Spring gardens to visit

As spring approaches, make time to visit this collection of stunning gardens

1 WATERPERRY GARDENS

Celebrate spring at Waterperry Gardens with a visit to our Fritillary meadow. See the county flower of Oxfordshire in all its native splendour as it flowers throughout April. A place to explore, relax and shop in beautiful surroundings all year round. Open 10am-5pm January-March, 10am-5.30pm April-October. Party bookings welcome by arrangement. Address Waterperry, Near Wheatley, Oxfordshire OX33 1LA Tel 01844 339254 Web waterperrygardens.co.uk

2 SPETCHLEY PARK GARDENS

A garden for all tastes, Spetchley has a wondrous display of plants woven into a garden of 30 glorious acres with many rooms and vistas. Visit one of the biggest private collections of plant varieties outside the major botanical gardens, and enjoy the tempting tea room and plant sales. Don’t miss the Specialist Plant Fair on Sunday 23 April 2017. Address Spetchley, Worcester WR5 1RS Tel 01905 345106 Web spetchleygardens.co.uk

4 THE BISHOP’S PALACE & GARDEN

Over 14 acres of spectacular RHS partner gardens including picturesque, romantic, formal and Victorian styles, a wild flower arboretum, specimen trees, alongside waterfalls, well pools, a moat with resident swans and a stunning medieval Palace. Booking now open for Garden Festival 9-11 June. Open daily 10am-4pm. Address Off Market Place, Wells, Somerset BA5 2PD Tel 01749 988111 Web bishopspalace.org.uk

3ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS

A recent winner of the HHA/ Christie’s Garden of the Year Award and described by Alan Titchmarsh as ‘one of the finest gardens I have ever visited’. Established in 1765 by the 1st Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle. It has developed since into a magnificent 30-acre tropical paradise with many exotic features including a Burma Rope Bridge. Address Bullers Way, Abbotsbury, Dorset DT3 4LA Tel 01305 871387 Web abbotsburygardens.co.uk

5 THE BETH CHATTO GARDENS

The Beth Chatto Gardens are celebrating all things plants and gardening with a FREE weekend 22-23 April. Talks, lectures, guided walks, tours and garden entry will be free to all garden and plant lovers throughout the two days. And book now to see Dan Pearson at the Gardens on 30 June. More details available on the website. Address Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex CO7 7DB Tel 01206 822007 Web bethchatto.co.uk