Village Gardens

TWO beautiful gardens in the Hampshire village of Martin are opening to the public this weekend - one at the Manor House and one belonging to a cottage which used to be the local forge.

The Forge has a half-acre garden which climbs up behind the cottage towards the green slopes of Martin Down.

In the six years they have lived there, Peter and Joan Lockwood, have created a complex of terraces, with steps, slopes, lawns, rustic arches, a small pond and rose-covered trellis.

Each successive level offers a new vista and a selection of densely-planted beds and borders, all in interesting curved shapes.

Finally at the top of the slope, you reach an old orchard, with roses climbing vigorously through the apple tree branches. You will also find a chicken run, wild flowers beneath the trees and a good view of Martin Down in the distance.

Tomorrow afternoon, many of the Lockwoods' roses will be blooming and you will be able to see a good selection of poppies, day lilies, sweet williams, hostas and peonies, all flourishing on the chalky soil. Peter and Joan are also successful with azaleas and rhododendrons, which they grow in pots and other containers.

Clematis is one of Joan's favourite plants and you will find about 20 different varieties in the garden, many of them flowering in June. There will also be a good selection of clematis plants on sale.

Directly opposite The Forge is the 15th century Manor House, home of Sir Michael and Lady Cobham.

They will also be welcoming visitors to their garden tomorrow afternoon, although the historic house is not open to the public.

Both these gardens are opening through the National Gardens Scheme.

The Manor House garden has been transformed over the centuries. The original flower garden has now become a paddock, while what was once a traditional walled vegetable garden has been transformed into a spacious lawned area with a pond, pergola, trees and flower borders.

Teas will be served on the terrace and lawn next to the swimming pool.

Visitors will be allowed to walk outside the garden walls to see the stable yard and paddocks, with mares and foals grazing. The whole area has a peaceful atmosphere and lovely open country views.

Several other Hampshire gardens are also opening to the public tomorrow afternoon, notably at The Garden House in Lymington - a dramatic town centre garden, which is opening in aid of the NSPCC. When Charles and Libby Kirkman moved to The Garden House in 1979, they found a relatively "blank canvas", mainly of lawns.

They say that the present collection of architectural plants, topiary and semi-tropicals has evolved gradually over the years.

In June, there is plenty of colour in the garden, but foliage plants still predominate, with lots of contrasting shapes. Charles estimates that about 70 per cent of the planting is evergreen, so this is a garden which retains its interest all year round.

Don't miss the two ponds or the newly-planted Mediterranean garden, with its profusion of grey-leaved, drought-resistant plants and purple flowers.

Raised beds are planted with alpines and there are lots of containers with sempervivums and other succulents. Growing next to the house is an unusual puya, which is about to flower for the first time, and there are also many other rare plants in this very striking garden.

AT A GLANCE:

The two gardens at Martin, near Fordingbridge, are both open from 2pm to 6pm tomorrow, Sunday, June 10. From the centre of Fordingbridge, take the Damerham road. At Damerham, turn right into a lane marked "Martin, 3mls". The two gardens are on either side of the road, just past the village green. For further details, call 01725 519225.

The Garden House in Lymington is also open tomorrow afternoon, Sunday, June 10.

Please note the relatively short opening times: from 3pm to 4.30pm. The house is off Lymington High Street, opposite Woolworths.

It is best to use one of the nearby town car parks. For details, call 01590 672190.