The Friends, floral extravaganza Yarn Bomb  (see below)

Enjoy a flavour of the gardens from the video above.

Come and enjoy the beauty and long history of Caversham Court on the bank of the River Thames.  

Owned and cared for by Reading Borough Council. The Friends assist the council  to achieve its objectives for Caversham Court as a historic garden and to raise awareness of its history and importance. 

The gardens are open every day (except Christmas Day) from 8 a.m. to dusk. Entry is free.

 The charity run Tea Kiosk is now open for hot drinks and home-made cake.  It is open from  Wednesday to Sunday (11.00 a.m to 4.00 p.m.) each week, weather permitting.

WE ARE TO LOSE OUR STATELY COPPER BEECH TREE

We are sad to learn that our stately copper beech tree is no longer stable enough to safely remain in the gardens. Following detailed  investigation, the tree has been found to be suffering from extensive internal decay with significant structural defects.  It therefore poses a risk to public safety and will be felled during the next week.  A four-metre-tall monolith will be retained however, preserving an important habitat for insects, fungi, birds and other wildlife.

MAJOR CONSERVATION WORK IN THE GARDENS APPROVED

The good news for the gardens is that Reading Borough Council's planning applications committee have approved major plans for major conservation work.  Approved plans include replacing the main double gates, which were damaged in a car accident, with new gates at the Church Road entrance, restoration of historic walls and the gazebo.  Further details are in NEWS.

FLORAL EXTRAVAGANZA YARN BOMB

Throughout the summer visitors to the Gardens will be able to see a wonderful panel of knitted and crocheted flowers covering one of the Heras fence panels that surround walls awaiting attention.  The yarn bomb is a result of a Community Craft Project and made by enthusiastic local people.  Come and view this beautiful creation and bring small children to see if they can spot the fun insects hidden amongst the flowers.

Volunteers from The Friends will be in the Gardens to offer information on the gardens and guided tours on Sunday (2.00 to 4.00 p.m.), and on the following first Sunday's of the month (7 June, 5 July, 2 August and 6 September), weather permitting.

The Tea Kiosk will be open Wednesday to Sunday (11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.), also weather permitting.

Unfortunately there is still no  wheelchair access to the lower levels of. the gardens and parking remains a problem owing to the wall along The Warren being fenced off for safety reasons.

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Sundays 13 and 20 September, 11.00 a.m to 4.00 p.m.

BEYOND THE GARDEN WALL - GARDENERS' TALES FROM CAVERSHAM COURT

Head for The Vinery for stories about men and women who toiled in the gardens of what is now Caversham Court, growing food and flowers for the household and winning prizes at horticultural shows.  Look into the former kitchen garden with its yew hedge dating back to the 1700s.

This is a free event.   Pre-booking not required