We have listed below just a few links to other websites of ‘friends’ or those that we work closely with. We don’t want the list to get too big but here are some that you might find useful or interesting.
The Royal Horticultural Society
We are proud of our affiliation to the RHS and, as a result, enjoy several benefits for our own members, including free organised visits to prestigious RHS Gardens.
Plant Heritage
Our own National Headquarters is now based at Wisley, adjacent to the RHS Garden. We celebrated our 45th Anniversary in September 2023.
The Dorset Federation of Horticultural Societies
We are please to be affiliated to this society, which acts as an umbrella organisation for Gardening Clubs & Horticultural Societies in Dorset, plus one or two in neighbouring counties.
Bennetts Water Gardens
Home of the National Collection of Nymphaea (Water Lilies), this attractive ornamental garden is a haven for wildlife and is set around a series of ponds, stocked with Water Lilies and other aquatic and marginal plants. Located in Chickerell, on the outskirts of Weymouth. Cafe & Plant Sales.
Kingston Maurward College (now Coastland College)
This College for Land-based Studies is situated just outside Dorchester. It provides courses in Agriculture & Horticulture, including RHS qualifications, and is the home of 2 National Collections (Salvias & Penstemon). The College is also a Conference Centre and has an Animal Park, Estate Shop & Takeaway Cafe. The College has now joined with Weymouth College and is now known as Coastland College.
Athelhampton House
Our association with this impressive Tudor Manor House and Gardens goes back to the 1970s and was the venue for our in augural Group Meetings and our early spring plant fairs. The Great Hall was originally built in 1485 and remains largely unchanged. The architectural gardens were laid out in the 1860s. Located between Puddletown and Bere Regis, just off the A35. The venue for many special events during the year. The Coach House Restaurant is open 7 days a week. The Long Hall offers a traditional Sunday Carvery.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Our association with these world-renowned, 30 acre gardens goes back to the 1970s, when it was home of our first National Collection in Dorset. We enjoy a close working relationship with the Horticultural Staff and the large West Lawn and Pavilion are home to our very successful Specialist Plant Fairs (see events/plant fairs for details). Located on the picturesque Jurassic Coast road between Weymouth & Bridport. Home of the National Collection of Hoheria, in the Southern Hemisphere borders.
Holme for Gardens
A family-owned Garden Centre, Restaurant and Farm Shop stocked with lots of local produce. In recent years, the former PYO produce area has been carefully redeveloped into an impressive ornamental garden and events venue. Recently the National Collection of Hypericum has been established there. An enjoyable day out not far from Wareham.
Sculpture by the Lakes
A hidden gem located around the Lakes at Pallington, on the back road between Dorchester & Affpuddle. A mix of horticulture, nature, sculpture and a place to switch off and relax. Sculpture Park, Artisan Craft Shop & delicious home-grown food. Now home to a National Collection of Forsythia and recently awarded a prestigious Botanical Garden status.
Carey’s Secret Garden
A very recently rediscovered ‘Lost Garden’, untouched for over 40 years, now being sensitively restored with the emphasis on sustainable planting, the environment & wildlife. A walled garden including a Rose Garden, Arid Garden, Vegetable Garden and Herb & Tea Garden. An extensive collection of Salvias and also a collection of Berlin Wall original artifacts. Small coffee shop providing vegetarian food and local quality cakes. 5-10mins drive from Wareham. Prior booking only.
Dorford Centre
The Dorford Centre in Dorchester has been the venue for our regular monthly meetings for several years. Part of the Dorchester Baptist Church, it has developed into a modern Conference and Meeting Centre for much wider use by the community. The main hall can accommodate over 200 people and is equipped with a large screen, audio system & hearing loop. All of our meetings there offer free tea, coffee & biscuits. Currently, members and guests at our meetings can park free of charge in the Public car-park immediately opposite after 6pm. Our meetings start at 7.30pm, doors open at 7pm, usually with free refreshments and the opportunity to browse the plants for sale – grown by our own members.
The National Garden Scheme
The NGS in Dorset is part of a national scheme where people can visit other gardens of interest for a small charge. The proceeds are given to various Heath & Wellbeing Charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Hospice UK, Horatio’s Garden, Carer’s Trust etc. There are many gardens listed in Dorset and in the neighbouring counties of Hants, Wilts, Somerset & Devon.
Groves Nurseries & Garden Centre
A long-established family business with a enviable reputation in South & West Dorset. It is rare to find a Garden Centre which still grows many of its own plants. Groves holds the National Collection of Viola odorata and Parma Violets and has an extensive display in Spring each year. An excellent Garden Centre on the edge of Bridport with a 200 seater Restaurant. Little Groves in nearby Beaminster is smaller and has a friendly, local feel.
Butterfly Conservation
The UK has over 50 species of Butterflies and many of them can be found in the varied habitats around Dorset, including some rare species. The National Headquarters of Butterfly Conservation is in East Lulworth. We are pleased to see Butterfly Conservation represented at our Specialist Plant Fairs.
Dorset Wildlife Trust
DWT is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts across the UK and operates no less than 40 reserves and conservation areas here in Dorset. Its HQ is at Forston, north of Dorchester. We are pleased to see DWT occasionally represented at our Specialist Plant Fairs.
Knoll Gardens
Knoll Gardens is an interesting & nationally-acclaimed ornamental garden between Wimborne & Ferndown. It showcases naturalistic planting in shady, damp, sunny & dry areas with emphasis firmly on wildlife and a sense of well-being. It is home to the UK’s leading specialist nursery for ornamental grasses and the National Collection of hardy Pennisetum.