Alkborough Gardens, Alkborough, Lincolnshire
Two gardens within yards of each other offering an interesting mix of trees, shrubs and cottage style planting, both with productive vegetable plots. Container planting, walk through pergola, island beds, stepped archway and wildlife pond are but a few of the delights to behold.
Charnwood: An imaginative garden created out of a former stackyard. Lawned area with attractive trees and shrubs, leading through a stepped archway to a productive fruit and vegetable area. Many varieties of flowering plants.
Ravendale: Fruit and flowers intermingle in true cottage style. Paved secluded areas, with container planting. Walk through pergola to grassed area, leading to island beds and wildlife pond, finally reaching organic vegetable plot * Visitors also welcome by appointment June-August (max 25 people)
Sun 6 June (2-5.30) * Visitors also welcome by appointment. Please email or call 01522 788 224.
Aubourn Hall, Aubourn, nr Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Approx 5 acres. Lawns, mature trees, shrubs, roses, mixed borders, new wild garden and topiary, spring bulbs and ponds. C11 church adjoining.
Saturdays 15 May; 17 July; 25 Sept (10.30-5.30)
Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire
Belton House gardens include formal Italian and Dutch areas with informal gardens that are an inspiration to all gardeners. These 35 acres to the north of the house are a popular attraction in their own right. Orangery by Sir Jeffrey Wyatville.
Mons 14, 21 June (11-5)
Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Lincolnshire
English Heritage Grade 2 garden. Secluded in steep woodland ½m from castle. A haven of tranquillity created around original moss house. Magical hillside setting in natural amphitheatre with fresh water springs. Many mature specimen trees and shrubs ensure all-yr colour. Rhododendrons, azaleas, naturalised daffodils, primroses and bluebells. Tallest bird cherry (90ft) and yew tree (93ft) in British Isles. Flat shoes essential. Rose garden with sculpture exhibition.
Sat 26, Sun 27 June (1-5)
Bottesford Gardens, Bottesford, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire
Two large gardens set in the village of Bottesford.
280a Messingham Rd: Large garden with well tendered lawns surrounded by summer bedding, garden ornaments, vibrant pots and fountian. Thatched gazebo covering mature ornamental pond with waterfall. Grassed paths leading to orchard and well stocked vegetable garden with soft fruit. Top lawned area with summerhouse, greenhouse and potting shed. Ample seating.
278 Messingham Rd: Large split level with elevated sections of garden with well tended lawns and borders. Pond and water features, variety of mature acer trees, wendy house with brick wall surround, bedding plants, shrubs, feature archway with clematis and climbing plants. Enclosed upper garden with greenhouse and potting shed.
Sats, Suns, 5, 6 June; 17, 18 July (11-4.30)
Brightlands, Alford, Lincolnshire
Award-winning recently designed garden of approx ¾ acre surrounding C17 old hangman's cottage (not open). Split into different areas offering well stocked borders and island beds. Small and large ponds, woodland walk with view of working windmill. Courtyard garden, vegetable garden and greenhouses. Many interesting features, old yew trees, acers, architectural and unusual plants, ferns, grasses and containers. Seating areas.
Sat 10, Sun 11 Apr (11-4)
Burghley House Private South Gardens, Stamford, Lincolnshire
On 10th and 11th April the Private South Gardens at Burghley House will open for the NGS with spectacular spring bulbs in parklike setting with magnificent trees and the opportunity to enjoy Capability Brown's famous lake and temple folly. Entry to the Private South Gardens via Orangery. The Garden of Surprises, Sculpture Garden and house are open as normal. Regular admission prices apply.
Sat 17, Sun 18 July (1-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment 12 to 25 July only, max 20
39 Cathedral Drive, Spalding, Lincolnshire
Medium-sized town garden filled with perennials and annuals to supply a rainbow of colours. Ornamental trees, path leading to second garden and patio. New for 2010, Japanese Garden.
Sat 27, Sun 28 Feb (11-5)
21 Chapel Street, Hacconby, Bourne, Lincolnshire
Cottage garden overflowing with plants for yr-round interest; early openings for large collection of unusual snowdrops, hellebores with numerous other spring plants and bulbs. Autumn large borders of asters and dahlias accompanied by other herbaceous plants and shrubs for interest.
Visitors welcome by appointment
Cliff House, Whitton, Lincolnshire
Approx ½ acre of informal country garden created over the past 24yrs from a potato field. Paved courtyard and box hedging with yew walk; intimate circular sundial garden; mature herbaceous borders and splendid views across Humber to Yorkshire Wolds. Enjoy the scented climbing roses and honeysuckle on the pergola. Native woodland area, small vegetable plot and orchard.
