NGS Summer Open Gardens

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,600 exceptional private gardens in England and Wales, and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake.

As well as raising money for charity they are passionate about the physical and mental health benefi ts of gardens too. Whilst their core benefi ciaries include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute, they also support charities doing amazing work in gardens and health and grant bursaries to help community gardening projects. Here are some of the beautiful private gardens that you can visit locally this year.

Bedford Heights

Bedford, Bedfordshire Saturday 5th June 10am - 2pm

Originally built by Texas Instruments, a Texan theme runs throughout the building and gardens. The entrance simulates an arroyo or dry riverbed, and is fi lled with succulents and cacti, plus a mixture of grasses and herbaceous plants, many of which are Texan natives. There are also 3 courtyard gardens, where less hardy plants thrive in the frost-free environment. Gardens designed by Graham A Pavey. Light refreshments in The Graze Bistro. Pre-booking required. Adult: £5.00

22 Elmsdale Road

Bedford, Bedfordshire Saturday 5th June 12pm - 5pm Sunday 6th June 12pm - 5pm

Topiary garden greets visitors before they enter a genuine Japanese Feng Shui garden including bonsai. Large collection of Japanese plants, Koi pond, lily pond and a Japanese Tea House. The garden was created from scratch by the owners about 20 years ago and has many interesting features including Japanese lanterns and the Kneeling Archer terracotta soldier from China. Adult: £5.00 Child: Free

192 Kimbolton Road

Bedford, Bedfordshire Saturday 12th June 2pm - 5pm Saturday 11th September 2pm - 5pm

A third of an acre cottage garden specialising in many varieties of roses. There are also vegetable and soft fruit patches and an orchard. The garden includes over 90 roses. Adult: £5.00 Child: Free

Royal Oak Cottage

Kempston Rural, Bedford, Bedfordshire Sunday 13th June 12pm - 5pm Sunday 18th July 12pm - 5:30pm

¾ acre garden created on the land of an old beer house, with wildlife in mind. There are old orchard trees, herbaceous beds, a small oriental garden and a vegetable plot. A blue and white border surrounds an old renovated piggery building. Agapanthus and blue hydrangeas are a patio speciality. Shallow ponds support newts and other amphibians. The wildflower meadow is Austrian scythed in August. Adult: £5.00 Child: Free

4 St Andrews Road

Bedford, Bedfordshire Saturday 10th July 10am - 4pm

An elegant, multi-functional urban garden set within a semi-formal layout featuring clipped beech hedges softened by colourful shrubs and perennials and a rose pergola. Focal points have been created to be enjoyed from both within the garden as well from the house. Adult: £3.50 Child: Free

1a St Augustine’s Road

Bedford, Bedfordshire Saturday 7th August 12pm - 4:30pm

A colourful town garden with herbaceous borders, climbers, a greenhouse and pond. Planted in cottage garden style with traditional flowers, the borders overflow with late summer annuals and perennials including salvias and rudbeckia. The pretty terrace next to the house is lined with ferns and hostas. The owners also make home-made chutneys and preserves which can be purchased on the day. Home-made teas. Adult: £5.00 Child: Free

Howbury Hall Garden

Renhold, Bedford, Bedfordshire Sunday 12th September 2pm - 5pm

A late Victorian garden designed with mature trees, sweeping lawns and herbaceous borders. The large walled garden is a working garden, where one half is dedicated to growing a large variety of vegetables whilst the other is run as a cut flower business. In the woodland area, walking towards the large pond, the outside of a disused ice house can be seen. Adult: £5.00 Child: Free