Putley Open Gardens

Putley villagers and others have made contributions in lieu. Their generosity is acknowledged with thanks.

On Saturday June 15th 2024 several gardeners (and under-gardeners) will be opening their gates to share with you their beautiful gardens and of course, plenty of flowers.

This annual event, now in its tenth year, gives visitors the opportunity to visit a variety of gardens. Everything starts and finishes at Putley Parish Hall (HR8 2QN). There, visitors will find carparking, tickets, bacon butties, teas and coffees, a light lunch, cakes, tombola, toilets and the all important plant stall.

The gardens are adjacent to a 2 ½ mile car journey, with parking no more than 300 yards away. As walking is good for us, there are signed footpaths through orchards and pasture, providing you with the chance to enjoy apple blossom, wild flowers and wildlife in-between visiting lovingly tended gardens. Maps of the route are provided and the lanes are perfect for cyclists too.

For 2024 we have several gardens open, some created within the last few years, some tended by the same family for over 30 years. There are ponds, sculpture, topiary, wild flowers and wonderful views to behold – all with the owners on hand to help with your enjoyment.

Included in the offering is the opportunity to visit Putley Church. There, in addition to the cared for churchyard, with burgeoning wild flowers and remarkable memorials, the Victorian vestments will be on display with the glory of the high church decoration of the area around the altar.

The event raises much needed funds for the upkeep of our Parish Hall and Church (50%/50%). Entrance ticket is £5 per person and no charge for children under 15.

Dogs are not allowed in the gardens.

More info? Contact info@putleygardens.org.uk

Some visitor quotes:

• Fantastic event, well organised. the variety of food was great, signage very good and the plant stall was great – thank you’

• A lovely experience, very well organised and managed, lovely atmosphere – well done!

• So glad we walked it (followed the blue route) as we could appreciate the scenery and settings
• Very welcoming people at the parish hall, tasty bacon rolls and lovely cakes. Thank you also for the free refills of tea and coffee. Easy to follow map.

The following have generously helped with the costs of this event. Please support them.

CAS Motor Services Ltd

Ledbury Real Ales

Newent Plant Centre,
Little Verzons

MJM Woodworking Ltd

The Trumpet Inn

BRAINGE

The same family have gardened here for over 50 years.  Successive generations have left their own marks. Tall brick wall on two sides provide support and shelter for a variety of espaliered trees, shrubs and perennials; there is a specific colour scheme. A magnificent pond and panoramic views over Putley to the Cotswolds complete the offering.

Dermot and Louise

NEWLANDS

Our garden has been used extensively through thick and thin. By firstly our own children, then our grandchildren and now our great granddaughter. Together with all the dogs who have shared our life here. many of the plants and shrubs have been named after friends who gave them to us.

Margaret and Geoff.

PUTLEY CHURCH

The majority of trees in the churchyard were planted in the 1870s, many only introduced in the country 20 or 30 years earlier. One yew is over 500 years old.

The wooden war memorial and the 14th century preaching cross are Herefordshire ‘one offs’.

The village war memorial (1920), is possibly a unique example of the work of carvers Fowler and Brindley, who were employed on the Albert Memorial. There only two such wooden memorials in the UK. Beautiful High Church reredos and altar, also interesting pew end carvings.

SHEEPCOTE

A half-acre retains many quality plants, shrubs and trees from earlier gardeners. In year twelve of development, the six gardens contain topiary of box, yew, holly, hawthorn and privet formalise the varied planning around the croquet lawn and gravel garden, kitchen garden and small ponds.

Anya Beaumont’s sculptures add a  ‘ je ne sais quoi’, matching her mother’s.

Julie and Tim

THE TWYNINGS

This is the garden hosting the plant sales.
Come to see flower beds, raised vegetable beds and carefully wilded grass. Delight in an ancient mulberry tree.

Josephine and Simon

LOWER COURT

We, still new custodians, inherited an emerging garden. The lavender path should continue to welcome. The parterre and courtyard garden with a combination of lavender, geraniums, and topiary trees are maturing well.
The wildflower garden, hopefully, continues to deliver its surprises and we hope the herbaceous beds, which include roses, salvia, heucheras, lupins, alliums, agapanthus, and gaillardia, awake from their winter slumber embrace the joy of spring.
Hannah and Jonny

BULLS GROVE

A garden which we have been restoring for the past 4 years. Most of the landscaping has been done, though still a work in progress. Much of the planting needs time to grow and mature. The gaps in planting kindly provided by local rabbits and deer.

A garden of two parts ‐ the original cottage garden and the newer barn garden.

Bunny and Philip

THE COACH HOUSE BARN

A contemporary styled garden, developed over the last 7 years. Generally hot, sheltered and South facing but one side has no Winter sun. There are contained beds, a small herb garden, a long herbaceous border and a terrace with bottlebrushes and olive trees. Planting over the last couple of years has included an Acer Katsura and the creation of a young fruit orchard within a wildflower meadow area – this is the second season after planting in August 2022.

A number of steps and not so easily accessible for wheelchairs.

Caroline and Guy