Moving On .... Happy New Year!

Some memories of 2011 before we move into 2012

Happy New Year!

Galloping Gardener's Alphabet Gardens © 2011 - Best of "H"s +"L"s

Hampton Court, Herefordshire has been immaculately restored and draws visitors from all over the world

From wonderfully restored castle gardens like Hampton Court (above) and magical arboretums like Hergest Croft (below) in Herefordshire; glorious spring gardens in Cumbria, like Holker Hall and Levens Hall with its magnificent topiary, I saw some wonderful new properties during 2011. So in the last of my alphabet roundups this year, here are some of the gardens I saw that readers may want to add to their Wish List for 2012. 

Hergest Croft has seasonal colour throughout the year

Herefordshire is certainly rich in world-class gardens and my three days there earlier this year were woefully inadequate to see all the gardens on offer. Hampton Court (top) was restored by an American, and offers many acres of eye candy, with hardly a plant out of place; while Hergest Croft has been in the same family for many generations, and has a enviable collection of trees, including many champions and a vegetable garden (above) to make your mouth water!

Holker Hall is famous for its rhododendron displays, which are just as spectacular when the petals fall

Holker Hall has magnificent spring blossom displays, even when the rhododendron flowers begin to fall to the ground (above). Located in one of the most stunning parts of the UK, this is just one of many wonderful gardens to visit locally if you're planning a trip to the Lake District or Yorkshire. And if you're in the area, you must make the effort to see Levens Hall (below) - one of the finest topiary gardens in the world.

Levens Hall is rated as one of the world's top topiary gardens

Another property to catch if you're planning a trip to Herefordshire is Little Malvern Court (below), even though its open season is limited. This is a property with a really interesting history and a garden to stroll around, with wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.

Galloping Gardener's Alphabet Gardens © 2011 - Best of the "G"s

The Gibberd Garden in Essex - "Landscape as theatre"

With another Christmas behind us, I'm back on the garden trail looking at places visited earlier this year. There were certainly some striking "G" gardens on this list, starting with the Gibberd Garden in Essex - former home of architect Sir Frederick, who created a peaceful haven here with two subsequent wives and filled it with both architectural icons (including pillars that once adorned Coutts Bank in the Strand) and modern pieces acquired during his marriages. Definitely worth going out of your way to visit and easy to access from London if you fancy a day out.

Gilbert White's House in Hampshire sits in the heart of Jane Austen country

Gilbert White's House in Hampshire proved to be a real surprise, with its interesting history and charming garden. White had a passionate interest in both plants and wildlife and spent his life recording what grew in his garden. The house is located in the heart of Jane Austen country, but is often omitted from garden guides, so one to remember if you're in the area, because part of its charm is the wide open spaces. Definitely not a "gardened" garden, but filled with interesting ideas.

Great Fosters has an Arts & Crafts garden which was graced with modern sculpture last summer

Great Fosters had been on my visiting list for several years, but it was the sculpture rather than the garden that stuck in my mind following my foray there last summer. The garden is a fine example of the Arts & Crafts style, but is really there for the enjoyment of hotel guests, rather than visitors, so when a collection of modern sculpture went on show last summer, I made a beeline for the property. For full details click on the link and you will even see Marilyn Monroe in a different light!

Green Island Gardens in Essex - 20 acres of joy created by Fiona Edmond

Further afield in Essex and worth combining with the Gibberd Garden if you're in the area is Fiona Edmond's garden at Green Island - a wonderful triangular creation filled with interesting greenery and a sense of abandon. Owner Fiona, created this garden when she was recovering from ME and has continued to develop it since her return to good health. This is definitely a garden on the rise and I suspect that we'll be reading a lot more about it in both gardening guides and glossies in years to come.

Arabella Lennox Boyd opens her garden to the public 

Determined to see Gresgarth Hall - the garden created by well-known British garden designer, Arabella Lennox-Boyd - I headed north to Lancashire early in the year and embarked on a memorable garden tour of the area, while catching Arabella's icon on one of its early season open days. This garden is a riot of colour in May and draws huge crowds on open days, but is certainly a plantsman's paradise and will give you plenty of ideas for your garden at home. Check the Historic Houses Association website for details of openings in 2012.