Sun 20 June (11-5)
The Coach House, Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Small courtyard garden behind Victorian town house, 5mins walk from historic quarter of Lincoln. Brimming with unusual plants, climbers and sculpture. Many plants grown in containers for versatility, complemented by summer bedding.
Suns 11 July; 15 Aug (11-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment Groups 10+ by prior arrangement
Cobwebs, North Owersby, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire
Mature cottage garden extending to two thirds of an acre set amid open countryside. Many large herbaceous borders crammed with unusual and colourful perennials and grasses. Steps leading to patio and pergola clothed in clematis and wisteria. Wildlife pond. Colourful dahlia bed. Nursery offering many of the plants grown in the garden.
Sun 8, 15 Aug (10-6)
The Crocosmia Gardens, Caistor, Lincolnshire
Small terraced cottage garden full of some unusual cottage garden plants plus the National Collection of crocosmia.
Sun 4 July (2-6)
Demeter House, Winterton, Lincolnshire
Informal ½-acre garden of several defined spaces. Gravelled area bordered by mixed beds with numerous pots. Greenhouse, fernery and pond. Subtropical garden with stunning gunnera. Vegetable garden with orchard beyond.
Sun 21 Feb (11-4); Wed 19 May (11-5)
Doddington Hall Gardens, Lincoln, Lincolnshire
5 acres of romantic walled and wild gardens. Pageant of naturalised spring bulbs and scented shrubs from Feb to May. Spectacular iris display late May to early June in box-edged parterres of West Garden. Sumptuous herbaceous borders throughout summer; extraordinary ancient chestnut trees; turf maze; temple of the winds. Fascinating walled kitchen garden growing for popular farm shop and cafe. A family-owned and run garden.
Fri 2 Apr (11-4)
Easton Walled Gardens, Easton, Lincolnshire
12 acres of 400 year old forgotten gardens undergoing extensive renovation. Set in parkland with dramatic views. C16 garden with Victorian embellishments. Italianate terraces; yew tunnel; snowdrops and cut flower garden. David Austin roses, iris, daffodil and sweet pea collections. Cottage and vegetable gardens. Please wear sensible shoes suitable for country walking.
Visitors welcome by appointment 22 May-25 July * Individuals or groups, coaches. Evening visits welcome
15 Elmhirst Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire
Plantswoman's long and narrow town garden with beds and borders of mainly herbaceous plants combined with climbers, shrubs and small trees. Variety of hostas are grown in containers and in the ground. Winding paths with shallow steps give varied access to all areas. Considerable re-planting after south-facing wall built at end of 2009.
Sun 13 June (12-5)
Fishtoft Drove Gardens, Frithville, Boston, Lincolnshire
An oasis among productive arable farming land where a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere awaits visitors of all ages.
Barley End Cottage: ¼-acre traditional cottage garden, very informal. Relaxed mixture of borders, shrubs, vegetables, natural areas, with some quirky features. Elevated view from garden balcony gives a birds' eye perspective and view of Boston Stump.
Holly House: Approx 1acre informal mixed borders, scree beds, old sinks with alpines and steps leading down to large pond with cascade and stream. Small woodland area. Quiet garden with water feature. Extra 2½ acres devoted to wildlife with dewpond.
Sun 6 June (12-5)
Five Trees Cottage, Stixwould, nr Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
Plant enthusiasts' 1/3-acre cottage garden. Winding path leading to herbaceous borders with mixed planting. 2 small courtyards, water features, topiary leading through to tranquil woodland area with mature trees, wildlife pond and summerhouse - our haven.
Sat 5 June (1-5)
Frog Hall Cottage, New York, Lincolnshire
¾-acre garden. Patio with many unusual plants, stream, courtyard-style patio, large gravelled area with raised beds and an arbour, again planted for interest. Lawned area with large island beds, unfenced pond. Classic-style garden planted with roses, shrubs and perennials, small paved terrace, small newly planted picnic area.
Sat, Sun 10, 11 Apr (10-4)
The Garden House, Saxby, Lincoln, Lincolnshire
8-acre landscaped garden packed with interest. Yew hedging and walls enclose magical garden rooms full of roses and herbaceous plants. Long terrace, Dutch, pergola and obelisk gardens link to a lavender walk. Large natural damp garden. Dry garden leading onto hillside planted with rarer trees overlooking a large reflective pond. Native woodland areas, prairie and wild flower meadow planted with massed bulbs. Wonderful views. Adjacent to C18 classical church.
