A short drive from the centre of Cheltenham there is a Grade 2 listed Arts & Crafts house set in 4 acres of landscaped gardens which is a Diocesan retreat, conference centre and place of rest and reflection.                                                                                                 The house and gardens have largely been maintained by volunteers for many years but despite heroic efforts by The Friends Of Glenfall House Trust, ever increasing costs have caused the centre to close at the end of the month. We decided to visit their Open Garden yesterday to show our support.

We enjoyed the variety of planting in beautiful surroundings with wonderful ornamental trees and wide herbaceous borders and island beds.                                                        The formal mixed with the informal, rose beds and wisteria walk, orchards and prairie planting there was something for everyone.

The house is famous for the views of the Severn Valley and the Cotswold Hills and the following photo shows why.                                                                                                     It is sad that the retreat has to close but when you turn the page another chapter begins.