Barnards Farm Gardens, West Horndon, Essex CM13 3LX (on the A128, 1 mile South of the A127) are open to the public as part of the National Gardens Scheme and all proceeds from open days are donated to charity.
The 22 hectares of gardens at Barnards Farm range from landscaped walks through young woodland to the precise detail of the Japanese garden. The more formal gardens including a parterre, herbaceous borders, a living wall and the vegetable garden are found nearer the house.A walk through the managed landscape will take in the long avenue, a stream, ponds, and the Euro wood. A striking feature in the SW corner is the belvedere, planted largely with roses providing a blaze of colour in summer.
A significant collection of sculpture is disposed throughout the garden providing some interesting surprises. Many artists and nationalities are represented and the collection includes works by Elizabeth Frink, Jean-Marie Fondacaro, Antony Gormley, Thomas Heatherwick, Nicolas Lavarenne, Bernard Holmes, Charmiane Cox and Monica Young.
Barnards Farm is home to the National Collection of Malus (Crab apples) and so benefits from blossom in spring time and colourful fruit in autumn.
There is a grass airstrip and the design and development of the gardens have been influenced by consideration of the aerial view. Pilots and passengers are welcome. (PPO)
The gardens and buildings at Barnards Farm are owned and managed by Bernard and Sylvia Holmes and the Christabella Charitable Trust