Thur 18, Fri 19 Feb; Sun 30 May (10-4); Thur 17, Fri 18 Feb (10-4) 2011
Goltho House, Goltho, Lincolnshire
4½-acre garden started in 1998 but looking established with long grass walk flanked by abundantly planted herbaceous borders forming a focal point. Paths and walkway span out to other features incl nut walk, prairie border, wild flower meadow, rose garden and large pond area. Snowdrops, hellebores and shrubs for winter interest
Sun 18 Apr; Thur 17 June (11-6)
Grimsthorpe Castle, Bourne, Lincolnshire
15 acres of formal and woodland gardens incl bulbs and wild flowers. Formal gardens encompass fine topiary, roses, herbaceous borders and unusual ornamental kitchen garden.
Sun 13 June (2-5.30) * Visitors also welcome by appointment May to Aug. Group size 5 to 30 visitors
Guanock House, Sutton St Edmund, Lincolnshire
Former home of garden designer Arne Maynard. 5 acres. Herbaceous border, knot garden, rose garden and lime walk. Orchard, walled kitchen garden, Italian garden. Guanock House is a C16 manor house built in the flat fens of South Lincs.
Sun 1 Aug (11-5)
Gunby Hall, Spilsby, Lincolnshire
7 acres of formal and walled gardens; old roses, herbaceous borders; herb garden; kitchen garden with fruit trees and vegetables. Greenhouses, carp pond and sweeping lawns. Tennyson's ‘Haunt of Ancient Peace'. House built by Sir William Massingberd 1700.
Fri 11 June (2.30-7)
The Hall Cottage, Greatford, Lincolnshire
Lovely ½-acre village garden overlooking St Thomas' church. Situated on the R Glen, original water wheel and open, unfenced mill pond. Informal planting of shrubs, herbaceous borders around the lawn and formal parterre garden of fruit and vegetables to the south. Large decking with seating area and prairie planting.
Sat 4, Sun 5 Sept (10-5)
Hall Farm, Harpswell, Lincolnshire
1½-acre garden with mixed borders of trees, shrubs, old roses and unusual perennials. Sunken garden, pond, courtyard garden, walled gravel garden and orchard. Short walk to old moat and woodland. Free seed collecting in garden Sept 4 & 5. Large plant nursery.
Sun 8 Aug (2-5)
Harrington Hall, Spilsby, Lincolnshire
Approx 6-acre Tudor and C18 walled gardens, incl 3 walled gardens; herbaceous borders, croquet lawn leading to viewing terrace, Tennyson's High Hall Garden in 'Maud'. Organic kitchen garden, shrub borders, roses and wildlife pond.
Suns 2, 30 May; 20 June (10-4)
The Hawthorns, Donington, Lincolnshire
Traditional garden, newly created from fallow land with extensive herbaceous borders, pond, large old English rose garden, vegetable and fruit areas with feature greenhouse. Cider orchard and area housing rare breed animals incl pigs, sheep and chickens.
Fri 11 June (2-6) * Visitors also welcome by appointment
Holywell Hall, Holywell, Lincolnshire
The beautiful gardens at Holywell are among the most handsome and historically interesting in S Lincolnshire. Nestled in a vale they are laid out on a broad S-facing slope overlooking C18 lake. Numerous water features, walled vegetable garden, stunning herbaceous borders, chapel, fishing temple and orangery. Wild flower meadow. Colourful flower garden created by Head Gardener Brian Oldman in 2007.
Sun 13 June (2-6)
Les Allees, Caythorpe, Lincolnshire
Plantsman's garden created by Alan Mason, TV gardener and garden designer. Ornamental potager, woodland walk, specimen trees and shrubs, Avenue of Italian cypresses. 200 year old Olive tree. Pond; large mixed borders; tree house; subtropical border. A garden of different styles and atmospheres which link seamlessly. Avenues and allées lead round the garden.
Sun 11 Apr (10-5); Sat 12, Sun 13 Feb 2011
Little Ponton Hall, Grantham, Lincolnshire
3 to 4-acre garden. Massed snowdrops and aconites in Feb. Stream, spring blossom and hellebores, bulbs and river walk. Spacious lawns with cedar tree over 200yrs old. Formal walled kitchen garden and listed dovecote, with recently developed herb garden. Victorian greenhouses with many plants from exotic locations
Sun 27 June (2.30-5.30)
The Long House, Gelston, Lincolnshire
2-acre garden with extensive views over the Vale of Belvoir. There are roses in abundance, a knot garden, an informal arrangement of borders and a newly designed pond to encourage wildlife. Small woodland garden, new grasses bed, geranium and allium bed as well as a small grey and white bed.