Greys Court near Henley in Oxfordshire is run by the National Trust - a small, but interesting property in the heart of the Chilterns - renowned for its rose garden and dwarfed by an interesting collection of ancient buildings. Located in the heart of fine garden country, this is one to combine with some of the other greats in the area including Cliveden.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY READERS AND FRIENDS - 2011

In the glasshouses at Kew ...

Where better to go than Kew during the Christmas holidays - there's lots to see in the glasshouses!

Frosty morning - gone shopping!

Thick frost here this morning, so rushed out to get all those last minute presents!

Galloping Gardener's Alphabet Gardens © 2011 - Best of the "E"s

Ecclesden Manor in Sussex opens every year for the RNLI

Although I haven't galloped at my usual speed this year, I did manage to visit several interesting new gardens in the South of England, including Ecclesden Manor in Sussex, which opens its doors a couple of times each year for charity. This year it also opened to mark the 30th year celebrations for The Society of Garden Designers and I was lucky enough to meet the man who designed the garden here - John Brookes - doyen of British gardening design.

The Edison Estate in Fort Myers, Florida has a glorious riverside location

On the other side of the pond, I revisited the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, while visiting the US and staying at my former Florida home. I'm sad to say that this will probably be the last time for me, as I've recently severed my connections there, but I plan to return to the East Coast next spring and visit some of the wonderful gardens in bloom in both the Carolinas and Georgia, so watch this space in 2012.

Emmetts Garden in Kent has panoramic views over the surrounding countryside

Emmetts Garden in Kent is glorious throughout the year - from early springtime when all the bulbs are in bloom, right through to the autumn when the trees come into flower with their wonderful coloured leaves. This is a garden that I've yet to review, despite several visits in the past, but it's certainly one to remember, because although it's only open from March to October, it offers great walks with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

Visit Enys in Cornwall for spectacular bluebell displays

Right at the other end of the country, particularly glorious in springtime and renowned for its bluebells in May, Enys in Cornwall is one of many spectacular properties in the far West of England. And while it's hard to imagine drifts of spring flowers like this in the depths of winter, this garden is one to add to your list if you're planning to go in search of bluebells next year.

Will Giles' Exotic Garden in the heart of Norwich

I didn't manage to get there myself, but fellow gardeners, friends and garden designers, Paul and Pauline McBride of Sussex Prairies did and they were certainly impressed by Will Giles' Exotic Garden in Norfolk. This is definitely one for my Wish List in 2012, along with many other gardens in the East of England. To read their review and see more pictures of this inner-city exotic wonder, click on the link.

Galloping Gardener's Alphabet Gardens © 2011 - Best of "C"s + "D"s

Chartwell in Kent - former home of Sir Winston Churchill

All the new gardens I saw this year in the "C" and "D" sections of the alphabet definitely have a story to tell, starting with Chartwell in Kent, former home of Sir Winston Churchill and his family. The house and garden enjoy a magnificent hilltop position, with fantastic views over the surrounding countryside. The Prime Minister loved his home and spent as much time as he could here when he was not busy masterminding the politics of his country. His two great passions were bricklaying and fish breeding, and his talents are evident in the walled garden (above) that he created - which is filled with both cutting flowers and vegetables during the summer months, and the many lakes an ponds at the property. 

Chenies Manor is a blaze of colour in springtime, with its spectacular tulip displays

Chenies Manor House in Buckinghamshire has long been on my Wish List, because I'd seen many photographs of the tulips in bloom and wanted to see them for myself, so a flying visit in April revealed the true glory of this garden in springtime. It's only open on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, so tends to get crowded as the whole gardening community knows about the spring flower displays. But well worth making the effort to see and easily accessible from Central London.

Cliveden - a garden on a grand scale with fountains by Thomas Waldo Story

Cliveden, one-time home of the Astor family and now in the hands of the National Trust is another impressive Buckinghamshire landscape garden with fine views over the surrounding countryside. Known for its impressive fountains and walks, this is a garden on a grand scale, and a house with quite a history, and much scandal attached to it, including the famous Profumo affair of the 1960s. Also famous for its Thomas Waldo Story fountain (above) and water garden, Cliveden makes a good day out for the family.

