The National Gardens Scheme is an independent charitable trust, established 70 years ago, which raises money through the opening of gardens to the public. Its guide "Gardens of England and Wales open for Charity" is widely available.

These gardens in or near Netherbury open under the National Gardens Scheme:

Netherbury

Mill House - Several small gardens arranged around the Mill, stream and pond, including a formal walled garden, terraced flower garden and mill stream garden. Emphasis on scented flowers, hardy geraniums, lilies and water irises.

Hatchlands - 3-acre hillside garden. Yew and box hedges bordering rose gardens, herbaceous and fuchsia beds and many hardy geraniums beneath a long Georgian brick wall. Open sloping lawns, spring-fed pond and mature broadleaf trees

The Old Rectory - Approx 5 acres surrounding c16th Rectory. Formal courtyard, bog garden with stream and pond, wild flower meadows and orchards. A number of large mature trees incl ancient yews and massive ginko. Beech house.

Slape Manor - River valley garden, extensive lawns and lake. Azaleas, rhododendrons, large clump Phyllostachys Boryana nigra and specimen trees.

Melplash

Melplash Court - Evolving garden originally designed by Lady Diana Tiarks. Now park planting, bog garden, croquet lawn and adjacent borders. Formal kitchen garden and herb harden, ponds, streams and lake. New borders and areas of interest added each year.

Beaminster

Mapperton Gardens - Descending valley gardens beside one of Dorset's finest Grade I manor houses (C16-17). magnificent walks and views. Fish ponds, orangery, formal Italian-style borders and topiary; specimen trees and shrubs.