Village open garden days in the Cotswolds

What it is

Across England, private gardens open to visitors on set days to raise money for charity, many through the National Garden Scheme, founded in 1927. In the Cotswolds, the limestone hill country west of Oxford, whole villages often open together. For one entry sticker you walk from gate to gate, through cottage plots of roses, delphiniums and lupins behind honey-coloured stone walls, and larger manor gardens with borders and orchards. The owners are on hand and glad to talk plants. Nearby, the great gardens of Hidcote and Kiftsgate show the style at full scale. Dates are fixed each year and published in advance.

Before you go

• Look up dates in the National Garden Scheme listings. Each village opens on one or two days only.
• Bring cash for entry, plants and tea.
• Roads and parking are tight in these villages. Park where you are directed and walk.

The flowers you will see

RoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many coloursDelphiniumTall garden flowers with spurred blooms in blue, purple, pink, and whiteLupinTall, spiky-flowered legumes grown for gardens, food, and soil healthPeonyLarge spring flowers in pink, red, white, yellow and purple, grown in gardens worldwide

Also part of it, and being written: Alcea.

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