Denmans - open all year round and designed to draw the eye in many directions

Open throughout the year, and designed with colour, structure and shape in mind, John Brookes' brainchild - Denmans - is quite different to other gardens that you'll find in the South East - clever planting and schemes designed to compliment one another ensure that there's always something to see here, rain or shine. This garden is open throughout the year and only closes three days a year at Christmas and New Year and has been planned so carefully that even those winter visits will delight.

Dorothy Cliveden has dazzling spring colour displays when the rhododendrons are in bloom

The garden that Dorothy's husband created and named for his invalid wife, lives on today and provides pleasure to all that visit, particularly in springtime when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom. Colonel Clive created a fantastic rhododendron collection here and in April and May, with more than 250 cultivars, and the Quarry Garden (above) is a blaze of colour in springtime. But there's also plenty more to see in the summer months and this is definitely a property to bookmark if you're in the area.

Galloping Gardener's Alphabet Gardens © of 2011 - Best of the "B"s

First signs of spring at the Pavilion Gardens in Brighton

When I come to my end-of-year reviews, I always remember how many gardens I've missed in a year! My quest for new gardens takes me all over the country, but my reflections on gardens I've seen reminds me of all the plots I could have re-visited on my travels. I live in Brighton on England's south coast and we have some very fine gardens here, including the Pavilion Garden (above), the Kipling Garden in Rottingdean and some wonderful hidden gardens.

Bonython in Cornwall has a fine walled garden, lakeside walks and many exotic plants

Bonython in Cornwall is one to put on your wish list if you're down in the West Country with its stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Particularly eye-catching early in the season with its impressive azalea and rhododendron displays, it also has a fabulous walled garden filled with flowers and champion vegetables in high summer. There's also a fine collection of exotic plants. I have to confess that I didn't get to Cornwall this year, but it's high on my list for springtime 2012 as I'm hoping to catch all those early spring blossoms. 

Brook Cottage is a plantsman's paradise

Brook Cottage near Banbury is a four-acre plantsman's paradise that will amaze you. It's renowned for its rose displays in high summer, but you'll find plenty in bloom here whatever time of year you visit. Part of the charm of this property is that you can wander through the many different garden areas and not meet a single soul - it feels very intimate and you almost feel as though you're trespassing into a private garden. Located in stunning countryside, you can easily combine this property with the other Cotswold greats including Kiftsgate Court and Hidcote Manor, for a taste of English gardens at their best!

Bury Court in Hampshire has two very different gardens by two renowned designers

Bury Court is another to add to your Wish List in 2012 - this extraordinary garden is a veritable masterpiece - designed by two of the greatest modern designers - Piet Oudolf and Christopher Bradley-Hole - around a series of barns. Stunning on a summer's day, whichever garden you see, since they open on alternate months. There is always a plant fair on open days and you'll be hard pressed to get away without purchasing! This garden is located in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, which makes a great day out. But do check the website for openings, because they only happen once a month.

Harold Peto's water garden at Buscot Park in Oxfordshire 

And for a taste of Harold Peto's water garden talents, visit Buscot Park in Oxfordshire - you won't be disappointed. This is a property on a grand scale, with 150 acres of gardens and parkland, and a fine collection of old masters in the main house. Harold Peto's former home - Iford Manor - is close enough to visit on the same day. And next spring, I'll be walking you around another of Peto's gardens - one that you don't normally get the chance to see! I had a sneak preview last week and can't wait to show readers when it comes into flower in 2012.

Galloping Gardener's Alphabet Gardens © of 2011 - Starting with "A"

Alfriston Clergy House in East Sussex has a charming cottage garden and Arts & Crafts terraces

With so few gardens open for business in Britain at this time of year, I'm into my annual round-up of new gardens visited during the year, starting at the beginning of the alphabet, with Alfriston Clergy House in East Sussex. This is a charming, small garden, with Arts & Crafts terraces, owned and operated by the National Trust, surrounding a 14th century cottage - the first property added to their portfolio in 1896. It nestles in glorious countryside near the coast and makes an interesting stop if you're visiting any of the Bloomsbury Set gardens in the area. For a perfect day, stop for lunch in Lewes and take in some of the gardens after lunch.  

