Nestled on the edge of the tranquil village of Symondsbury in the beautiful Dorset countryside, Stillpoint Garden & Nursery offers an enchanting experience for garden enthusiasts. Created by renowned garden designer Charles Chesshire, the garden is opening for charity on Sunday, 10th August, from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Charles Chesshire, a name synonymous with exceptional garden design, has carefully crafted Stillpoint over the past five years. His extensive travels and international projects have given this garden a distinctive character, reflecting his deep knowledge and innovative spirit. Charles’s impressive CV includes roles as a curator of Burford House Gardens and a consultant for notable estates such as Sudeley Castle and Sezincote gardens. He is also a prolific author of many gardening publications, making him an interesting person to meet and gain insights from.
The garden itself offers a fascinating display of design and planting. An intricate network of gravel paths winds through deep and colourful borders—a treasure trove of new and unusual plants, with a particular focus on stunning Itoh peonies and hydrangeas.
At the centre of Stillpoint Garden is a Japanese-style koshi-kake, or ‘waiting room’. This tranquil space, surrounded by artfully arranged dwarf pines, grasses, and ferns, offers a calming Zen-like aura – a subtle nod to Charles’s time spent in Japan. It’s an ideal spot for quiet reflection, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of their surroundings.
Enhancing the appeal of Stillpoint is its direct link to Charles’s plant nursery. This allows visitors not only to admire the mature plants in the garden but also to buy high-quality plants for their own outdoor spaces. Charles himself is often on hand to offer advice on planting schemes, sharing his expertise to help visitors recreate a touch of Stillpoint’s magic in their own homes.
Beyond the horticultural wonders, Stillpoint offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Delicious homemade teas are available, and for those wishing to bring their furry friends, dogs are welcome on short leads.
As an added bonus, Charles’s wife, Karen, runs an inviting interior design shop on the premises. This charming space is filled with an assortment of books, pottery, and decorative items, providing an opportunity to find unique treasures and perhaps gain inspiration for your own home décor.
Stillpoint is situated about 1 mile west of Bridport. From the A35, drive through Symondsbury, go past Shear Plot on your right, and continue downhill until you see the garden on your right. Alternatively, from Bridport, take the Symondsbury Estate road to Mill Lane, and the garden will be on your left. Admission is £5 (children free).
