Taking advantage of sunny days during February half term, our family visited 2 tranquil Dorset gardens. Both of which have been lovingly redeveloped, either in the past or currently. Find out more…
Abbotsbury Subtropical Garden
Abbotsbury Subtropical Garden was the first of 2 tranquil Dorset gardens, which we visited in the February half term. A little further away, approximately 30 miles from us, this stunning exotic garden was well worth the journey.
One mile from Chesil Bank Beach and 9 miles west of Weymouth, the location of this garden with its higher-than-average record for sunshine hours on the Dorset coast, makes it a perfect mild climate for exotic plants from all over the world to grow and flourish.
We felt that we had been pinned to a faraway tropical destination, minus the coats of course!
This walled garden dates to the latter part of the 18th Century. Elizabeth, the 1st Countess of Ilchester, had the wall built for a sheltered kitchen to provide fresh produce for the family at the summer residence in a large mansion overlooking the sea known as Abbotsbury Castle. The castle no longer exists but the walled garden that was laid at the top of a nearby sheltered valley is the surviving nucleus of these famous gardens today.
Subsequently in the late 19th century, the 5th Lord Ilchester was devoted to the care of this garden as his ancestors were, and he and Lady Ilchester trebled its original size. The head gardener, Mr Joseph Benbow, having worked previously in northern Italy, introduced a Mediterranean feel with the arrival of succulent plants and other exotics.
Unfortunately, the period between the two world wars, the gardens were neglected and soon declined. Thankfully however in the late 1960s, Lady Teresa Agnew and her first husband Lord Galway introduced a programme of reconstruction.
Today Abbotsbury is a ‘well tendered jungle’ and has earned the reward of being one of Britain’s best-known and most popular gardens.
If you would like more information about this beautiful tropical garden, refer to Visit Dorset’s website here: https://www.visit-dorset.com/listing/abbotsbury-subtropical-gardens/12896301/
Careys Secret Garden
Careys Secret Garden was the second of 2 tranquil Dorset gardens, which we visited during the February half term. Shhh it still remains a secret!
We had to book this garden online and although it was very close to us, within a 3-mile radius of the market town of Wareham, Dorset, we had no idea where it was. Its destination was disclosed to us on booking!
The track to it through the forest and countryside was well signed posted. The car park was at the end of the track. Once parked up, it felt quite exciting walking along the forest pathway to the entrance. However, I will not say any more about what we discovered because I don’t want to ruin the surprise!
I will tell you a little bit about its history, nevertheless…
The original Victorian 3.5 acre walled garden and gardener’s cottage were built in 1883. Like the Abbotsbury Subtropical Garden, the south facing wall was built to provide shelter for the growth of bountiful fruits and vegetables, serving the larger Trigon estate.
When Carey House was purchased in 2019, the garden was so overgrown that it barely featured on the purchase particulars. It was only when the son of the new owners, Simon Constantine, watched his children squeeze through the slatted wooden gates held in place with rusted padlocks, that the untouched garden was revealed.
Since being discovered, the red Clayton brick wall has been earmarked for Grade 11 listing.
Currently, the ‘new’ gardens in their primitive state are being lovingly restored to their former glory by head gardener Paul Scriven and Dan Smith of beeutiful Gardens, as well as local support from volunteers.
To have in mind rewilding, permaculture and natural gardening, their ethos is to create practical hope for the natural world and connect their guests to nature in a truly positive way.
With the heavenly sounds of the birds singing and the warmth of the sun sheltered by the wall behind the ‘Secret Salt Pig’ café, where we sat enjoying an afternoon tea, we can certainly recommend the peace and tranquillity of this secret garden which is currently under redevelopment.
We look forward to returning soon to see how the garden is maturing and flourishing, especially seeing the pears, apricots, nectarines, and peaches grow against the wall where they have been lovingly planted.
Say no more!! Shhh!
If you would like more information about this secret Dorset garden, please visit their website at: https://www.careyssecretgarden.co.uk/
Please refer to two other blog posts on our website which you may find of interest: Holme for Gardens and Sculpture by the Lakes.
If you enjoyed reading this blog and would like to learn about updates, events in the area or last-minute availability at our Dorset B&B, Spurwing Guest House, you can subscribe to our mailing list: https://eepurl.com/gWilmz
