Drive Out National Gardens Scheme Monmouth – 17th May 2026

Wales Chapter Coordinator Helen Hunter reports in on how three little Figgys and their horticultural enthusiast owners, met in the historic market town of Monmouth to visit five beautiful gardens participating in the National Open Gardens Scheme which raises funds for many worthwhile charities.

Three of the gardens were located within easy walking distance of each other right in the centre of town. Two of the gardens were located outside the town centre but were well worth the walk or drive.

Some of the gardens were accessed from the rear of the properties as the main entrances were situated in the main street. From the front you would never know these fabulous gardens exist.

We were extremely fortunate that, despite it being overcast and rather a cool day, it remained dry.

Gardens in the National Garden Scheme included:

Cornwall House (58 Monnow Street): A 17th-century walled property featuring an adjoining kitchen garden with espalier fruit trees.
The Nelson Garden (Blestium Street): A historic garden dating back to Roman times where Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton famously took tea in 1802. It features a memorial pavilion built in 1840.
North Parade House (12 Hereford Road): A surprisingly large and secluded walled garden with mature specimen trees, deep herbaceous borders, and a productive kitchen garden.
St Johns (Glendower Street): A classic walled garden complete with a sunken central lawn, deep herbaceous borders, and beautiful views over Chippenham Fields.
The Gables (The Parade): A beautiful, terraced garden surrounding an Arts and Crafts house that slopes gently down to the river Monnow.

The group then met up to drive a short distance to visit club members Sue and John Exton, who live just outside the town centre. They very kindly invited us for refreshments and to visit their fabulous secret garden which has, apparently, evolved over around 40 years.

It is an amazing, peaceful garden with something new to see around each carefully crafted bend. Some of Sue and John’s own imaginative creations can be seen alongside water features and ponds containing Koi.

There is a cheeky resident Robin who isn’t at all shy and decided to sit on my husband Ian’s shoulder. Apparently, he always appears if he thinks there’s some food available – much the same as my other half then.

We each brought a picnic and there were lots of home-made cakes available to enjoy.

Just as we settled down to eat our picnics the heavens opened and we all had to dash inside. Sue and John’s fascinating home contains an eclectic collection of artefacts. They kindly explained the origins of some of their pieces of furniture and art.

It was a fabulous day that we enjoyed and, I think we all agree, we had such a lovely welcome from Sue and John, and the best garden was saved for last.

I’d like to thank Sue and John for their hospitality and also Ray, Mark, Gina and Nick for making this a memorable day. Thanks to my ever suffering husband, Ian, for putting up with my worries and stresses during the lead up to the drive out.

I really appreciate everyone’s support.