Bonchurch in Bloom: A Weekend of Gardens, Community and Cream Teas
Seventeen gardens, countless conversations, and one village in full flower.
“The folded flower of the morning,
The blown bud in the breast of the noon,
The full flower sleeping and scorning
The change of the loud loomed tune.”
— Algernon Charles Swinburne, from “Itylus” (1865)
The first weekend of July arrived with soft rain and low clouds — not the weather we’d hoped for, but the kind that adds a certain hush to the village, a green glow to the leaves, and a quiet excitement to what lay ahead.
Bonchurch Open Gardens Weekend, held on the 5th and 6th of July this year, unfolded just as it always has — with open gates, open hearts, and a shared love of nature’s slow, generous beauty. But something about this year felt extra special.
Perhaps it was the sold-out ticket baskets, the clatter of teaspoons over the last cream-topped scones, or the warm words from both new and returning visitors. Perhaps it was the sight of visitors strolling garden paths undeterred by the drizzle — a gentle reminder that a bit of weather doesn’t dampen the quiet magic of a village in bloom.
Across Bonchurch, seventeen gardens told their stories. Each one revealed something about its caretakers — their humour, patience, sense of place. The tidy abundance of St Boniface Allotments, the serene wildness of Bonchurch Pond, and the painterly arrangements at Marepool all drew visitors into the life of the village, one garden at a time.
East Dene, with its dramatic vistas and historic presence, opened as part of the trail for the first time this year — and proved to be a major draw for visitors throughout the weekend.
The newly created water feature at Orchard Leigh felt entirely at home within its surroundings, nestled among mature planting and soft paths. It added a gentle rhythm to an already captivating garden — the quiet trickle of water drawing visitors to pause, listen, and take in the delicate balance between new ideas and long-established charm. It was a beautiful example of how thoughtful additions can deepen a garden’s sense of atmosphere without disturbing its soul.
Under Rock
..stood out for its sense of quiet permanence. The recent restoration work was subtle yet significant, with dry stone walling on display that celebrated traditional skills rarely seen so close. Every stone seemed placed with care, anchoring the garden’s terraces into the landscape and giving a timeless structure to its natural beauty. It was a garden that felt both rooted in history and vibrantly alive — a true testament to patience, vision, and craft.
St Bede’s was a striking demonstration of ingenuity and perseverance — a garden carved into the steep, chalky slopes of St Boniface Down. Rising in layered platforms, it led visitors on a journey upward, each level carefully shaped and planted to suit its contours. What could have been an impossible hillside was transformed into a deeply personal space, full of character and clever planting. It offered not only a lesson in creativity, but a panoramic reward for those who made the climb.
And then there was Elcombe House — a jewel in its own right. Tucked away and immaculately kept, this garden featured a remarkable collection of miniature trees, masterfully cared for by their creator, a Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist. These weren’t just trees — they were living sculptures, decades in the making, presented with quiet pride by their equally decorated owner. To stand in their presence was to understand the deep time, attention, and reverence that bonsai demands. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Throughout the weekend, the shuttle bus trundled back and forth, always with someone waiting to board. Volunteers handed out maps, answered questions, and guided visitors with easy smiles and local knowledge. These are the quiet hands that make the weekend run, and this year they were tireless.
The plant sales were a popular stop along the trail, with visitors happily picking up home-grown favourites and garden treasures to take a little piece of Bonchurch away with them.
We were also proud to be part of the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival — a wider celebration of the island’s landscapes and communities. In keeping with its ethos, we made an effort to keep the event as plastic-free as possible. It might not have been perfect, but it was genuine — and a step toward something better. Reusable signage, compostable tea cups, and low-waste solutions became part of our garden language.
As Sunday afternoon drew to a close, visitors lingered to make the most of every last minute, wandering the gardens until the final bell. Meanwhile, organisers and garden owners gathered at Spring Vale — a quiet moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate a weekend well spent. Bonchurch had opened its gates and its community, and the spirit of the place felt stronger for it.
To the garden hosts, who gave their time and trust — thank you. To the volunteers, who made the magic run on time — thank you. And to every visitor who came, lingered, and left kind words behind — thank you.
We’ll do it all again. And next time, perhaps with a little more sun and a few more scones.
With gratitude from the whole team,
The Bonchurch Community Association