West Berkshire gardens open their gates for charity

Twelve gardens in a West Berkshire village are to throw open their gates for charity, writes Imogen Uwins.

Properties in Upper Basildon are allowing a rare opportunity for all garden and nature lovers to peruse their varied country gardens.

The diversity of properties provide something for everyone, including wildflower meadows, rockeries, flower borders, kitchen gardens and even a yew maze.

While most of the gardens are designed and maintained by enthusiastic owners, influences of well-known names such as Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall and Clare Foster of House & Garden Magazine can be seen.

As well as the beauty of the grounds, there will also be an art exhibition, displays of metal-detecting finds, alongside local history and afternoon tea.

Properties open include New Barn, Kiln Farm Crest House, Robins Wood, Coolmore Lodge, Sarum House, Home Farm, Smiths Corner, Froomes, Galvey, Appletree Cottage and Honeycroft House.

The funds raised will go towards St Stephen’s Church in Upper Basildon and the event is sponsored by Warmingham Estate Agency.

The gardens are open between 2pm – 5pm on September 17.

Entrance is £7.50 per adult and free for children.

This admission fee grants entry to all twelve properties and is payable by cash at any of the gardens, or by card at the Upper Basildon Church Centre on Pangbourne Road.

The church centre also provides afternoon tea and free parking.

As the gardens are spread throughout the village, there is also free parking at Kiln Farm in Kiln Ride, at Crest House in Aldworth Road and at Home Farm in Mead Lane.

Dogs are prohibited.