Barbara Barlow's Cottage Garden - Now known as The Ridges Gardens

The story of Barbara’s garden starts in the 1970s when she used to help her mother with their garden centre in the back garden. The more she learned about plants the more her interest grew. By the time her children had grown and flown she was hooked.

Realising the potential of the garden, she began restoring and developing. Original apple trees lining the paths were pruned, but otherwise you wouldn’t recognise the back garden now. Dense cottage planting demonstrates Barbara’s eye for combination of colour, form, and foliage. Through an arch, a large formal gated lawn is fringed with bright foliage specimen trees cleverly positioned to shine against a dark copper beech, holly and rhododendrons.

This shelter protects such tender plants as windmill palm and Magnolia Grandiflora, and provides a lovely setting for a Victorian-style glasshouse used for entertaining.

In a natural style stream garden, damp-loving plants such as gunnera and rogersia grow down towards a pool, and a Paul’s Himalayan Musk rose runs rampant over trellis and trees. Recently an old buttressed wall has been uncovered to create a new, naturally planted quiet area, with scented plants and herbs to attract butterflies and bees. Barbara’s horticultural achievement is to be admired and enjoyed.

Bank Holiday Sundays & Mondays (excluding Easter): 11.00am - 5.00pm
Wednesdays & Thursdays through June & July: 11.00am - 5.00pm
When the spectacular fragrant rambling roses will be in full bloom.
Wednesday & Thursdays through August 11.00am - 5.00pm

Private group visits by appointment
Light refreshments available

Cream teas and home made cakes are available and also plants for sale on all open days.