It’s 25 years since a group of Dorset gardening enthusiasts got together to try and do something to preserve the county’s treasure trove of listed and historic landscapes, gardens and parks.

Dorset Gardens Trust has grown from that small band into an influential body which seeks to record and preserve all those important outdoor places which might otherwise be lost.

They also try and promote the joy of gardening to the next generation, with an active schools programme, helping children to learn about gardening and where food comes from.

To celebrate its silver jubilee the Trust is holding a Garden Day at Herringston House, near Dorchester, on Sunday, June 29.

Rosemary Agg, who is chairman of the Trust’s Schools Committee, described the garden as: “A perfect example of what we are trying to achieve. The family have lived there for over 500 years and parts of the garden must date from around that time.”

The Trust is currently researching the Herringston garden, looking at structures and features and trying to compile a history.

However, says Rosemary, like all gardens it has been updated. “The lady of the house is a keen gardener and has created many different areas including a rose garden and an azalea walk.”

The gardens also have woods, a small river, and a wildlife area.

The Garden Days only take place every other year and, says Rosemary, are usually held in gardens not normally open to the public. There will also be the chance for visitors to stock their own plot with high-quality plants from some of the 20 stalls which will be selling on the day.

But this is not the only thing the DGT will be doing to promote their anniversary and greater understanding of the work they do.

“We are publishing a gazetteer of Dorset’s Historic Gardens later this year,” she says.

“We hope it will show the variety and scope of the work we do and inspire people to join us.”

They try and financially support historic garden structures, such as the ‘crinkle-crankle’ or Serpentine Wall at Deans Court near Wimborne, and the Shell House at Sherborne School, which received grants towards their refurbishment.

“We think it’s important to record and preserve these things for everyone’s enjoyment,” says Rosemary.

  • dorsetgardenstrust.co.uk