Description
Our plant sale is being generously hosted in the heart of Chilworth Manor, one of the most romantic gardens in the South East and home to garden owners Graham and Mia Wrigley. Thanks to their generosity all profits raised at the sale will be donated to the National Garden Scheme in support of some of the UK’s best-loved nursing and health charities. On sale will be a wide selection of perennials all specially selected for our show garden at RHS Chelsea Flower show by our award-winning garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith and Peter Clay, co-founder of the renowned online nursery Crocus.
In addition to the wide range of plants for sale and the expert horticultural advice from our volunteers, you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful garden. Head Gardener, John MacRae-Brown will also be available to lead visitors on a tour of the garden at 1pm – anyone who is visiting at that time is welcome to join the tour. Delicious homemade tea and cakes will be served in the walled garden and Chilworth Manor will be serving their premium quality sparkling and rosé wines by the glass or bottle at their pop-up bar – perfect for a summers day!
The Garden
The garden has an illustrious history, not least thanks to the ownership in the 18th century of Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, wife of the military duke. The duchess added the spectacular terraced walled garden, known as the Duchess’s Garden, which skillfully links the house and garden with the rising landscape beyond – and today gives Chilworth so much of its character.
The subtle planting of the formal gardens is complemented by wilder areas; the two ancient stew ponds (originally used to store live fish) are fed by the local river and now provide irrigation for the garden. Stepping stones lead you across one pond to secluded woodland and a secretive woodland walk beyond.
The history of Chilworth Manor is deeply entwined with the National Garden Scheme. The gardens were first opened in 1933 by Alfred Mildmay. From 1946 the garden owners were Lionel and Daphne Heald who opened for 58 years up until 2003. From 1951 to 1979 Lady Heald was also the decisive Chairman of the National Garden Scheme, steering the charity through its period of major growth and setting it up to become an independent charity in 1980. After her death in 2004, Chilworth was acquired by Graham and Mia Wrigley who have combined securing the garden’s distinguished heritage with breathing new life into the design and planting. They have also added an acclaimed vineyard.
Chilworth Manor Vineyard
If you would like to explore the vineyard as well as the gardens, Chilworth Manor are also offering a Chelsea Plant Sale package which combines entry to the plant sale and gardens with a tour of the vineyard and a guided tasting of their delicious sparkling and rosé wines. Your ticket would also include a full glass of your favourite wine and complimentary pairing bites. Tickets for this combined package need to be booked in advance from their website : National Garden Scheme Plant Sale/Chilworth Manor vineyard tour package
Find out more about our Chelsea Show Garden
