Furzey Gardens, Minstead, embarks on centenary celebrations

Furzey Gardens is a ten-acre site owned by the Minstead Trust, a charity that supports more than 220 Hampshire people with learning disabilities.

The appeal aims to ensure the gardens continue to thrive for years to come.

Fans of the attraction include broadcaster Esther Rantzen, who lives in a nearby village and celebrated her 80th birthday at the venue.

Dame Esther said: "Furzey Gardens is one of Hampshire's jewels that not enough people know about and cherish."

The site includes an ancient thatched cottage and a collection of tiny fairy doors. Its new-look tearoom is welcoming customers again and is fully open inside for the first time since the pandemic started two years ago.

A Furzey spokesperson said: "Visitors will be able to enjoy daffodils, crocus, camellias and snowdrops as they bring colour to the garden after the winter months.

"Children will be able to follow a new trail to help a 1920s plant-hunter track down his missing equipment."

Events marking the centenary will include a landmark art installation in the 16th century cottage, a gardening festival on May 14-15, and outdoor performances of classic plays.

A video history project will capture memories of key figures in the garden’s past.

The spokesperson said: "The centenary year aims to tell the pioneering story of the gardens – from the intrepid plant-hunters who filled them with rare species to its more modern history as a place of support and education for people with learning disabilities."

The gardens were created in 1922 by the Dalrymple family, who filled them with botanically and historically important plants from around the world.

Furzey was opened to the public in 1930 but became difficult to maintain and in 1972 it was decided to close the attraction. However, the site was bought by solicitor Tim Selwood.

In 2012 Chris Beardshaw designed a garden for the Chelsea Flower Show with the help of staff, students and volunteers from Furzey.