Ashington Manor
The gardens at Ashington Manor, created by Isabel and Julian Bannerman, surround a historic house and are designed with a strong sense of structure, atmosphere and narrative. The layout combines formal elements with more informal planting, creating a series of distinctive garden spaces. Features include carefully composed vistas, architectural planting, and the use of ornament and built structures to frame views and define areas within the garden. Planting is rich and layered, with an emphasis on seasonal interest, texture and contrast. The garden reflects the Bannermans’ characteristic approach, blending traditional influences with imaginative design, resulting in a setting that feels both established and evolving.

Julian and Isabel Bannerman have been designing gardens and garden buildings together since 1983. Gardens the school is particularly familiar with from the One Year Good Gardening Diploma include the Walled Garden at Arundel Castle and the Long Walk and Entrance Garden at Woolbeding. Isabel and Julian won House & Garden Magazine’s Designers of the Year 2023 and were granted the Royal Warrant of His Majesty King Charles III in 2024. They ‘strive to create magical places which are also for living in’.

Yews Farm
At Yews Farm, Louise and Fergus Dowding have created a highly distinctive garden centred on a large, south-facing walled space. Planting is bold and theatrical, with an emphasis on height, form, foliage and texture, complemented by extensive box topiary. The garden combines both low-maintenance perennial planting and more intensively managed container displays. Productive elements are fully integrated, with vegetables and cut flowers grown together, alongside a working organic kitchen garden and greenhouses filled with seasonal crops. An organic orchard of local cultivars forms part of the wider setting, with free-roaming hens adding to the character of the garden. Self-seeding is actively encouraged, allowing the planting to evolve naturally over time. Managed entirely without artificial chemicals, the garden supports a balanced and self-sustaining ecosystem. Wildlife is allowed to thrive without intervention, contributing to the overall health and resilience of the garden.

Coffee/Tea and refreshments will be provided at both gardens. Please bring a picnic lunch.

SORRY NO DOGS AT EITHER GARDEN

Guests should meet at Ashington Manor at 10.30am, where there will be time to explore the gardens over approximately two and a half hours. Picnic lunches can be enjoyed at Ashington Manor before departing for the afternoon visit.

Guests will then make their own way to Yews Farm, arriving for 1.30pm, with the garden open to explore until 3.00pm.

Please note that travel between the two gardens is not provided, and visitors should arrange their own transport.

Photo with thanks to Andrew Montgomery
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