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Gorgeously organic and ripe for a visit

Lead image: South Newington House, Oxon – opens by arrangement to October © Andrew Lawson

 

The National Garden Scheme’s portfolio of gardens has always reflected the changing trends in gardens across the UK. In the last ten years we have been mindful of the dramatic drop in biodiversity across the country and that gardens can provide homes and vital stepping stones for native wildlife. This trend has been reflected in the much more relaxed, natural style of gardens, the increase in the use of organic principles, the move way from chemicals and the acceptance of spaces left to grow wild in many of the gardens that open for the Scheme. When once a neatly striped lawn and vibrant bedding plants were the mark of a good garden, now swathes of grasses, drifts of wildflowers and planting for pollinators are much more the norm, with many gardeners creating both formal and informal areas in their outdoor spaces.

We explore the wild and the wonderful, the organic and the sustainable gardens opening in August, September and beyond …

 

Ryton Organic Gardens, Coventry (pictured above) opens 12 July and 6 September
Garden Organic’s inspirational and sustainable demonstration garden at Ryton contains a wonderful fruit and vegetable potager, together with several large ornamental flower beds. Packed full of ideas for gardens of all sizes, it features a large glasshouse, polytunnel, composting area, water features, no-dig and container gardens plus two National Plant Collections.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/9402/ryton-organic-gardens

Growing for Change Organic Market Garden, Bangor opens Sunday 17 August
Organic Market Garden with delicious, seasonal produce. Through sharing the wonder and joy of nurturing plants in a supportive environment, people in recovery from substance abuse or mental health issues develop new skills with Growing for Change during their recovery journey. Their produce is so good they supply local restaurants.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/47813/growing-for-change-organic-market-garden

Helen’s Bay Organic, County Down NI opens Sunday 30 August
An urban market garden, established in 1991, producing over 50 varieties of organic vegetables for direct retailing. Also hosts a community garden and allotments which inc an extensive range of fruit and vegetables.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/43771/helens-bay-organic

Balmoral Cottage, Kent opens Sunday 5 October
A fabulous varied, romantic garden with extensive topiary and organically managed vegetable gardens.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/34649/balmoral-cottage

 

Higher Tippacott Farm, Devon opens August 2 and 3
Organic for 30 years with lovely views overlooking its own pretty valley pasture, stream and pond. Sunny interlinking lawned areas with interesting herbaceous planting, stone walls and old barns; all blending with the surroundings. Young apple trees. Olives. Vegetable patch high up with distant sea glimpse.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/22898/higher-tippacott-farm

Broadacre, Solihull opens By arrangement.
Broadacre is a nature garden which we manage organically. Attractively landscaped with pools, lawns and trees, beehives, vegetable area and adjoining stream and wildflower meadows.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/25521/broadacre

Bronygarn House, Mid Glamorgan – opens by arrangement to 1 September for small groups
Enjoyed by four generations of same family over 160 years. Many interesting mature trees, young fruit trees, rhododendrons, ponds, numerous rose bushes and standards, and much else of interest, even in the wilder areas. Lawn used for tennis in last century, now smaller and left unmown in parts, wildflowers encouraged. We live and let live, encourage all wildlife, try to garden organically.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/47154/bronygarn-house

Bush House, Oxon – opens by arrangement to October
Set in eight acres, over 13 years, a two acre garden has emerged. Herbaceous borders partner dual level ponds and stream. The terrace leads to a walled parterre framed by roses and wisteria. The ‘wildflower meadow’ (sown 2021) orchard is screened by rose and vine covered wrought iron trellis. Kitchen gardens, greenhouses and fruit cage provide organically grown produce.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/32075/bush-house

 

By The Crossways, Suffolk – by arrangement in September
A three acre wildlife garden designed as a garden within a working organic farm where wilderness areas lie next to productive beds. Large semi-walled vegetable and cutting garden and a spectacular crinkle-crankle wall. Extensive perennial planting, grasses and wild and uneven areas.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/32340/by-the-crossways

102 Cambridge Road, Herts – opens 6 & 7 September and by arrangement to 17 October
Contemporary space sympathetically redesigned in 2017 to keep many of the existing plants, trees and shrubs from a 1930s semi’s garden. Modern take on the classic garden in two halves: ornamental and vegetable. All-year interest gabion borders packed with perennials and annuals, central bed featuring a pond and a mature Japanese maple. We grow all our vegetables and annuals from seed which gives us more choice and freedom as well as saves money. We garden organically, collecting ash from bonfires, creating our own tomato and plant feed and composting as much as we can.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/35017/102-cambridge-road

Claridges Barn, Oxon – open by arrangement to end September
3½ acres of family garden, wood and meadow hewn from a barley field on limestone brash. Situated on top of the Cotswolds, it is open to all weathers, but rewarding views and dog walking opportunities on hand. Large vegetable, fruit and cutting garden, wildlife pond and five cedar greenhouses, all loved by rabbits, deer and squirrel.We try to grow much fruit, soft fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers for the house ourselves and try to grow in an ‘organic’ manner. This includes green manuring, soil improvement, judicious watering and avoiding chemical sprays wherever possible.
For Details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/37736/claridges-barn