Sun 25 Apr (11-5.30)
38 Low Street, Haxey, Doncaster, Lincolnshire
½-acre garden consisting of spring bulbs, front rockery with hostas and herbaceous borders. Rear garden includes bulbs, acers, azaleas and flower borders. Fish pond and wildlife pond leads to fruit orchard and vegetable plot.
Sun 2 May (11-4) * Visitors also welcome by appointment
Marigold Cottage, Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire
This plantswoman's seaside garden has doubled in size with the aquisition of adjacent land. New vegetable plot, greenhouse, summerhouse, gravel garden and raised beds providing more planting and design opportunities. Oriental influence from years spent in the Far East.
Sun 11 July (11-5)
Mill Farm, Grasby, Lincolnshire
Approx 3½-acre hill-top garden with panoramic views, developed over the last 5yrs. Plantsman's garden with a wealth of perennials, shrubs and trees in formal and informal settings. Continually evolving with features incl the remains of a windmill, wildlife ponds and vegetable beds. Particularly colourful in July with new rose and peony bed opening.
Sun 13 June (11-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment mid May to mid July, min 20+
The Moat, Newton, Lincolnshire
2½-acre country garden, established 8 years. Island beds, featuring many unusual perennials, natural pond, courtyard garden, interestingly planted ha-ha. Also features numerous specimen trees
Sun 6 June (11-5)
Mulberry Croft, Fiskerton, Lincolnshire
Garden started in 2009. Front gravelled drive with perennials, shrubs, sorbus and mulberry trees. S-facing rear garden, mixed borders and beds, mainly perennials. Good selection of irises and peonies. Recently planted trees incl quince, olives and sorbus.
Sun 25 Apr (2-5); Sun 30 May (11-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment for individuals and groups
The Old Rectory, East Keal, Lincolnshire
Beautifully situated, with fine views, rambling cottage garden on different levels falling naturally into separate areas, with changing effects and atmosphere. Steps, paths and vistas to lead you on, with seats well placed for appreciating special views and plant combinations or relaxing and enjoying the peace. Dry border, vegetable garden, orchard, woodland walk.
Suns 9 May (2-5); 13 June (12-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment
The Old Vicarage, Holbeach Hurn, Lincolnshire
2 acres of gardens with mature trees, grass tennis court and croquet lawns surrounded by borders of shrubs, roses, herbaceous; informal areas incl pond and bog garden, wild flowers, grasses and bulbs, shrub roses and herb garden in old paddock area. Environmentally maintained and fun for kids too.
Sun 13 June (12-5)
Old White House, Holbeach Hurn, Lincolnshire
1½ acres of mature garden, featuring herbaceous borders, roses, patterned garden, herb garden and walled kitchen garden.
Sun 9 May (2-6) * Visitors also welcome by appointment
The Orchards, Old Somerby, nr Grantham, Lincolnshire
Yew trees dominate this 1-acre village garden created from scratch in last 12yrs on site of old farm steddings. Mixed borders, pond, bog garden, fruit and vegetable area. Large lawn for sporting grandchildren. Extensive alterations.
Visitors welcome by appointment May to September * Individuals, Groups or Coaches
Overbeck, Scothern, Lincolnshire
Approx ½-acre garden in quiet village. Long herbaceous borders and colour-themed island beds with some unusual perennials. Hosta border, gravel bed with grasses, fernery, trees, numerous shrubs and climbers and large prolific vegetable and fruit area.
Sat, Sun 6, 7 Mar (1-5)
Pinefields, Bigby, Barnetby, Lincolnshire
¾-acre country garden with lots of interest. A paved terrace leads on to shrub/herbaceous beds packed with plants, many unusual. Clipped box and gravel area, half circle pergola and wildlife garden. Early spring starts with hellebores incl some Ashwood doubles and anemone centred varieties.
Sun 11 July (11-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment
73 Saxilby Road, Sturton by Stow, Lincolnshire
Extensively cultivated plot planted in a cottage garden style and mainly devoted to a wide selection of summer and autumn flowering perennials and late season grasses. Shrub borders with some unusual shrubs and small trees chosen to give early interest in leaf colour and shape and to produce good autumn colour. Large display of tender fuchsias in July. Small hardy plant nursery.
