Benter Gardens, Benter, Oakhill, (BA3 5BJ) will be opening in aid of the National Garden Scheme this Sunday, 23rd July from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the first time.

Peace and tranquillity surrounds Benter Gardens. There are two very contrasting gardens, in a beautiful rural setting, within a secluded valley and surrounded by woodland.

Fire Engine House is an old inn (not open). The structure of the garden is made by the old boundary walls and large stone barn, formerly the pub skittle alley. The garden, although having a mature setting, is continuously under development.

The owners have created a layered garden with lawns bounded by generously deep borders of perennials, shrubs and roses, making paths often narrow in places. These narrow, but enticing, paths lead you through a garden door and tumble-down bothy to a small orchard and arboretum.

An intimate walled garden close to the barn is filled with vegetables, herbs and flowers; it is here a greenhouse proudly keeps a watchful eye on the planting. Amongst this planting is sculpture and woodwork by Fiona Campbell and Nick Weaver, whose designs featured in one of the Gold-winning artisan gardens at Chelsea in 2016. An adventurous woodland walk can be found near College Barn – stout footwear is advisable due to slippery uneven surfaces, great caution is advised. Refreshments will be available at Fire Engine House.

To see more gardens open for the NGS, please visit www.ngs.org.uk For details on how to open your garden on its own, as part of a group or as a village, opening in aid of The National Garden Scheme, please contact Judith Stanford on: 01761 233045 or email: [email protected] for further information.