About the Garden

The Down House has a 3-acre garden developed by its owners, Jackie and Mark Porter, since 2001. It is laid out in rooms overlooking Itchen Valley, adjoining the Pilgrim's
Way, with walks through a large meadow to the river.

In winter, see the carpet of snowdrops and crocus, plus borders of coloured stems. Pleached hornbeams, yew-lined avenues,  woodland nut and orchard walk.

In summer, the roped rose garden, hot borders, wildlife pond and shady places are wondeful, alongside the working vineyard and potager.

More garden ...

What's New?

These recent pictures of the willow border, planted about 8 years ago, already show the range of colours and effect for which it was created. The white-stemmed willow, quite a rarity in gardens, is called White Welsh ( Salix fragilis decipiens ) and the adjacent tall black willow ( those 9ft stems grew in only one season ! ) is not unsurprisingly called Black Willow ( Salix nigricans ).

The strongly yellow coloured-willow is Golden Willow ( Salix alba vitellina ) while the tried and tested Scarlet Willow ( Salix alba vitellina 'Britzensis' ) provides a spectacular orange/red glow in the sunshine.

Visit the Garden

Open under  the NGS :

Sunday 16th February 2020
( 12pm - 4pm )
​

NGS Admission: Adult £5, Children free

Groups of 20+ also welcome by appointment during February, please contact us for our private opening arrangements

Refreshments : Home-made teas. 

Contact: Jackie & Mark Porter
Telephone: 01962 791054
Contact us by email

Location: 6m E of Winchester on B3047; 5th house on the right after the Itchen Abbas village sign

Click here for a detailed map

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