About the Garden

Nestling in a woodland corner of Northern Hampshire, the gardens of West Green House surround one of the prettiest manor houses in England. It is a garden with a special and distinctive sense of place created over two decades by Marylyn Abbott a renowned Australian garden designer whose twin passions for English Gardens and International Opera have created a unique environment.

‘her swashbuckling annual potage displays, fountain gardens and torch lit operas reflect her energy and zest. Through her books she has pumped fresh air and sparkle into the world of period gardening’ Stephen Lacey, The Telegraph

West Green House Gardens combines neo-classical style with contemporary design. A grand water staircase provides a focal point to the Nymphaeum Fountain designed by architect Quinlan Terry. The magnificent Walled Garden, faithfully restored to its original lines, is entered through an arbor of wisteria. An alley of apple trees divides an elaborate potager with its berry-filled fruit cages, annual flowers and colourful vegetables from its signature perennial borders exuberantly planted in subtle hues of mauve, plum and blue.

Beyond these walls, the Lakefield is carpeted in the spring with fritillaries and daffodils and which embraces one of England’s most eclectic collections of garden follies. A path leads from the serenity of the Lake to the Paradise Water Garden and contemporary Garden of the Five Bridges with its serpentine ribbon of iris sibirica crossed by chinoiserie inspired bridges. It meanders on through a woodland glade to the terraced Theatre Lawn surrounded by tall tapestry hedges. West Green House Garden offers four seasons of beauty, contrast and inspiration, with its stunning planting, dazzling colour and touch of humour.