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Garden Owners,
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Regards,
Armchair Travel Co Ltd
http://www.armchair-travel.com
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Garden Name: Hergest Croft Gardens
Last Modified: 26/01/2011
Garden ID: 0052

pic: 0052_hergestcroft.jpg

Owner: W.L. Banks
Address:
Kington
Hereford

Postcode: HR5 3EG
County: Hereford

tel: 01544 230160
fax: 01544 232031
website: www.hergest.co.uk
email: gardens {at} hergest.co.uk

Features: 
Flower Fair: Monday 3rd May 10.30am - 5.30pm unusual plants for sale.
Charity Appeal for St Michael's Hospice, Hereford
Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" - Saturday 7th August (Evening) Rain or Shine Theatre Company
RHS Special Event Day 1Saturday 16th October 10.00am - 4.30pm (Bookings Only) "Maples in the Garden"
Plant Fair: Sunday 17th October 10.30am - 4.30pm

English Heritage Grade:
II*

Opening Times:
March weekends; 12noon - 5.30pm. 
2nd Apr - 30th Oct; every day; 12 noon - 5.30pm

Best Times of Year to Visit: 
May/June
Autumn

To see: 
Spring & herbaceous borders. Rhododendrons & Azaleas
Autumn Colour

National Collection: 
Maples, Birches and Zelkova

National Garden Scheme days: Yes
Comments: 16th August
20th September

Parties / Coaches: Yes 
Comments: Bookings only

Viewing by Appointment: Yes
Comments: Guided tours pre-booked for 20+ 

House Open for Viewing: No
Comments: 

Admission Prices:
Adult £6; Child Free (under 16); Season £25
RHS free except May, June & Oct
Pre-booked guided tours of 20+ £7 pp
Pre-booked tours of 20+ £5 pp
Adults: £25.00 (annual from 1 March - 28 February 2012)
Royal Horticultural Society: Recommended Gardens 
The Historic House Association: members and friends are welcome to visit the gardens Free except during the Flower Fair and Plant Fair.Scheme allows individual Members Free Admission to the Gardens except in May, June and October.
Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE): Gardens and Houses scheme permit individual Member Half Price Admission except during May, June and October

Parking: Yes
Lavatories: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Shop: Yes
Plants for Sale: Yes
Lunches: Yes
Teas: Yes
Refreshments: Yes
Picnics: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes
Only on Lead: Yes
Events: Yes

Other Facilities:
Limited access for the disabled


Designer: 
Description of Garden:
From Spring bulbs to Autumn colour, this is a garden for all seasons. With over 60 champion trees and shrubs, the Hergest Croft Gardens are recognised as "one of the best collection of plants held in private ownership". The rhododendrons and azaleas are spectacular in spring, and the large kitchen garden with the long double herbaceous borders, rose garden and spring borders are always an attraction. In the Autumn, the colours are superb.


History: 
The garden was designed by William Hartland Banks (1867 - 1930) and his wife Dorothy Alford from 1896. They did not use any professional help but were greatly influenced by the writings of William Robinson especially his book 'The English Garden'.

Local Inns: 
Stagg Inn, Titley
Harp Inn, Old Radnor

Accomodation: 
Harp Inn, Old Radnor (B&B)
The Burton Hotel, Kington

Restaurants: 
The Burton Hotel, Kington

Village/Town/Sightseeing: 
Kington Market