Facilities: 

Contact: Ampthill Town Council   Telephone: 01525 755648
Email: bryden.k@ntlworld.com

Postcode: MK45 2PP
Location: 8m S of Bedford.  Free parking in town centre. Entrance opp old Market Place, down King's Arms Yard
click here for a map

Opening dates and times: Suns 31 Jan (2-4); 31 Oct (2-4.30); 2011 30 Jan.

Admission: Adm £2, chd free

Description: Small woodland garden of about 1½ acres created by plantsman the late William Nourish. Trees, shrubs, bulbs and many interesting collections throughout the yr. Maintained since 1987 by ‘The Friends of the Garden’ on behalf of Ampthill Town Council

Further details:The earliest reference to this land names it as ‘The Hop Ground’ in 1676. Through the years many changes took place: it as used as a paddock, a cricket ground, then a holding place for stock and subsequently became a rubbish dump. Ampthillians know the area as “Mr Nourish’s Garden” because in 1968 the late W H (Bill) Nourish obtained permission from the Ampthill Town Council to clear and plant the land. Mr Nourish, a distinguished horticulturist was A.D.A.S. Regional Horticultural Officer until his retirement in 1970. During the years until he died in 1986, he used all his professional ability and gifts as a plantsman to create a lovely woodland garden. This story is included for visitors and newcomers to the town. Since 1987 the garden had been maintained by the Friends of the Garden on behalf of the Ampthill Town Council. It is usually open the last Sunday in the month to the public and to groups by arrangement. The first opening of the yea is in late January for the many varieties of snowdrops and hellebores. Bill planted so well that there is something new to be seen every month, especially in the Spring when there is something is a splendid succession of bulbs. It is ususally open on the The garden had featured in the Good Gardens Guide and BBC Gardeners’ World magazine.