Page 66 - The Ultimate Herefordshire Guide 2017

historic spend a day sir roy strong peace Gardens
plant fairs generations riverside
The gardens of Herefordshire are packed with history and are absolutely stunning. Some formal and some less so but all uniquely and lovingly designed to offer pleasure to those who visit.
Brobury House Garden is uniquely open all year round, from the first flush of spring blossom, the spectacular late autumn blaze and beyond into the pale light of winter. This terraced Victorian garden for all seasons offers 8 acres of peace and tranquillity, nestled in the countryside towards Hay on Wye.
Just a few miles north of the City at Swainshill find the incredible Weir Garden, a National Trust property with
a spectacular natural garden running alongside the River Wye in unspoilt countryside. Carpets of spring bulbs give way to wild flowers in the summer and explode into rich colour in the autumn. Great for children too there is a natural play area, where you can balance, climb around or fly high on the rope swing. From the picnic benches you can watch the wildlife on the river and get refreshments from the ‘Tea Tent’.
North in Kington find Hergest Croft Gardens, proudly owned by generations of the Banks family and since 1988 by Lawrence Banks, former treasurer of the
RHS and his wife Elizabeth Banks, a noted landscape architect and formerly RHS president and currently Kington Town Mayor. Hergest Croft is open from April to October with over 60 champion trees set in 70 acres, discover the old fashioned kitchen garden, azalea garden, maple grove and brightly coloured 30ft high rhododendrons.
Each spring and autumn visit the Hergest Flower Fairs where you can find and purchase a variety of interesting and unusual plants.
Much featured in the media Westonbury Mill Water Gardens in Pembridge has been designed for fun and beauty with some world class follies and many other surprises. The main Bog Garden leads to the Big Pond, then a giant water powered Cuckoo Clock, or the Dome made of 5000 wine bottles which sparkle like stained glass on a sunny day. Then relax in the café and plant shop.
Near Leominster at Kimbolton is the highly acclaimed Stockton Bury Garden. The 4 acre garden was created by
64 The ULTIMATE Herefordshire Guide