Well used to opening in the summer to raise money for the local hospice, this year Ruth and Matthew opened their garden ‘The Gatehouse‘ for the National Garden Scheme in the spring. Ruth said she bought ‘something like’ 2,000 bulbs, not surprising in a garden of this size!
Described in the NGS Handbook as ‘one of London’s largest private gardens’, the grounds were originally part of Eltham Palace and are presided over by a hugely imposing copper beech. The great wall surrounding the garden and the mature trees lend the garden an immediate air of gravitas.
Visiting this spring, as you walked through the gate you were greeted by a flock of Narcissus ‘Thalia’ and pink and white tulips. Later in the year the garden is dominated by the extensive collection of roses and the Tudor garden which Matthew and Ruth have created, but this spring the focus was most certainly on tulips, with a variety of tulip mixes on view.
Additionally, a fabulous spread of home-made cakes was on offer, perfect for taking to one of the many seating areas around the garden for a spot of afternoon tea.
Vija V, April 2026
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Charlton and Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society 