Sun 4 July (11-4)
Sutton on Sea Gardens, Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire
Quiet, old-fashioned seaside village, clean shady beaches - a classic hardy plant environment! Five very different gardens will be open. On the High Street,
Charis: In the area called the Park, a stylish cottage garden including a summerhouse and secret garden.
Southwold: Parkland to the Mediterranean and all beside the seaside! This ½-acre plot has mature trees, large lawn with herbaceous borders. Venture further into a pebbled garden with aloes, agaves, echeverias and more. Plenty of seating to sit and ponder and 'time to smell the roses'.
Marigold Cottage: This plantswoman's seaside garden has doubled in size with the acquisition of adjacent land. New vegetable plot, greenhouse, summerhouse, gravel garden and raised beds providing more planting and design opportunities. Oriental influence from years spent in the Far East.
* Visitors also welcome by appointment
Orchard House: On the High Street, a modern garden with innovative features designed to give a calming influence * Visitors also welcome by appointment
The Cottage: Secluded, sophisticated garden of approx ¼ acre with mature trees and shrubs. Herbaceous beds, pond and formal front garden with many hidden quirky features and recycling ideas. Seaside type decking, sun patio. * Visitors also welcome by appointment - ring 01507 443205.
Sun 6 June (11-5)
The Walled Garden, Panton, nr Wragby, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire
2-acre C18 walled garden in woodland setting. Rescued from dereliction and lovingly restored by present owners over past 8yrs. Informal planting within formal framework. Long herbaceous borders with gravel paths. Many unusual plants and trees.
Visitors welcome by appointment
Walters Cottage, Haconby, nr Bourne, Lincolnshire
Country cottage garden of over ¼ acre developed over the past 6yrs. Various themed areas. Walled garden with hornbeam allée, topiary and rill. Woodland area with wildlife pond and plants. Sunken garden. Long herbaceous borders, lawns and collection of hostas. Garden is well-stocked with many interesting and rare plants with added features.
Wed 7 July (2-6) * Visitors also welcome by appointment * Groups of 10+ also welcome by appointment from 6 June to 11 July
Washdyke Farm, Fulbeck, Lincolnshire
Approx 2 acres with meandering paths leading to interesting features with contrasting moods. Lawns with cottage-style mixed borders; attractive waterside planting alongside stream; wildlife pond and woodland walk with mature trees.
Wed 14 July (11-5); Suns 8, 22 Aug (12-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment July & Aug, coaches permitted
68 Watts Lane, Louth, Lincolnshire
Blank canvas of 1/5 acre. Developed over 12yrs into lush, colourful, tropical to traditional plant packed haven. A whole new world on entering from street. Generous borders, raised tropical island, long hot tropical border, ponds, water features, summerhouse, conservatory with grapevine, cutting garden and secluded seating along the garden's journey.
Sat 29, Sun 30 May (11-5)
10 Wendover Close, Rippingale, Lincolnshire
Peaceful village garden of approx ½ acre containing usual and unusual herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees of general and specialist interest in a secluded situation.
Sat 10, Sun 11 Apr (10-4)
West Barn, Saxby, Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Formal walled courtyard garden with loggia, box hedging, shrub roses, climbers and herbaceous planting. Water feature and pots with seasonal planting
Sun 6 June (2-8)
Willow Cottage, Burgh-le-Marsh, Lincolnshire
If you go down to the woods today you're sure of a big surprise!!!.......Now beyond the garden, take a path to shady glades, reflective ponds, a wildlife haven. Truly a delightful experience.
Suns 25 Apr; 23 May; 25 July; 26 Sept (11-5) * Visitors also welcome by appointment
Woodlands, Fotherby, Louth, Lincolnshire
Mature woodland garden being further developed by the present owners. Packed with rare and unusual perennials, shrubs, ferns and climbers. Meandering paths lead to surprises around every corner. In contrast, the planting nearer the house takes advantage of the more open aspect but is equally interesting.
Sat 5 June (12-6)
Wykeham Hall Farm, Ludford, Lincolnshire
Mixed borders and lawns with rose garden, productive flower and vegetable garden plus crab apple tunnel. Rough lakeside walk (strong footwear advisable) Betula ermaniiavenue planted autumn 2009. Lincoln Red cattle in parkland. A work in progress!
Edited with kind permission from the National Gardens Scheme's garden finder website.
Fiona Cowan
28 June 2010