Open daily until 31 October 11.00 – 4.30
Open daily 29 March – 31 October 11.00am – 4.30pm
Nestled under iconic Hergest Ridge with fabulous view towards the Black Mountains, these critically acclaimed and stunning 70 acre gardens hold national collections of Maples, Birches and Zelkovas. Created and extended by five generations of the Banks family, Hergest Croft Gardens boast one of the finest collections of plants and shrubs in the UK, with many rare and exotic species and over 130 Champion trees.
What to look out for in the Gardens now
A massive variety of Hydrangeas with their elegant shapes and attractively muted colours are in flower all around the garden – and there is an excellent selection on sale here as well. The bed on the terrace directly outside the Tearoom is full of bright bold colour with a host of Dahlias and Salvias clustered around architectural planting of Hedychium coronarium or Ginger Lily. Just below this, on the lower bed, you will find the contrastingly cool blues of different varieties of Agapanthus.
Hints of autumn are creeping in with chillier mornings and shorter days. In the Kitchen Garden, an abundance of vegetables are growing alongside annuals such as Dahlias and orange Calendulas. Plums have arrived early – specifically the wine-coloured Purple Pershores pictured here – and apples are ripening well. Soon it will be possible to pick a few of your own apples for a contribution to charity (ask at Reception). The venerable Pear espaliers have just been pruned to ensure that all their energy goes into producing large and flavoursome fruit, and pyramids of sweet pea waft their lovely fragrance.
There has been some judicious hedge-cutting too: the clean lines of the box hedges in the Kitchen Garden are a delight, and the Slate Garden is splendid with its smart, clipped lines.
News and Events
New Artist in Residence
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We are delighted to introduce Chris Williams as our new Artist in residence. She has moved into a studio on site and can often be seen drawing and painting in the Gardens. Look out for her when you visit – she is very happy to discuss her work.
Originally from North Wales, Chris studied art at the Laird School of Art, Birkenhead and gained her BA Hons degree in Fine Art from Newcastle Polytechnic. Primarily a landscape painter, she has exhibited at the RBSA, RWA and RCA and is former entrant on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year in 2017.
Her work is based on observation and she likes to work outside whenever possible whether this is drawing or making plein air oil studies. She is fascinated by natural forms, changing light, weather and the seasonal and daily rhythms of the landscape.
Visit her website to find out more.
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Season Ticket Holders – August Discount
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At only £32, annual Season Tickets represent excellent value for regular visitors with unlimited visits to the gardens – please refer to General Information for Visitors for more information.
We also run special offers for Season Ticket holders, such as this 10% discount at Maples Tearoom during the month of August and on Kathryn Moore’s beautiful book – see below.
Autumn Plant Fair
The Autumn Plant Fair will soon be upon us – one of the most eagerly awaited events of the autumn horticultural county calendar.
Last year, there were over fifty-five exhibitors at the fair, ranging from specialist nurseries selling rare and unusual plants, trees and shrubs, to a wide range of country craft, food and drink stalls.
Fingers crossed for good weather when we hope to attract over a thousand visitors. Don’t forget that entry to the fair includes admission to our 70 acre gardens.
Trade enquiries please contact austyn.hallworth@hergest.co.uk. See you there!
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Kathryn Moore – book launch
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Former artist in residence, Kathryn Moore, has published A Brush with the Borders, a stunning book recording her year at Hergest Croft Gardens.
The book is a beautifully illustrated diary which captures the Gardens from all angles and in all weathers. Kathryn combines riotously colourful representations of many of the best-loved aspects of the Gardens with some beautifully observed details that you might not have noticed before.
Copies of the book are available for £25 in the Gift Shop, and signed copies can be ordered in advance. We are offering Season Ticket holders a 10% discount on the cover price.
Gardeners’ World Magazine
2 for 1 offer
One free entry with one full paying adult
2-1 saving offer valid from 1st July – 31st October only. (Not applicable during the Autumn Plant Fair on Sunday 13th October 2024)
Card must be presented at reception
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