HAMPSHIRE
Hampshire Gardens Trust celebrates
25 years of making a difference
Twenty five years ago, a few people got together to respond Alongside these, the team continues
to a report published by Hampshire County Council’s Planning to research the many historic parks
Department which recognised the decline and disappearance and gardens in the county, to provide
of many historic parks and gardens in the county. a record of what was there as well
The meeting led to the setting up of Hampshire Gardens
as what is currently there – or not
Trust and to Gilly Drummond, becoming one of the founder
there, as is often the case. The Trust
members, and its first Chairman.
is also involved with the Hampshire
In the early days the Trust was instrumental in encouraging
Gardening Initiative, a joint venture
two country house hotels – Tylney Hall and Rhinefield - to
between the county council and the
restore their historic garden sites and has continued to advise
voluntary sector which explores ways
or encourage owners of the county’s other historic gardens to
of helping older people manage and
do the same. It has been the stimulus for the creation of nine
Petersfield Physic Garden maintain their gardens more easily.
was given to the Trust in
highly individual public gardens in the county now maintained
Hampshire County Council is a key
1988 and part of it is laid
by Friends’ Associations.
supporter of the Trust which relies
out with beds of herbs in a
geometic pattern typical of
on the council’s grant, together with
the 17th century
membership subscriptions, for its
survival.
The common aim of the membership is to protect and sustain
Hampshire’s gardens, parks and green spaces. Members receive
a magazine twice yearly as well as two informative newsletters
from the Association of Gardens Trusts. And last but certainly
not least, the Events Committee organises a lively programme
which includes lectures and visits to gardens sometimes not
accessible to the general public.
Special visits for the 25th anniversary included Buckingham
A trust project at Chawton House provides the facility for the local
Palace Gardens with a guided tour by the head gardener and
primary school children with no grounds of their own, to grow organic talks by Alan Titchmarsh at Farleigh House Barn and Laura
vegetables
Ponsonby at Stratfield Saye.
Many members are ‘plants’ people but the Trust’s difference
The Trust is always looking for active members. If you would like to help
comes from the variety of functions which while, garden-
or just find out more visit www.hgt.org.uk or contact the HGT office at
related, use other skills and expertise. Jermyn’s House, Jermyn’s Lane, Ampfield, SO51 0QA, Tel: 01794
The Conservation Group provides seed capital for restoration
367752 or email: admin@hgt.org.uk for an application form.
projects and currently is assisting the North Stoneham Shrine
Project. There is also continuing intervention on planning
applications referred to it by local planning authorities.
The Education Committee’s role has evolved to provide
support for projects to develop school grounds and offers an
Education Awards Scheme with grants awarded on a twice-
yearly basis. A recent project at Chawton House in part of the
restored wall garden provides the facility for the local primary
school children with no grounds of their own, to grow organic
vegetables. As well as providing a shed and tools, the Trust
continues to provide ongoing practical support.
The Trust also supports several children’s homes, providing
seasonal plants and bulbs and recently garden furniture for
quiet areas. It has also helped to revive a community garden
in Southampton and provide funds for planting a vegetable
plot at the Carroll Centre in Winchester.
In the early days the Trust was instrumental in encouraging country house
hotels – Tynley Hall and Rhinefield – to restore their historic garden sites
28
Country Gardener
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