These 2 visits centre around Maiden Newton. The owners of the Grange wish us to arrive promptly at 11.30am and leave by 1pm. The owners of Pugin Hall (20 min drive from the Grange) will provide a sandwich/ cake lunch at about 1.30pm, an introductory talk, and access to the gardens thereafter.

Cost £45 all included. It is not possible to book separately
Ample parking, no dogs , WC

The Grange, Greenford Lane, Maiden Newton, Dorchester DT2 0FB
By kind permission of Peter Davidson

Peter Davidson’s garden was created from scratch about 5 years ago on a spacious sloping site with impressive views across the Dorset countryside  to the east.   Peter is opening his garden on only one occasion this year so this is an exclusive treat.  Peter is an active member of Dorset Plant Heritage,  a very knowledgeable plantsman, and holds the national collection of Colocasia.  Features of this garden include a series of large mixed borders, a tropical garden, kitchen and cutting garden, and two large glasshouses containing extensive  collections of ornamental plants.   We will be free to wander around but Peter will be on hand to answer any questions.  Peter has generously  asked that we make a donation to a cancer charity with the entrance fee.

Pugin Hall, Rampisham, DT2 0PR
By kind permission of Tim and Ali Wright

Pugin Hall, a grade I listed building  was designed by Augustus Pugin in 1847 and is surrounded by more than 4 acres of garden in various stages of development. Ali Wright, the owner, will give a short introduction to the history and architecture of this most complete example of Pugin’s domestic architecture. You can then wander freely on the lawns and in  a walled garden , cottage garden with  myriad roses , unusual pernnials and Japanese anenomes against a background of espalier fruit trees and box hedging. Ali will be on hand to answer questions.