Clemley House, Cheshire – by arrangement to end August
2 acre organic, wildlife friendly, gold award winning cottage garden. Orchard, 2 wildlife ponds, perennial wildflower meadow, fruit and vegetable areas, rose pergola and veranda, gazebo, shepherd’s hut, summerhouse, barn owl and many other nest and bat boxes. Drought tolerant gravel garden and shade garden. New wild areas.
For details:https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/32038/clemley-house

Coxbench Hall, Derbyshire – opens 7 September and by arrangement to end October
Former ancestral Georgian Home of the Meynell family, the gardens focus on sustainability, organic and wildlife friendly themes. There is a tropical style garden, ponds, hostas, fruits, C18 potting shed, veteran yew tree and hillside terraced garden of wildflowers and trees with a curved stone path incorporating reclaimed sleepers. A stoned path by the upper woodland overlooks the gardens below.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/25665/coxbench-hall

 

Devonshire Mill, York – by arrangement to end August
two acre garden with mill stream, orchards, woodland, herbaceous borders, hen run and greenhouses. The old mill pond is now a vegetable garden with raised beds and polytunnel. Over the past 30 yrs the owners have developed the garden on organic principles to encourage wildlife.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/30698/devonshire-mill

Dragons, Essex – opens 19 July and By arrangement  to 24 October
Dragons’ is a country garden which, although not totally organic, is very much a wild life garden with chemicals used only sparingly. Four large compost heaps contain many mini-beasts and, at the last count, 200 grass snake hatchlings. Toads, frogs, moles, squirrels and many bird species are at home here.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/16414/dragons

48 Erskine Hill, Hampstead, London – opens by arrangement to end August
Colourful but restful bird and bee-friendly organic and pesticide free cottage garden, wrapped around 1909 Arts and Crafts artisan’s cottage in Hampstead Garden Suburb. Wide sunny borders stuffed with perennials, roses and clematis rampaging up through structures, shrubs and trees. Climber wrapped pergola, container vegetable plot, and greenhouse.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/21078/48-erskine-hill

Five Oaks Cottage, Sussex – opens 3 and 4 October
This is an award winning organic garden that has featured in many magazines. It is designed to encourage maximum wildlife, with a knapweed meadow on clay, attracting clouds of butterflies. As you might expect, there is also an organically managed vegetable garden, and chickens.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/14137/five-oaks-cottage

Frankham Farm, Dorset –  opens 12 October
Frankham Farm is a working farm (organic arable and livestock). The garden has a large lawn with herbaceous borders, an attractively laid out vegetable garden, and woodland walks underplanted with spring bulbs, camellias, magnolias, azaleas and cornus. Vegetables, shrubs and trees are well-labelled.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/7907/frankham-farm

 

Golf Course Allotments, London – opens 7 September
Large, long established allotment with over 200 plots, some organic. Maintained by culturally diverse community, growing a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers, enjoyed by bees. Picturesque corners, quirky sheds, tours of best plots. Admire prize-winning exhibits at Autumn Show. Plot 147, a jewel not to be missed! A visit feels like a holiday in the countryside.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/19915/golf-course-allotments

The Growth Project, Lancs – opens 27 July and by arrangement to 2 October
The project covers over an acre inc a huge variety of organic veg, wildlife pond, insect hotels, formal flower and Japanese garden, potager, cut flower and woodland garden. See the mock Elizabethan strawbale build, the witch’s hat, and railway station. Stroll down the pergola walk to the secret annual wildflower meadow, orchard and theatre.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/33364/the-growth-project

Holme Hale Hall, Norfolk – open by arrangement to end September
Walled kitchen garden designed by Arne Maynard and replanted in 2016-17. Soft palette of herbaceous plants inc some unusual varieties which provide a long season of interest. Greenhouse, vegetables, trained fruits, roses and topiary. 130 year old wisteria. Wildlife friendly with wildflower meadow and renovated island pond. Historic buildings with a dry garden formed from crushed concrete and rubble.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/18586/holme-hale-hall

Holmlea, Derbyshire– opens 13 and 14 September and by arrangement 15 Sept to 3 October
Extended over a period of 12 years from the original ½ acre mature garden the plot now covers 1½ acres and is constantly evolving. The planning has been undertaken with nature in mind with specific planting for wildlife and areas left to grow naturally. The garden is managed organically and visitors who keep chickens or ducks or are thinking of doing so may be interested to see how we garden alongside our feathered friends. Roses are a feature in June, late summer perennials, dahlias and salvias in September.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/35995/holmlea

