Our 2 for 1 gardens: a perfumed plot
Treat your senses to the delights of Keyneston Mill in Dorset this summer, one of your new 2 for 1 gardens to visit in 2021
Get inspired to create your own heavenly scented garden by visiting a 50-acre estate and gardens dedicated to plants for perfume. Keyneston Mill, situated alongside the River Stour, features over 1,500 varieties of fragrant and aromatic plants, many to trial for the use in fragrances.
“We cultivate unusual varieties specifically for their perfume,” says Senior Gardener, Jess Usher. “Visiting here is a very different experience from that of other gardens.”
In July, Keyneston Mill is filled with roses, scented pelargoniums, jasmine, tuberose, and numerous varieties of lavender and herbs, creating visual, olfactory and tactile experiences in the garden. Arranged by categories of scent, visitors are encouraged to rub leaves and sniff the plants so they can really appreciate the perfume.
Other activities include taking a wander through the perfume crop fields, along the tranquil River Meadow to the eight acres of Lost Orchard, where the beehives are located. After your walk, you can enjoy a lunch in the bistro garden, with dishes freshly prepared and featuring locally sourced ingredients, plus herbs and edible flowers from the estate.
A tour is available for an additional cost, to discover the stories behind plants used in perfumery through the centuries. And there is also an ongoing programme of experiences including perfume and creative workshops, and regular outdoor cinema showings throughout the summer.
Before you set off
Always check the garden’s website and the 2 for 1 Guide before visiting, as the card may not be valid on specific days and booking may be required.
We cultivate unusual varieties for their perfume. Visiting here is a very different experience from that of other gardens