ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH THE GARDEN GAT E


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THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE THE ENCHANTED GARDENS


Christmas is here and our television horticulturist, Camilla Bassett-Smith, is full of festive fun as she visits a local garden full of illustrious illuminations.


Mention Webbs and local gardeners’ eyes light up, for the company has been at the forefront of horticulture in our area for over 200 years. Starting out as seedsmen, royally appointed to Queen Victoria, to this day the company remains under the same family ownership, with Ed Webb at the helm.


I am a regular visitor to their Cheltenham Garden Centre, where everything from greenery to greeting cards and gifts draw you in, however, pop across the border into Worcestershire and Webbs of Wychbold has another enticing temptation on offer, just perfect for a December drive.


The Enchanted Gardens are an illuminated trail on the site of the Riverside Garden which was opened in 2000, and sits alongside the large garden centre which is only a 45-minute car journey from Cheltenham.


Now in its fourth year, I was lucky enough to visit the trail in 2022 and was delighted to return for the 2024 spectacular, which this year brings the much-loved children’s classic ‘Alice in Wonderland’ to life.


A mixture of stunning theatrical sets, lanterns, projections and enchanting sounds partner with botanical beauties resulting in a magical mystery light twinkling tour.


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The real-life Alice lived in Charlton Kings, and was the daughter of Lewis Carroll’s friend and the mirror which inspired ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ still hangs in her former Gloucestershire home! So, how appropriate for fellow Cotswold inhabitants to join Alice on this Wonderland wander.


The story comes to life in a number of zoned areas throughout, with the most fantastic White Rabbit character who passed by early on, procrastinating over his tardiness for his “important date”. In fact, the clock face features prominently at points throughout the tour, a timely reminder not to be late for the Queen of Hearts!


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