King John’s Nursery, Sussex – opens 13 September
Garden developed alongside the nursery, a romantic pond garden, gravel garden, long border, meadows and cutting garden. A garden of wild flowers and full of ideas.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/11831/king-johns-nursery

 

Llanllyr, Ceredigion – opens by arrangement to 27 September
This is a romantic rather than a tidy garden which the owners look after themselves with minimal help and manage as far as possible organically.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/10853/llanllyr

65 Mill Hill Road, London – 15 August and by arrangement to end September
Garden designer’s garden. A secluded and tranquil space, paved with changes of level and borders. Sunny areas, topiary, a greenhouse and interesting planting combine to provide a wildlife haven. A pond and organic principles are used to promote a green environment and give a stylish walk to a studio at the end of the garden.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/22828/65-mill-hill-road

Moelfryn – Carmarthernshire – dates through to 16 September
A ⅓ acre taking account of its Welsh hillside. Aesthetically pleasing, this eco-friendly garden has much to discover. From herbs, fruit and vegetable to shrubs and perennials, trees, mini meadow and orchard. Plants to note include cranesbills, hydrangeas, clematis and wisteria. We also have cold frames, wormery, hot bin, pond, stumpery, and a propagation area. Hen keeping and holding advice can be given.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/42960/moelfryn

The Potting Shed, Dorset – opens 13 September
The Potting Shed opened its doors in April 2023. This new 2 acre Wellbeing Nursery, Therapy Garden has been created from scratch to enhance relaxation and tranquillity. The community garden has been planted organically to encourage all forms of wildlife. There is an acre of wildflower meadow, plant nursery and tea garden to explore. It truly is a special place to relax, unwind and be inspired.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/46314/the-potting-shed

South Newington House, Oxon – by arrangement to October
A tree lined drive leads to a garden of interest. Herbaceous borders designed for year-round colour. Organic kitchen garden with established beds, rotation and companion planting. Orchard of fruit trees with a pond for wildlife and hydration for the hives. Walled parterre planted for seasonal colour. A family garden, designed to blend seamlessly into the environment; a warm welcome awaits you.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/15180/south-newington-house

 

Stillingfleet Lodge, York – opens 14 September
Organic, wildlife garden subdivided into smaller gardens, each based on a colour theme with emphasis on use of foliage plants. Wildflower meadow, natural pond, 55 yd double herbaceous borders and modern rill garden. Rare breeds of poultry wander freely in garden.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/9765/stillingfleet-lodge

Trevina House, Cornwall – dates through to October
The gardens at Trevina are both old and new. From a Victorian cottage garden with original cobbled paths to rewilded woodland. A trout pond occupies the site of a medieval fish pond and the site of a Cornish Round. There is a traditional kitchen garden and organic orchard. The gardens have colour and interest year-round, from the first snowdrops, bluebells, apple blossom and ripe apples in October.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/44980/trevina-house

Ty Cadfan Sant, Gwynedd, – by arrangement until 28 September
Large eco friendly garden. In the front, shrubbery, mixed flower beds and roses surround a mature copper beech. Six steps lead to the largely productive back garden which has an apiary in the orchard, fruit, vegetables, flowers and a polytunnel. Plenty of seating throughout.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/31787/ty-cadfan-sant

Tyn Y Pant, Gwynedd – by arrangement to September
A tranquil, rural garden developing on a tight budget around mature trees, shrubs and ponds. Highlights inc kitchen garden, flower beds, bluebell banks, a mini woodland walk and plenty of seating. New features for 2025 inc a fernery and 75sqm mixed border. We garden organically and reuse and recycle to benefit wildlife and the environment.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/45632/tyn-y-pant

 

Westview, Leics – opens to September
Organically managed small walled cottage garden with year-round interest. Rare and unusual plants, many grown from seed. Formal box parterre, courtyard garden, alpines, herbaceous borders, woodland areas with unusual ferns, small wildlife pond, greenhouse, vegetables, fruit and herbs. Collection of Snowdrops. Recycled materials used to make quirky garden ornaments and water feature.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/22272/westview

5 Burton Lane, Nottinghamshire – opens 25 August with Whatton Gardens and by arrangement to 13 September
Organic cottage style garden which is productive, highly decorative and wildlife friendly. It is full of colour and scent from spring to autumn. Several distinct areas inc fruit and vegetables. Large beds filled with over 600 varieties of plants with paths you can wander and get close. Also features seating, gravel garden, pond, shade planting, pergola with grapevine, wildflower lawn.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/22812/5-burton-lane

Woodend House, Cumbria – opens by arrangement to September
A beautiful garden tucked away in a small hamlet. Meandering gravel paths lead around the garden with imaginative, colourful planting and quirky features. Take a look around a productive, organic potager using no-dig methods, wildlife pond, mini spring and summer meadows and sit in the pretty summerhouse. Designed to be beautiful year-round and wildlife friendly.
For details: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/30098/woodend-house

 

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