Open gardens in Leicestershire and Rutland
-Sun 11 July (11-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment mid June to mid August, groups welcome
Acre End, North Luffenham, Leicestershire & Rutland
1-acre garden, imaginatively designed and intensively planted, incl knot garden, oriental courtyard garden, mixed borders, circular lawn with island beds, herb and scented garden. Working fruit and vegetable garden, long herbaceous border and woodland garden. Many unusual trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials and tender exotics in containers. All organically managed to encourage wildlife.
Sun 29 August (11-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment for small groups March to Sept
Avon House, Catthorpe, Lutterworth, Leicestershire & Rutland
A surprising ½-acre garden in the heart of the village with varied interest. Large vegetable plot, mixed borders of late season interest, fruit trees, chickens, bees, garden ponds with native and goldfish all tucked away behind a country cottage.
Sun 2 May (2-5)
Barleythorpe Gardens, Barleythorpe, Nr Oakham, Leicestershire & Rutland
Visit 3 beautiful gardens in this Rutland village.
Dairy Cottage - Cottage-style garden at rear with interesting and unusual shrubs and spring bulbs. Paved/walled garden to front (with pond) and lime hedge. Separate semi-formal orchard. Gravel access from car park.
The Lodge - Mixed flowers within walled garden, ½ lawn and part-walled kitchen garden. Small stretch of gravel path between lawned area and vegetable garden.
8 Manor Lane - Water and woodland. Flowering shrubs, large weeping trees, small lake and woodland walk. Children must be supervised at all times.
Sundays 21 Mar; 24 Oct (9-5)
Barnsdale Gardens, Exton, nr Oakham, Leicestershire & Rutland
8 acres of individual gardens used by the late Geoff Hamilton for BBC TV ‘Gardeners' World'. Wide variety of ideas and garden designs for all-yr interest. Enjoyed by gardeners and non-gardeners alike.
Sun 16 May (1-4) * Evening Opening Thur 10 June (6-9)
Belgrave Hall Museum & Gardens, Belgrave, Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
Historic Grade II listed garden. House and walled garden date from 1709. Includes formal garden, herbaceous garden, rose walks, Victorian evergreen garden, rock and water garden, botanic beds, herb border, woodland garden. Alpine, temperate and tropical glasshouses with wide collection of plants including banana.
109 Brook Street, Wymeswold, Leicestershire & Rutland
South-facing ¾-acre gently sloping garden with views to open country. Mature garden much improved recently. Patio with roses and clematis, wildlife, fish ponds, mixed borders, vegetable garden, orchard, ‘hot' garden, woodland garden plus more. David Austin roses and wide selection of shrubs and perennial.
Sundays 28 Feb (11-4); 30 May (11-5)
Burbage Gardens, Leicestershire & Rutland
A pleasant West Leicestershire village.
6 Denis Road - Small garden designed to look much larger. Wide range of plants incl ferns, hostas and special clematis. Alpines in sinks and large collection of snowdrops.
7 Hall Road - Medium-sized garden; mixed borders; foliage plants; good mixture of shrubs. Hellebores and spring bulbs, collection of snowdrops. Hostas, hardy geraniums and unusual perennials; pond. Late summer colour.
13 Hall Road - Decorative, medium sized flower garden including pool and waterfall. Central lawn, herbaceous borders, pergola, summerhouse, greenhouse and small fountain.
Sun 4 July (11-5), Wed 14 July; (2-5); Sun 1 Aug (11-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment June to mid August. Max 30 visitors
Coldor, Peatling Magna, Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
¼-acre garden with immaculate lawns, mixed herbaceous and shrub borders. Small pond and water features. Patio with many plants in containers, alpine rockery. Garden nursery, plants for sale
Sun 4 July 11-5), Wed 14 July; (2-5); Sun 1 Aug (11-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment end June end of Aug
Farmway, Willoughby Waterleys, Leicestershire & Rutland
West-facing, ¼-acre garden on gentle slope with views across Leicestershire. Mature plant lover's garden, closely planted with a wide variety of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, roses and clematis. Many varieties of lavender. Two ponds, vegetable garden, herbs and extensive collection of containers. Good for late summer colour.
