THERE was a bitter east wind blowing on the day I visited Furzey Gardens. Luckily, these lovely, informal gardens deep in the folds of the New Forest at Minstead, have many tall trees to provide shelter.

As I walked around, it seemed as if the wind had dropped completely. It was only when I returned later to the exposed Hampshire coastal area, that I realised just how well-protected Furzey Gardens can be. At this time of year, you will miss the famous Furzey azaleas and rhododendrons, but there are many lovely sights to be seen, even in the depths of winter.

There is huge collection of heathers growing on the slope below Furzey House, and there are many varieties of birches, which always have a delicate beauty, even without their leaves.

The lake is stocked with golden orfe, golden rudd, mirror carp and roach, which can be seen gliding beneath the surface.

Also of winter interest is the fernery, stocked with nearly all British native ferns and also some of the foreign ferns that thrive in this country.

There are many other interesting winter plants, including Cornus kousa chinesis, a small tree which is still covered is bright red fruits which look just like strawberries.

Nearly all the plants and trees are labelled and it is a proud boast at Furzey that the gardeners are happy to answer visitors' questions. A full list of 150 numbered trees and shrubs is available free of charge.

The gardens were originally designed in 1922. Good quality soil was imported by horse and cart to bury the forest clay, and rough gorse and grazing land had to be painstakingly cleared before planting could begin. All this work was needed to create the right conditions for the magnificent collection of trees and shrubs which have been maturing ever since.

Hard work is continuing to this day, with constant re-planting and improvements.

Many shelters and viewing areas are wheelchair accessible, with ramps where necessary, although I suspect it would be hard work to push a wheelchair right around this sloping site.

There is no playground, but better still there are three children's log cabins in a secluded glade and the many winding, paths also add to the fun.

It is also interesting to visit the Will Selwood Gallery, a thatched building which is used to display the work of local craftsmen and women. Woodcarvings, toys, pottery, paintings and silver jewellery are on sale, and refreshments are also available in the gallery.

Administrator Maureen Cole explained Furzey was part of a charitable organisation which provides residential care and horticultural training for young people with learning difficulties. "This is part of what makes Furzey Gardens so special," said Maureen. The trust also owns Furzey House, which is not open to the public. It is mainly used as a retreat by Christian organisations.

"The trainees, the visitors and the people using the house as a retreat can all enjoy the wonderful peace and tranquillity of the gardens."

On the day I visited, several of the students from the Minstead Training Project were hard at work in the gardens, planting trees. Trainees from the project also run their own nursery, providing plant material for the gardens. Surplus saplings, plants and produce are sold at bargain prices at the Furzey garden centre.

In winter, Furzey Gardens are open from 10am until dusk. There is free parking at the entrance. For further details, call 01703 812464

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.