Shaped by the seasons
The Gardens
The house is embraced by magnificent gardens which have been nurtured by the Talbot family since 1850, with wonderful trees, wide paths and borders and woodland walks. Each tree, shrub, path or lawn has been carefully planned by a family member, shaping the landscape of the gardens over many generations.
We provide vegetables and flowers for the Farm Shop; flowers for events and cutting, and relaxing vistas all year round.
The gardens are open between 9-4 all year round with visitors welcome to stroll through the mown paths, and enjoy the colour, structure and texture which varies throughout the year as one season gives way to the next. There are two days a year dedicated to raising funds for the National Garden Scheme where delicious teas are offered in the garden to raise funds for Holy Trinity Markbeech Church
Most of the garden that survives today, to the right of the house, would have been to provide the house with fresh vegetables and fruit. The garden in front of the house was terraced into the landscape with two hahas in the front and side.
The garden is run by Nicola Talbot who is ably supported by Ellie Gill and Lee Renacre. Ellie grows a wonderful array of plants grown specifically for dyeing and decorating fabrics. We have great plans for enlarging our cutting garden to enable you to pick your own flowers.
Nicola is also given tremendous assistance by a handful of brilliant volunteers. More are always welcome! Please do get in touch if you would like to spend some time here.
Tickets are £8 and available from the Farm Shop.
Don’t forget to pick up a coffee & something sweet from the Farm Shop during your visit!
Walks
Short woodland walk
With your garden entry ticket you can access this walk from the little path in the south east corner of the garden down into the woods. Daffodils, bluebells, orchids abound. Cross the little bridge and return to the garden, arriving at the bottom of the marquee lawn. Explore the shepherd's hut. Carry on for a longer walk through the bluebell woods and join up with the public footpath leading to Hole Cottage (the oldest building in the area), then retrace your steps into the garden.
Maps are provided at no cost from the shop with a garden entry.
Longer woodland walk
With your garden entry ticket you can access this walk from the little path in the south east corner of the garden down into the woods. Continue past the bridge and gate through the beech and bluebell woods until you come to the public footpath. Turn left, over the stile and up the hill bearing left at the gate and over another stile. Arriving at Markbeech Church (built by the same Hon. John Chetwynd Talbot who built Falconhurst) turn left out of the graveyard through a little gate along The Church Walk arriving at Falconhurst Farm Shop for a well earnt cup of coffee.
Maps for the garden and for the woodland walks are provided with your garden entry available form the farm shop.
FALCONHURST GARDENS
Nicola Talbot
We are passionate about our garden. It is a place where we all work and play. The garden has structure which gives it form, but with mellifluous borders and a feeling of wildness just kept under control, rather reflecting our characters. Our no-dig organic market gardening skills are progressing with new and different produce for the farm shop. We have a desire to share the beauty of this place, so do come and visit, meet our pigs and goats, and see what we’re up to! If you would like to come and help please contact us.
If you would like to get in touch, please email nicola@falconhurst.co.uk.