Sundays 2 May; 20 June (11-6) Afternoon & Evening Opening Wed 5 May; Wed 23 June (2-8)
Gilmorton Gardens, Nr Lutterworth, Leicestershire & Rutland
Group contains a range of gardening styles: Georgian farmhouse with walled gardens. Formal beds with cottage style planting. Old English roses, collection of hardy geraniums. Small kitchen garden and areas for wildlife. Garden around barn conversion with lawns, climbers and roses, unusual shrubs, flower borders, vegetables and raised beds for woodland plants. Beyond the original walled farmyard is a large natural pond, old moat area and unusual trees, including collections of rowans, birches and hollies. Victorian house, with garden on two levels. On the upper, conservatory, lawn courtyard and herbaceous borders. Below, a pond and borders planted in informal style containing many clematis, unusual shrubs, trees, grasses and perennial plants and, beyond these a potager. Gilmorton is of Saxon origin. Examples of mud walled, thatched cottages and motte. The church is notable for its reredos and fine examples of Kempe windows.
Bents Farmhouse - Georgian farmhouse walled garden created by garden designer owner over ten years and still being developed. Formal beds with large collection of roses and informal cottage style planting. Small potager and some interesting features.
Same opening times as group garden except Sun 14 June
Moatfield - Garden in original walled farmyard around barn conversion next to the church with lawns, climbers, roses, unusual shrubs, flower borders, vegetables and raised beds for woodland plants. Adjoining field has a large natural pond, old moat area and unusual trees incl collections of rowans, birches and hollies.
Ulverscroft Close - ½-acre garden on two levels. Upper level features conservatory, courtyard, tree-lined paved walkway. Lower level has pond, bog garden and stream situated in colourful herbaceous and shrub borders hosting over 120 clematis. Formal kitchen garden.
Sundays 21 Mar; 10 Oct (2-5)
Hammond Arboretum, Market Harborough, Leicestershire & Rutland
A site of 2.4-acres containing an unusual collection of trees and shrubs, many from Francis Hammond's original planting dating from 1913 to 1936 whilst headmaster of the school. Species from America, China and Japan with malus and philadelphus walks and a moat. Now also proud owners of four 'champion' trees identified by specialist.
Sun 27 June (11-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment mid June - end July
Hedgehog Hall, Tilton on the Hill, Leicestershire & Rutland
½-acre organically managed plant lover's garden. Steps leading to three stone-walled terraced borders filled with shrubs, perennials and bulbs. Lavender walk, herb border, spring garden, colour themed long border and serpentine island bed packed with campanulas, astrantias, sanguisorbas roses, clematis and many more. Sheltered walled courtyard filled with hostas, ferns and wisteria. Hot terraced borders.
Sundays 18 July; 5 Sept (11-5.30)
Hill House, Market Overton, Leicestershire & Rutland
In this ½-acre garden, the work of plant enthusiasts, sinuous strips of lawn serve as pathways to a series of mainly herbaceous beds that meander between dry shade and full sun. In each, architectural plants and shrubs often act as foils to a wide range of hardy and half-hardy perennials arranged to provide a continuous spectrum of colour and foliage effects throughout much of the open season. Ornamental pond.
Sun 4 July (2-6) * Visitors also welcome by appointment any month during summer. Coaches permitted
Hill Park Farm, Belton, Loughborough, Leicestershire & Rutland
Medium-sized garden to a working farm with wonderful views over Charnwood Forest. Herbaceous borders, rock garden; many planted stone troughs and pergola with clematis and roses.
Sun 7 Mar (1-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment
The Homestead, Normanton-by-Bottesford, Leicestershire & Rutland
¾-acre informal plant lover's garden. Vegetable garden, small orchard, woodland area, many hellebores, snowdrops and single peonies and salvias. Collections of hostas and sempervivums. National Collection of heliotropes.
Sun 25 July (11-5)
27 Linden Drive, Evington, Leicestershire & Rutland
Small town garden designed by the current owners in 2007 with mixed borders and interesting features.
