VISITING fine gardens has now become one of our most popular national pastimes. It is certainly one of the biggest attractions for visitors to Herefordshire, which has a wealth of beautiful gardens in stunning settings, often with breathtaking views thrown in.

You would be hard-pressed anywhere to find more varied and interesting gardens, or more spectacular views, than at Hergest Croft Gardens, just outside Kington. There are both the gardens and a

marvellous arboretum at Hergest. Four distinct gardens extend to more than 50 acres, with more

than 4,000 rare shrubs and trees, many of them very special indeed.

There are hidden valleys, woodland glades, open parkland and fine flower borders. The azalea

garden is dominated by a massive avenue of cedars, the spectacular azaleas shaded by many of the

magnificent and often rare birches and maples forming part of the national collections held at

Hergest Croft.

Park Wood is in a secluded valley, hidden deep within an ancient oak wood. It has many giant

rhododendrons and exotic trees, creating an almost Himalayan scene which will surprise the visitor.

There are even luscious scents which compel garden-lovers to track down their source, which

might be a tree, a shrub or perhaps regale lilies. Such is the attraction of Hergest Croft.