Filkins and Broughton Poggs National Garden Scheme Garden Tour last weekend was an absolute delight. The gardens were wreathed in spring blossoms and the weather held with many glimpses of the sun before showers began at five o’clock.

It is a joy to visit the many beautiful private gardens on the NGS tours which cannot be seen other that through the open days organized by them.

The owners work hard to bring the gardens to their peak to be ‘camera ready’ for the public and the proceeds from ticket sales benefit several important charities. A visit to a beautiful garden with wonderful tea and cake makes for a lovely day out.

The Cotswolds setting of the two side-by-side villages of Filkins and Broughton Poggs could not be more picturesque with the River ……winding languidly between the gardens adding yet another dimension to their beauty.
Filkins House’s gardens boasted glorious fruit tree blossoms and…….

a charming dry stone wall garden seat fashioned from Cotswolds stone. Perfect for lazy picnics or afternoon tea. The homemade cakes served at the tour in Filkins Village Hall were delicious, a highlight – Ginger fruit cake with Mascapone cheese spread liberally on top.
This garden in Filkins featured a 200 year old apple tree which spread a mantle of delicate pink and white blossom on the lawn.
The Grade II listed 18th Century Broughton Poggs Mill covered in Wisteria.
For a list of open gardens throughout the summer visit National Garden Scheme’s website
http://www.ngs.org.uk

A portion of the proceeds of every copy of this author’s book COTSWOLDS MEMOIR: Discovering a Beautiful Region of Britain on a Quest to Buy a 17th Century Cottage is donated to Cotswold conservation institutions. Available on