Throughout the spring, fields of Azaleas & Rhododendrons sparkle with colour, while secret trails lead to peaceful glades amid blooming primulas and bulbs, and observation spots give views of the New Forest. Summer interest is maintained by flowering shrubs and trees, which are followed by a burst of fall colour towards the end of the year. Flowering & foliage plants grow both in or out of the lake in the water garden, which is complemented by a variety of conifers. After winning GOLD at RHS Chelsea in 2012, their award-winning Chelsea Garden has been beautifully replicated overlooking the lake. Their reintroduced water meadow is reached through a waterfall. The gardens are fantastic for kids. There are play homes, a swing, as well as a “dry, docked” toy boat in the shaded play area. Picnicking and hide-and-seek are both popular activities. There are approximately 30 small fairy doors concealed throughout the grounds, which is a mystery. Wildlife may be seen in the wildflower meadow or cottage garden, and you can go backwards in time when you visit the old Furzey cottage. The Gallery Gift & Coffee Shop, that has lots of space inside, comfy sofas upstairs, and a lovely outdoor patio facing the gardens, serves delicious locally produced cakes and sandwiches. Explore the Gallery Gift & Coffee Shop, which features and sells a wide range of local art, crafts, and gifts, including work created by Minstead Training Trust students. Visitors who want to take home a green keepsake will enjoy browsing the plant sales section, where plants are sold at extremely reasonable prices. The Gardens are open all year, as well as the Gallery Gift and Coffee Shop that is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the start of March to the end of October (last orders at 4.15 pm). The Gallery Gift and Coffee Shop is open to the public for free browsing and light refreshments. The Gardens are open to the public for a fixed minimum donation, which may be paid in the Gallery Gift and Coffee Shop. Please deposit donations in the box provided whenever the Gallery Gift and Coffee Shop is closed. The admission fee supports the care of the gardens as well as the Charity’s efforts to provide opportunities for individuals with learning impairments.