Ramster Gardens
Photo: Colin Smith / CC BY-SA 2.0, modified.
Overview
Ramster Gardens is a 25-acre woodland garden at Ramster Hall in Chiddingfold, Surrey, England. It is not a self-contained traditional Japanese garden, but the garden has a documented Japanese influence dating from its early development, especially through Japanese plants, ornaments and planting style. The garden is best known for rhododendrons, azaleas, rare trees and woodland planting, with Japanese-style features integrated into the wider landscape.
History
The present garden was laid out from native oak woodland by Sir Harry Waechter, with help from Gauntletts of Chiddingfold, a neighbouring nursery known for its interest in Japanese plants and ornaments. In 1922 the property was bought by Sir Henry and Lady Norman, and Lady Norman developed the rhododendron and azalea planting for which the garden later became especially known. Ramster was among the first gardens to open for the National Garden Scheme in 1927 and has continued to open regularly since then.
Design features
The Japanese influence at Ramster is expressed through plants, ornaments and woodland composition rather than through a formal Japanese garden layout. Documented features include stone lanterns, cranes by the pond, clumps of bamboo, evergreen azaleas and an avenue of maples. These elements sit within a larger woodland garden of rhododendrons, azaleas, rare trees, glades and paths.
Garden elements
Bridges
Waters and islands
Other elements
Current status
Ramster Gardens remains open as a visitor garden at Ramster Hall, with seasonal public opening. Current visitor information describes it as a 25-acre woodland garden renowned for rhododendrons, azaleas and rare trees, with opening days and hours varying by season.