Arley Hall in Cheshire looks good throughout the season, but The Rootery is particularly impressive in May

Looking glorious in springtime, when I visited for the first time this year, I'm told that Arley Hall in Cheshire also looks good throughout the visitor season (April - September), and certainly deserves the coveted 2-star rating it gets in the "Good Gardens Guide". It's a large garden, divided into many different areas, but particularly stunning in May is The Rootery (above). But there are also magnificent borders - reputed to be amongst the first in Britain - and many different garden rooms. 

The Audubon House and garden in Key West is one of several gardens worth visiting

Across the Atlantic, Audubon House in Key West is a tiny, one-acre garden plot filled with lovely plants and a slice of history that will appeal to keen birdwatchers, because this is where John James Audubon came to paint many of his birds, using the plants in the garden here as background. The museum is filled with many Audubon originals. I actually visited this time last year, but it made such an impression on me that I wanted to include it in my annual round-up.

Austwick Hall in Yorkshire has a moongate - designed and built by the owners

Austwick Hall in Yorkshire won my heart the moment I found the moongate at the bottom of the garden. Although I never wrote a full review on this property, I was lucky enough to stay there for several nights while visiting gardens in the area. The garden is lovely in May and the owners run a really wonderful Bed & Breakfast - definitely a place to stay if you want to see all the other glorious gardens in the area!

Aysgarth Rock Garden in Yorkshire - a tiny Edwardian plot, recently restored

Not far away from Austwick is the Aysgarth Rock Garden - a tiny plot tended by the villagers of this Yorkshire Dale hamlet. This garden was created between 1906 and 1914 by local alpine plant specialists, Messrs James Backhouse & Son of York. It's a charming slice of Edwardian history, set in stunning countryside, and a short stop here will lift your spirits!

Galloping Gardener Choices 2011 - Great garden memories Part II

The Dutch Water Garden at Hampton Court, Herefordshire

July took me to Herefordshire this year, where I visited Hampton Court (above), as well as Hergest Croft, Westonbury Mill Water Gardens and Little Malvern Court. Two days wasn't long enough to do justice to these incredible gardens, so I plan to go back next year and catch them all again, as well as other properties that I missed.

Sandgate Close in Seaford, Sussex - a tiny botanical garden by the seaside

"Small is beautiful" certainly applies to Sandgate Close in East Sussex - an interesting property, which admirably demonstrates what you can achieve in a tiny plot! Even though the owners were worried that I was visiting so late in the season, I was delighted by this garden. The owners open their pride and joy for the NGS and various charities throughout the season, and in 2012 you might want to combine this with Geoff Stonebanks' amazing garden just down the road. 

Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden, which opens for the NGS during the summer months

In September, I managed to get a sneak preview of Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden, just before it opened for the NGS. It's an interesting property and, as you'd expect, filled with flowers! Of course, Sarah's made her name by offering exclusive flower arrangement and cookery courses at her home in East Sussex, so you might want to check out what's on offer in 2012 and you can combine a touch of learning with the joys of her garden.

Dazzling perennials and art in the garden at Sussex Prairies

September sees Sussex Prairies in full glory! I first visited Paul and Pauline McBride's garden in the winter of 2009, but since then this prairie garden has risen to dizzy heights in the gardening world and been featured in all the major gardening magazines. But the innovative owners are always coming up with new ideas and this summer saw many new artists showing their work in the garden.

In November, I visited a garden that's been on my Wish List for the last five years - Nek Chand's amazing Rock Garden in Chandigarh, India. I was amazed by what I saw there and lucky enough to meet Nek Chand and spend some time with him, talking about the incredible feat he's accomplished in the 27-acre plot on the outskirts of Corbusier's city, using recycled waste products throughout. Sadly, the time I had there was limited, but I plan to return in 2012. 

The undulating hedging and reflecting pool look good throughout the year at Veddw

I certainly can't compete with Charles Hawes on the photography front, or indeed Anne Wareham on being "The Bad Tempered Gardener", but I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at one of my favourite gardens today, on the first day of December - glorious Veddw in Wales. The good news is that the structure of the garden is no less impressive on a cold winter's day than it is in high season, but the bad news is that it's not open to the public at this time of year, so roll on 2012 and make sure you add this garden to your "Bucket List".  It still remains in my top 10 gardens in the world! And if you can't get there, why not put Anne and Charles' books on your Christmas Wish List?