Rare shrub garden at Saling Hall is open to the public

THE internationally famous Saling Hall garden has been opened up to the public as part of a national scheme. The 12-acre venue is famed for its collections of rare trees and shrubs set in a sylvan landscape, and has been chronicled over the past 35 years

THE internationally famous Saling Hall garden has been opened up to the public as part of a national scheme.

The 12-acre venue is famed for its collections of rare trees and shrubs set in a sylvan landscape, and has been chronicled over the past 35 years by Hugh Johnson in his monthly Tradescant's Diary.

Its features include a Temple of Pisces, a menhir, six ponds, many vistas that make a garden of moods and surprises, beauty and strong botanical interest. The house (not open) and walled flower garden are dated 1699.

The gates to the venue are now being opened as part of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS), which selects hundreds of residential gardens to raise money for charities including Marie Curie Cancer Care, Macmillan Cancer Support and Help the Hospices.

NGS county organiser Susan Copeland said: "Everone has their favourite part of these very special gardens and my favourite is the walled garden. It is so steeped in history and is such a calming place to wander around."

Saling Hall Garden is open every Wednesday until July 29, from 2pm to 5pm. Visitors are also welcome by appointment, and groups (weekdays only) by written application. Admission is �4, children free.

For more information visit www.salinghall.com