Inspiration from Westbourne Open Gardens

15 gardens in 3 hours, and so many photos my phone ran out of battery... Time to sit down for a rest before I get out and tend to my own patch! I'd really like to act on some of the ideas I had for my own garden as I wandered round, so here's what I liked...

Alchemila molls combined with Alium Christophe. I've wanted some of these alliums for ages, they're so structural and dry well too.

A rose arch to divide different areas of the garden/driveway.

This was the garden of Rosebury House! I can't believe how far it went, right to the river Ems. Gorgeous!

I love the colour combination of nepeta and salvia.

In the garden next door - a great feature! I want one! Reminds me of the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

 Ideas for hard surfacing, I do love paviers...

Topiary! If only I had the time...

I think this was Ivy House, not a huge garden but one of my faves with lots of interest.

Nice subtle colours with pale variegated foliage.

A buddliea grown as a tree!

Box edging doesn't have to be very thick to look smart...

A cute brick path to a secret veggie corner of the garden.

A lovely spot next to the river!

A pretty example of how gardening doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming... Mum if you're reading this, please can I have some of the purple one? I don't even know what it is, just that it likes to grow in crevices!

Another lovely riverside spot, near the humped back bridge

My first rope swing of the day!

Irises - must get some, and the pink flower is fabulous too...

The paving in this garden was amazing and all done by the owners' children and grandchildren!

I had hard landscaping envy in this garden. They even had a 'rill' for their grandchildren to sail boats down, although they're too old for it now and it's been filled with gravel.

The Chantry Hall estate was a real eye opener! All new but with so much character, immaculately presented! I don't think I'll ever be that tidy!

 I love this veranda.

Green green green, so relaxing.

A gravel 'patio' with brick edging looked smart.

Something to aspire to, nice colour combo

A blue leaved plant, looked amazing!

Every garden should have a lavender seat, and I like the rope steps too...

Interesting wall, I could see this in my garden...

And the steps... I need to talk to Handy Dad this time!

The scent in this garden was amazing! Need more roses...

And rose arches...

A show-stopping peony, hubby would love this!

The veranda I covet every time I drive to Southbourne

Lovely big rose

And the finale - a huge American dogwood tree, wow.

I'm feeling inspired, and also pleased with what I've already done. I LOVE gardening!