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June 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 45fi e Secret Gardens OF OLNEY AND BEYONDYour chance to explore hidden green spaces and the people who bring them to life this summer...Olney Open Gardens: A Summer TraditionOne of the best opportunities to explore Olney%u2019s private gardens is the annual Olney Open Gardens event, which raises funds for Willen Hospice. Each summer (subject to confi rmation), local garden owners open their gates, inviting visitors to wander through their carefully curated spaces, from charming cottage gardens to structured, contemporary designs. Many of the hosts are often on hand to chat about their planting choices, challenges, and successes, making this an interactive and educational experience. Whether you%u2019re looking for wildlife-friendly inspiration, clever planting ideas, or simply a lovely day out, this event off ers a rare glimpse into gardens usually hidden from view.Event info: Keep an eye on Willen Hospice%u2019s website or local event listings for this year%u2019s dates.A Garden with a Story: The Cowper & Newton Museum GardensTucked away in the heart of Olney, The Cowper & Newton Museum Gardens off er a historical green retreat linked to the famous poet William Cowper. Designed in a Georgian style, the gardens refl ect the era in which Cowper lived, complete with traditional herbaceous borders, a summer house, and a small orchard. Visitors can take a step back in time while enjoying the peaceful walled garden, a perfect blend of history and horticulture. If you%u2019re interested in heritage planting, this is a must-visit.Tip: The museum has previously hosted garden-themed events %u2013 check their website for any upcoming talks and workshops.Kathy Brown%u2019s Garden: A Masterpiece of Colour & DesignFor a truly unique garden experience, Kathy Brown%u2019s Garden in Stevington is a hidden gem that blends art, colour, and horticulture. Open on select days, this breathtaking garden is known for its creative planting schemes, themed borders, and innovative use of space.From vibrant wildfl ower meadows to carefully designed flower beds inspired by famous paintings, every part of Kathy Brown%u2019s Garden tells a story. Whether you%u2019re an experienced gardener looking for design inspiration or simply want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in stunning surroundings, this is a must-visit destination.Plan your visit: Advance booking is required %u2013 check Kathy Brown%u2019s website for open days and special tours.Hidden Villages, Open Gardens: Pavenham & Yardley HastingsSeveral villages in the area open their gardens to visitors once a year, allowing people to explore a diverse range of private spaces.%u25cf Pavenham Open Gardens: Known for its charming cottage gardens, elegant water features, and colourful floral displays, this event off ers a rare chance to step inside some of the village%u2019s most beautifully maintained private gardens.%u25cf Yardley Hastings Open Gardens: A wonderful mix of formal gardens, walled enclosures, and relaxed country-style planting, with proceeds often going to local charities.These events not only provide gardening inspiration but also offer a wonderful opportunity for local residents to share their passion for horticulture. Check listings: Open gardens events vary each year %u2013 visit the National Garden Scheme website or local village noticeboards for details.Castle Ashby Gardens: A Year-Round DelightFor those who prefer a grand, landscaped setting, Castle Ashby Gardens is a fantastic choice. Just a short drive from Olney, this magnificent estate boasts a formal Italian garden, a walled garden, and an ornate orangery that feels like stepping into another era. The walled garden is a highlight, featuring seasonal planting schemes that transform throughout the year. With ever-changing seasonal displays, visitors might find tulips in spring, roses in summer, or golden foliage in autumn, ensuring a diff erent experience on each visit.Tip: There%u2019s also a lovely plant shop and caf%u00e9, making it a great day out for both experienced gardeners and casual visitors.Harrold Garden TrailSat 14th June, Harrold Village, 12-5pm Follow a fun, family-friendly trail through Harrold%u2019s unique village gardens and creative spaces. Explore courtyard oases, wild patches, and gardens with a view, with family activities and refreshments along the way. To take part or off er your garden, email hello@elworthyfl owers.co.uk or 07846 419732. Sponsorship opportunities available.Castlethorpe Open GardensSat 28th & Sun 29th June, Castlethorpe Village, 11am-5pmEnjoy a weekend of open gardens in this pretty north Buckinghamshire village. Around 20 gardens-including, a blacksmith%u2019s forge and Grade I-listed church, are within walking distance of the Village Hall. Teas and cakes available, plus local crafts, plants for sale, and family-friendly activities. Tickets: %u00a35 per person, %u00a312 families. Proceeds support village projects. Info: judi.leon@hotmail.co.uk / 07533 773 023.Brafi eld on the Green Open GardensSat 14 & Sun 15, Brafi eld on the Green, 1.30-5pm Explore around eight charming village gardens on a scenic route through Brafi eld. A Flower Festival will take place in St Laurence Church, with stalls and refreshments in the Village Hall. Well-behaved dogs welcome. Entry: %u00a35 adults (includes Flower Festival), under-16s free. Tickets from the Village Hall. Proceeds support the Village Jubilee Fund and the church. Info: gillager@btinternet.com / 07802 533137.JULYDenton Open GardensSun 13th July, Denton, 11am-5pm After a six-year break, the beautiful village of Denton reopens around 10 private gardens. Highlights include a 17th-century dovecote, historic church murals by Henry Bird, and a village trough dating to 1884. Spot Percy the peacock, browse local crafts on the Village Green, and enjoy BBQ and drinks from Mooche Wala Bar & Grill. Tea and cake available at the church. Entry: %u00a35 adults, under-16s free. Tickets from the Village Green. Proceeds support St Margaret%u2019s Church and theVillage Hall. Info: rudgecottage@yahoo.co.uk.Wollaston Open GardensSun 6th July, Wollaston, 12-5pmAround 10 gardens open across the village, alongside the pocket park, museum, curiosity cottage and Beacon Hill gardens. St Mary%u2019s Church will host bell-ringing demos at 3pm. Enjoy cream teas at the Baptist Church, browse crafts in the museum gardens, and visit the STTEBS Care Farm and Lodge Farm Gardens. Refreshments and plant sales available. Entry: %u00a35 adults, under-16s free. Programmes from the museum or participating gardens. Proceeds to Wollaston Heritage Society. Info: hillybrown55@gmail.com / 01933 665 383.COULD YOUR GARDEN BE NEXT? The beauty of these open gardens lies not just in their design, but in the stories behind them. Many have been transformed over years, or even generations, with each gardener leaving their own mark. If you have a beautiful garden, allotment, or green space, why not consider opening it for a future local event? Whether through Olney Open Gardens, the National Garden Scheme, or a village event, it%u2019s an excellent way to share your passion, meet other enthusiasts, and support a great cause. Whether you%u2019re wandering through a grand historic estate, admiring a hidden walled garden, or getting inspired by local village spaces, these secret gardens of Olney and beyond remind us of the beauty, creativity, and tranquillity that gardening brings. Do you know of a hidden green space worth celebrating? Let us know %u2013 we%u2019d love to feature more of Olney%u2019s gardening gems in future editions!