Blossom in Bosham: A Gentle and Genteel Gaze at Gardens
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'The picturesque village of Bosham has a beautiful setting on the edge of Chichester Harbour. It is renowned for its ancient church and historic links with King Canute, King Harold and the Bayeux Tapestry. This biennial event offers a rare opportunity to visit many private gardens in and around Bosham village. There is something of interest for all gardeners including: gardens on the harbour's edge featuring coastal and wind-tolerant plants; beautiful harbour views; more sheltered gardens in the village in a wide variety of styles and sizes; rose gardens; herbaceous borders [and] organic vegetable gardens.' (Open Gardens UK Directory website, and see also this website.)
There will be no set plan for visiting the 26 gardens and we won't go round in a big group: you're welcome to go wherever and with whomever you choose. You're also welcome to leave early or later, but there will be an agreed meeting place and time should you wish to depart as part of a group, perhaps to catch a particular train. In fact, you don't even need to book on this event to see the gardens of course; we'll just happily bump into you in the village!
If you do come by train (or car but want a little more exercise; parking is free), Bosham Railway Station is some way outside of the village, so we'll have a pleasant short walk along Bosham Channel to get there. Please see the route here.
What to bring
Footwear and clothing:
Wear walking shoes or trainers as the walk is short, flat and dry. If sunshine is forecast, apply suncream and perhaps wear a hat; if rain is, wear a jacket.
Money:
Please bring at least £8 cash to see the gardens (proceeds to The Cure Parkinson's Trust). A garden 'passport' can be bought at any partcipating garden or at the main car park. Please also bring cash to buy any plants.
Dogs:
Dogs on leads are allowed in some gardens (marked on route map that is handed out with tickets on the day).
Food & drink
There are lots of options for food and drink. You could have:
- Lunch before you come;
- A packed lunch and drink with you to eat on a bench or on the green at Quay Meadow;
- A pub lunch at The Berkeley Arms or The Anchor Bleu (booking recommended);
- A light lunch and/or tea at a cafe such as Breeze or The Bosham Walk Tea Rooms;
- A larger lunch and/or tea at The Millstream Hotel (booking recommended);
- Tea and cake at the event's tea garden in Canute Road;
- Lunch and a glass of wine in a waterfront garden on Bosham Hoe for £15. (For reservations and pre-payment, please contact John and Shirley Bartlett via john@johnandshirley.com.).