly steal the show, but are also a fabulous foil for the stunningly beautiful flowering perennials.

Neil’s informal plantings create a calming and mood-enhancing garden. Grasses appear to dance around the winding paths, tumbling over borders to provide a layered transparency to this seemingly natural space, forming a wonderfully immersive garden based on the way plants grow in the wild. Height and further interest come from the mini arboretum of rare and unusual trees that also provide further habitat for Knoll’s wildlife.

Based in the garden, the Knoll Gardens Foundation charity works to better understand the relationship between the naturalistic planting style and its benefits to wildlife. The Foundation delivers a structured programme of walks, workshops and educational events encouraging visitors to get involved. The Foundation carries out regular wildlife surveys and the data collected, as well as being shared with local wildlife organisations, helps to shape future plans for the gardens.

Neil is the UK’s leading authority on ornamental grasses and his planting style, centred on the principal of ‘right plant right place’, is central to the garden’s continuing development. The dry meadows and rain garden, shady beds, sunny borders and gravel garden all provide practical planting ideas and welcome insight into using the right plants that will cope and thrive in changing and challenging conditions. In 2023 the garden surrounding the Dragon Pond, with its resplendent dragon sculpture, was replanted in the prairie style with a mix of perennials against a structured backbone of grasses.

Renowned for its grasses, Knoll’s Chelsea Gold Medal-winning nursery offers planting advice, and the website lists year-round events and practical information to help you recreate Knoll’s relaxed style and bring a flavour of the natural world into your own garden. A year-round events programme includes grass masterclasses, guided nature walks and creative workshops. Events are bookable online at knollgardens.co.uk.

Website:

https://www.knollgardens.co.uk

Knoll Gardens features

Location details

Knoll Gardens,
Wimborne,
Dorset,
BH21 7ND

Directions to Knoll Gardens
Brown tourist signs from all directions, inc from A31. Car park on site.

Knoll Gardens openings

For this open day you need to pre-book your ticket in advance. To book tickets please click on the book button below.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake. Self-service refreshment facilities.
Admission Adult: £25.00
Child: £12.50
Opening times 14:00-16:30

You can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Self-service refreshment facilities.
Admission Adult: £8.95
Child: £6.95
Opening times 10:00-17:00

Accessibility

  • Some slopes. Various surfaces inc gravel, paving, grass and bark.
  • Share this garden

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FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Yes, coaches are accepted at Knoll Gardens. Please get in touch with the owners for details.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at Knoll Gardens, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at Knoll Gardens are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Knoll Gardens seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.