2022- open from the 9st March - Wednesday to Sunday until the end of Oct Cally Gardens and Specialist Plant Centre is a treasure trove of exotic and rare hardy plants gathered from around the Globe. It is a must see for plant lovers but please note that the garden is a modern, natural and organic collection of plans and nothing remains of the formal 18th century plan. The towering 18th century walls shelter over 5000 rare plants all hand selected from their natural habitat by the famous plant collector Michael Wickenden, and is now in the care of another plant hunter (and ecologist)Kevin Hughes. The garden is popular with modern gardeners as it's natural feel is all about plants. Kevin lectures around the globe on sustainable gardening.
I know many reviewers give Cally a very poor review, but they misunderstand its nature. Ignore the negative reviews - this is a magical place. Yes, it is unkempt and untidy and wild looking. But that is the idea. Kevin's (the owner's) aim is to create a wildlife haven as well as a treasure trove of plants...and that he has done in buckets. The place hums with bees. Last time I visited, a few days ago, he enthused about the fact that he now had common Blue butterflies breeding in the garden. If you expect to find a manicured, neat and tidy garden and nursery at Cally you will be sorely disappointed. If you want to find a riotous jumble of colour and scents, insects and birds you will love it. And Kevin is an enthusiastic communicator - track him down and ask him a question and he will happily discuss and explain the gardens' ethos and his aims and vision for it. Visit Cally with an open mind, forget your expectations, just enjoy it.
Fascinating place. A cross between a walked garden and a nursery. The unkempt appearance is part of the charm of this place. It's pretty clear what it's about if you care to read about it before you go. A donation of PS5 is suggested (which i gladly paid) to enter but I'd guess that most folk don't bother - the nursery is free to visit... I'll be back!
Not much to see in spring (end of April). Unusual selection of plants. Would expect it to look better in the summer. Slightly overrun but I suspect that this in part has to do with COVID lockdowns. Nursary small with a selection of home grown plant. Interesting selection at average price. PS5 to view gardens. PS7.50 for annual pass to view gardens. Free entry to nursary.
The last time I went there Kevin Hughes had recently bought the nursery. Since then he has done loads of work and the nursery is looking superb. The nursery is stocked with really interesting exotic plants. Kevin was very helpful and he certainly knows a lot about plants.
Lovely garden! Well worth a visit
Garden not looking it's best and expensive for entry. Saying that it was nice walking round in the sunshine with some of the plants flourishing.Nice to see the birds at the feeders and butterflies were in abundance.
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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I know many reviewers give Cally a very poor review, but they misunderstand its nature. Ignore the negative reviews - this is a magical place. Yes, it is unkempt and untidy and wild looking. But that is the idea. Kevin's (the owner's) aim is to create a wildlife haven as well as a treasure trove of plants...and that he has done in buckets. The place hums with bees. Last time I visited, a few days ago, he enthused about the fact that he now had common Blue butterflies breeding in the garden. If you expect to find a manicured, neat and tidy garden and nursery at Cally you will be sorely disappointed. If you want to find a riotous jumble of colour and scents, insects and birds you will love it. And Kevin is an enthusiastic communicator - track him down and ask him a question and he will happily discuss and explain the gardens' ethos and his aims and vision for it. Visit Cally with an open mind, forget your expectations, just enjoy it.
Fascinating place. A cross between a walked garden and a nursery. The unkempt appearance is part of the charm of this place. It's pretty clear what it's about if you care to read about it before you go. A donation of PS5 is suggested (which i gladly paid) to enter but I'd guess that most folk don't bother - the nursery is free to visit... I'll be back!
Not much to see in spring (end of April). Unusual selection of plants. Would expect it to look better in the summer. Slightly overrun but I suspect that this in part has to do with COVID lockdowns. Nursary small with a selection of home grown plant. Interesting selection at average price. PS5 to view gardens. PS7.50 for annual pass to view gardens. Free entry to nursary.
The last time I went there Kevin Hughes had recently bought the nursery. Since then he has done loads of work and the nursery is looking superb. The nursery is stocked with really interesting exotic plants. Kevin was very helpful and he certainly knows a lot about plants.
Lovely garden! Well worth a visit
Garden not looking it's best and expensive for entry. Saying that it was nice walking round in the sunshine with some of the plants flourishing.Nice to see the birds at the feeders and butterflies were in abundance.