Sat 22 (2-5), Sun 23 May (11-4) * Visitors also welcome by appointment daily Tues to Sat & BH weekends, April to July & Sept to mid Oct. Catering by arrangement.
Long Close, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire & Rutland
5 acres spring bulbs, rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias, many rare shrubs, mature trees, lily ponds; terraced lawns, herbaceous borders, potager in walled kitchen garden, penstemon collection, wild flower meadow walk. Winter, spring, summer and autumn colour, a garden for all seasons. Plants for sale.
Sun 9 May (2-6)
Manton Gardens, Leicestershire & Rutland
3 varied gardens in small village on S shore of Rutland Water.
Hall Cottage - Walled country cottage garden with a random mix of planting, incl roses, shrubs and perennials. Emphasis on shape, colour and texture. Small 'secret' areas, informal pond with waterfall.
Fryers Cottage - ¾-acre garden with views of Rutland Water. Shrubs, roses, mixed herbaceous and gravel garden. Ornamental fruit and vegetable garden with African-style 'Keyhole Garden' bag garden and Tip Tap, techniques used by development charity 'Send a Cow'
Manton Grange - 2½-acre garden with interesting trees, shrubs and herbaceous borders. Kitchen garden. Rose garden. Water features; lime tree walk and pergola walk with many clematis.
Sun 27 June (1-6)
Market Bosworth Gardens, Leicestershire & Rutland
Market Bosworth are regular winners of gold medals in the East Midlands in Bloom competition. The town centre is close to the site of the Battle of Bosworth which took place in 1485. On the battlefield there is the award winning historical information centre. Within the boundaries of the town there is a large country park with a number of features including an arboretum and to the south of the town an extensive water park can be found. The Open Gardens event forms part of the annual Bosworth Festival with its Art Exhibition and Musical Extravaganza. The gardens that are open, including additional gardens that may be open on the day, are varied in size and range from the formal to the very informal. Something to meet everyone's taste
Glebe Farm House - An informal courtyard garden.
Home Farm Cottage - Japanese garden, woodland, pond, patio and hot tub areas. Herbaceous borders and bog garden are all incorporated in ¾ acre. Avery and wooded area.
4 Lancaster Avenue - Tropical plants with pond and bamboo summerhouse.
Michaelmas House - A small walled, town house garden with sculpture.
5 Priory Road - Intensively cultivated flower and vegetable garden.
Rainbow Cottage - Cottage garden with small lawned areas. Lots of pots and hanging baskets. Huge variety of plants from foxgloves, lupins, Canterbury Bells and lilies. Wild and cultivated roses.
13 Spinney Hill -Woodland edge garden. Vegetable plot. Mixed borders, pond, cool greenhouse.
93 Station Road - Medium-sized traditional garden.
Sat 5 June (2-5)
33 Meadowcourt Road, Oadby, Leicestershire & Rutland
Garden on 3 levels covering an acre. Steps lead down from paved terrace to lawned area with mature trees, shrubs and perennials. Further steps lead to lawns with island beds and borders plus vegetable and cottage garden.
Sun 16 May; 18 July (11-5). Evening Opening Wed 16 June (3-8) * Visitors also welcome by appointment June/July
Mill House, Wigston, Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
Walled town garden; extensive plant variety. Unusual and interesting design features incorporating planting, bygones and memorabilia. A genuine journey back in time.
Sun 30 May (12-4.30)
North Luffenham Hall, North Luffemham, Leicestershire & Rutland
This is the first time the Hall gardens have opened for the NGS. 7 acres of beautiful gardens against the backdrop of a C16 hall. Wonderful collection of imaginatively designed gardens within a garden incl working fruit and vegetable garden, pond, meadow wildlife haven, Mediterranean olive grove, with folly and pergola plus much more
Sun 20 June (11-6) Sun 27, Wed 30 June (11-5). Afternoon & Evening Opening Wed 23 June (2-8) * Visitors also welcome by appointment 20 to 30 June only
Oak Tree House, South Kilworth, Leicestershire & Rutland
2/3-acre garden. Formal layout with large, colourful herbaceous borders, ornamental vegetable plots, pond and greenhouse. Patio with numerous pots and baskets. Arched pergola with roses and clematis. Surrounded by mature trees.
