PLACES TO VISIT
Recommended places to see seasonal plants at their best both in Europe and the UK
The lovely Dutch garden owned by John and Joyce Ramsbotham is a great place for discovering shade-loving plants. Their garden, Op De Haar in Hoevelaken, on the border between Gelderland and Utrecht, is made up of several different areas each with its own distinct character, but it is probably best known for its woodland area filled with shade- tolerant plants such as epimediums, dysosmas and disporums. John and Joyce are both very knowledgeable and enjoy showing visitors around, but are open by appointment only. Tel +31 (0)65 375 3221, opentuinopdehaar.nl
For many years the beautiful garden Theetuin Van Weesp was hidden from view behind the 17th-century fortification walls of the northern Dutch city of Weesp. The garden is now owned by the Dutch bulb expert Jacqueline van der Kloet who has created wonderful layered planting designs using the newest bulb cultivars among perennials. As you’d expect, the garden is at its best in late spring and early summer when the tulips are in full flower but this well-structured garden, centred around a tranquil pond, and surrounded by a huge Thuja hedge, offers plenty of inspiration throughout the year. It’s name, which translates as Tea Garden, is a little misleading as the tea hut generally opens only when the garden hosts special events, but the gardens themselves are free to visitors most days from April to October.
Open Monday – Saturday, 10am-5pm, closed public holidays. Ossenmarkt 34, 1381 LX Weesp, the Netherlands. Tel + 31 (0)63 741 0027, theetuin.nl
Created by the garden designer and writer Marylyn Abbott, West Green House Garden in Hampshire offers a mix of neo-classical style with contemporary design. Close to the Georgian manor house a formal walled garden has been faithfully restored to its original lines, and features an elaborate potager alongside exuberantly planted perennial borders. Beyond the walls are more relaxed gardens, featuring an eclectic collection of garden follies and the contemporary Garden of the Five Bridges with its serpentine ribbon of Iris sibirica. West Green House Gardens, Thackham’s Lane, nr Hartley Wintney, Hook, Hampshire RG27 8JB. Tel 01252 844611, westgreenhouse.co.uk
Heading northwest across the North Wessex Downs is one England’s loveliest Arts and Crafts gardens at Rodmarton Manor. Laid out by Claud and Margaret Biddulph, between 1909 and 1929, the eight-acre Cotswold garden has changed very little over the years with fabulous planting and quirky topiary. It opens from 1 May, 2-5pm. Rodmarton Manor, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6PF. Tel 01285 841442, rodmarton-manor.co.uk
Even further west are the gloriously romantic Trematon Castle Gardens. The Cornish castle is home to the design duo Julian and Isabel Bannerman and they have created a stunning garden with lush planting around the castle’s ruined battlements. In early summer, the riot of wildflowers that carpet the walk up the Motte, includes bluebells, campion and purple orchids. Remember to bring cash as the entry fee of £8 is made via an honesty box. Saltash, Cornwall PL12 4QW. trematoncastle.com