Furzey Gardens

Furzey Gardens is part of a larger registered charitable organisation that provides residential care and horticultural training to young people with learning difficulties through the work of the Minstead Training Project. Students from the project can frequently be seen working in the Gardens or in the adjacent nursery. Plants which the students have grown can be purchased in the Nursery Shop in the far right hand corner of the Gardens.

The Gardens were originally designed and planted in 1922 on what was rough gorse grazing land. Much soil was imported by horse and cart to bury the forest clay and enable the types of trees and shrubs that are grown here to thrive. The initial costs were then over £7,000. There are about eight acres of gardens accessible to the visitor, in a rural setting with lovely views accross the forest to the Isle of Wight. The Gardens have an international reputation in horticultural circles and are of great botanical interest throughout the year. The general planting is informal with many wild flowers complementing the display.

Work in the gardens is carried out by young people who have learning disabilities, under the supervision of Horticultural Instructors.

The Forest Cottage by the Gardens entrance is believed to have been built in 1560 with timbers reputed to have come from the Tudor boatyards at Lymington: the shape and style indicate their having been cut for shipbuilding. During renovation work Mormon newsprint, dated 1860 sent from Salt Lake City, was found to have been used as a lining paper on the ceilings.

The beautiful thatched Will Selwood Gallery should not to be missed. The large, well-stocked Craft Gallery displays a wide range of arts and crafts. Exhibitions of paintings, photographs and sculpture are held in the adjoining Art Gallery. The play area has something for everyone. Come and see the African style round houses, the tree house and viewing platform, the swings and the picnic area.

General Information:

• Covered tea terrace with fabulous views over the garden.
• Dogs not allowed in Gardens except guide dogs
• Craft gallery and shop
• Picnic and play area
• Plant shop