Sun 25 Apr (2-6) * Visitors also welcome by appointment Apr to Sept, min 10 max 30, coaches permitted
The Old Hall, Market Overton, Leicestershire & Rutland
Garden is set on a southerly ridge overlooking Catmose Vale. Garden now on four levels with stone walls and yew hedges dividing the garden up into enclosed areas with herbaceous borders, shrubs, and young and mature trees. In 2006 the lower part of garden was planted with new shrubs to create a walk with mown paths. Terrace and lawn give a great sense of space, enhancing the view.
Sundays 13 June; 11 July (11-5)
The Old Stables, Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire & Rutland
Plant lovers' 1-acre country garden where different parts combine to make a delightful whole. Large herbaceous borders, grass walks with variety of perennials and shrubs. Many mature trees, wildlife area with duck pond. Views to Leicester. Rockery, raised beds, succulents and tender plants in containers.
Sun 23 May (2-5.30) * Visitors also welcome by appointment, please book well in advance
The Old Vicarage, Whissendine, Leicestershire & Rutland
2/3-acre packed with variety. Walled terrace with mature olive trees, formal fountain and raised beds backed by small gothic orangery burgeoning with tender plants. Herbaceous borders surround main lawn. Wisteria tunnel leads to orchard filled with naturalised bulbs. Hidden ‘white walk' overflowing with unusual plants. Much more ...
Sunday 20 June (2-6)
Owston Gardens, Owston, nr Oakham, Leicestershire & Rutland
Rural farming village surrounding church (open), on site of C12 abbey and fish ponds.
Brickyard Farm - Garden created over the last 20 years. Herbaceous borders, rose garden, alpine and conifer walk, large vegetable garden, wild flower area and small arboretum. Unfenced pool, children welcome but must be supervised at all times.
Little Butt (bottom of village opp church) - Evolving garden of different areas including orchard, ponds, long herbaceous tunnel, kitchen garden and new paved courtyard based on Islamic traditions,
Sundays 1, 8 Aug (10-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment July & Aug only
11 Oxendon Road, Arthingworth, Leicestershire & Rutland
Major landscaping has created two distinct spaces, hidden from each other yet sharing the view which defines this ¼-acre garden. Evergreen planting softens the granite, glass, stainless steel and concrete. Swimming pool, waterfall and koi pond. Careful design or cluttered mistake? Opinion is usually divided
Sundays 28 Mar (1-5); 27 June (2-6) * Visitors also welcome by appointment
The Park House, Glaston, Leicestershire & Rutland
4 acres approx of historic parkland, formerly part of grounds of Glaston Hall. Informal walks incl extensive lime arbour. Serpentine yew hedge, mature trees, medieval ha-ha and fish ponds. Herbaceous borders, traditional rose garden. Rural views, wildlife friendly. Wild wood walk. Carpets of spring bulbs, hellebores and shrubs.
Sun 28 Mar; Mon 3 May (11-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment April to Sept. Any size group welcome
Parkside, Gaddesby, Leicestershire & Rutland
1¼-acre garden and woodland evolving from original planting. Mature trees and shrubs, together with informal mixed borders, planted to encourage wildlife, including pond, and provide a family friendly environment. Vegetable and fruit area together with new greenhouse and cold frame. Many spring bulbs and hellebores in a woodland setting.
Mon 3 May (11-5); Sun 22 Aug (2-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment May - Sept. Groups 10+, coaches permitted
Pine House, Gaddesby, Leicestershire & Rutland
2-acre garden with fine mature trees, woodland walk, and water garden. Herb and potager garden and wisteria archway to Victorian vinery. Pleached lime trees, mixed borders with rare and unusual plants. Wide variety of tender plants in gravel garden and terracotta pot garden. Interesting topiary hedges and box trees.
Sun 13 June (2-5)
Prebendal House, Empingham, Leicestershire & Rutland
House (not open) built in 1688; summer palace for the Bishop of Lincoln. 4-acre garden incl herbaceous borders, water garden, topiary and kitchen gardens.
Sun 20 June (1-5). Evening Opening Wed 23 June (5-9) * Visitors also welcome by appointment June & July only
Ridgewold Farm, Wymeswold, Loughborough, Leicestershire & Rutland
Planted in the last 9 years, 1½-acre garden set in open countryside, specimen trees, copses, lawns with a good deal of mixed hedging. Rose garden, shrubs, borders, orchard, kitchen garden with water feature and natural pond around the house.
Stoke Albany House, Stoke Albany, Leicestershire & Rutland
4-acre country-house garden; fine trees and shrubs with wide herbaceous borders and sweeping striped lawn. Good display of bulbs in spring, roses June and July. Walled grey garden; nepeta walk arched with roses, parterre with box and roses. Mediterranean garden. Heated greenhouse, potager with topiary, water feature garden and sculptures.
Wed 26 May (10-4.30)
Thorpe Lubenham Hall, Lubenham, Leicestershire & Rutland
15 acres of formal and informal garden surrounded by parkland and arable. Many mature trees. Traditional herbaceous borders and various water features. Large wild flower meadow and ha ha wall. Rose and lavender beds circling large pond. Walled pool garden with raised beds. Ancient moat area along driveway.
Sun 25 July (11-4)
University of Leicester 'Harold Martin' Botanic Garden, Oadby, Leicestershire & Rutland
16-acre garden incl grounds of Beaumont Hall, The Knoll, Southmeade and Hastings House. Wide variety of ornamental features and glasshouses laid out for educational purposes.
Sun 6 June (12-5)
Uppingham Gardens, Leicestershire & Rutland
4 varied gardens in and around this old market town. Westlands: 2/3-acre irregular shaped garden, packed with herbaceous plants, climbers, flowering shrubs and trees. Many unusual plants. Wildlife friendly. Plant stall.
Gower Lodge - 1-acre South-facing sloping garden. Sandstone overlying clay with spring at interface and small stream with damp fringe and wild flower areas. Upper garden mainly flowers with meconopsis and primulas, herbaceous borders and some interesting trees. Kitchen garden on lower slope. Steps and some steep slopes.
Meadowsweet Lodge - Sloping garden containing a variety of roses, herbaceous plants, spring bulbs, shrubs and many young trees plus 5 community allotments.
The Orchard - ½-acre South-facing garden slopes down below sheltered terrace to small stream. Mature trees frame outlook across valley. Small orchard, vegetable garden and an interesting variety of trees, shrubs, bulbs and herbaceous perennials.
Westlands - 2/3-acre irregular shaped garden packed with herbaceous plants, climbers, flowering shrubs and trees. Many unusual varieties. Wildlife friendly.
Sun 27, Wed 30 June (11-5)
Walton Gardens, Leicestershire & Rutland
Small village set in beautiful south Leicestershire countryside. Walton Gardens are in such contrasting sizes and styles that, together, they make the perfect garden visit.
The Meadows - Plantsman's garden, with emphasis on wildlife friendly flowers. Two ponds, conservatory with unusual plants and many plants in containers. A collection of unusual plants, shrubs and roses developing every year.
The Old Hall - 1½-acre garden with interesting trees and large natural pond. Play area for children.
Orchards - In this garden all the leaves are green (no variegated, gold or purple). Many rare flowering plants. Extensive use of grasses. Views of the countryside. 'Quite unlike any other garden' (RHS Garden Finder).
Sandyland - Gently sloping cottage garden with attractive rural views. Herbaceous plants, shrubs, containers, terraced garden, pond and kitchen garden.
Toad Hall - Courtyard garden to the rear. Raised vegetable beds. Interesting offfset garden with cottage style planting centred around millstone water feature. Known as the 'friendship garden' this is a place for quiet contemplation with a few quirky touches to raise a smile.
Edited with kind permission from the National Gardens Scheme's garden finder website.
Fiona Cowan
28 June 2010