the Holme Gardens – Celebrating 10 Years

Holme for Gardens – Celebrating 10 Years (2016–2026)

A Decade of Growth, Inspiration and Looking to the Future

In 2026, Holme for Gardens celebrates ten years since the decision was made to transform a former family fruit farm into one of Dorset's most distinctive public gardens. Over the past decade, Holme has grown year by year. Every avenue, border and garden space tells part of the story, creating a destination that combines beautiful planting, sustainability and a haven for wildlife. What visitors enjoy today is the result of years of planning, planting and continual development, with every season bringing something new to discover.

The Story Began Long Before the Gardens

For generations, the Goldsack family farmed the land at Holme. The business evolved from dairy farming to fruit growing, followed by Pick Your Own strawberries and seasonal produce, becoming a well-known destination. By 2016, Simon had a vision to create something entirely different — a public garden that people could enjoy throughout the seasons while remaining sympathetic to the landscape and encouraging wildlife to flourish.

Growing One Year at a Time

The gardens officially opened in 2017 and have continued to evolve ever since. Visitors have watched the Henge Garden, Lavender Avenue, Butterfly Valley, Giant's Causeway, Hazelnut Alley and many other areas develop into the gardens enjoyed today.Alongside the planting, sustainability has remained central to every stage of development. Rainwater

harvesting, wildlife-friendly planting and careful landscape management continue to support both the gardens and the environment. In 2023, Holme became an RHS Partner Garden, recognising the quality and continued development of the gardens.

A Garden Designed for Nature

When asked what he is most proud of over the past ten years, Simon does not mention a single planting scheme or garden feature. Instead, he says: “One of the things I’m most proud of is creating gardens that are beautiful for people to enjoy while also becoming a haven for wildlife.” That philosophy has guided the development of Holme from the very beginning. Wildflower meadows, diverse planting, rainwater harvesting and habitats for birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators have helped transform the former fruit farm into a landscape where nature can thrive alongside visitors.

Over 500 moth species have been found in the gardens alongside a plethora of other invertebrates, bird species, mammals and wild flowers.

"We create a rich mosaic of interconnected habitats and introduce diverse, wildlife-friendly planting. The result is remarkable: nature responds. Birds, mammals, insects and other wildlife return in increasing numbers, finding food, shelter and breeding sites as they re-establish thriving populations."

Favourite Places Around the Gardens

Everyone at Holme has their own favourite corner of the gardens. Simon Goldsack – The Henge Garden

For Simon, the Henge Garden remains his favourite area because the colours and textures change continually throughout the seasons, meaning every visit offers something different.

Liz – The Prairie Garden Liz's favourite area is the Prairie Garden. She loves the bold blocks of colour and striking planting combinations, describing it as one of the most unusual and eye-catching parts of the gardens.

Conservation at Holme

Holme for Gardens is far more than a display garden; it is a living conservation resource helping to safeguard the future of cultivated plants in a changing climate. Hosting a National Collection of Hypericums, Holme is one of only two gardens in the UK entrusted with preserving this remarkable group of plants. The collection forms part of the UK's National Plant Collections scheme, which exists to safeguard rare species and cultivated varieties for future generations. These collections help preserve genetic diversity, and protect unusual and historically significant cultivars. Future National Collections are planned for groups such as Magnolia, Deutzia and Sorbus.

Looking to the Future

Although this anniversary celebrates everything achieved over the last decade, Simon believes the gardens are still improving. Some exciting potential features include a moon arch, a Watch tower to overlook the gardens, and much more.

“The gardens are never finished. There are always new ideas, new planting, and another chapter waiting to be written.”

Thank You

Everyone at Holme for Gardens would like to thank the thousands of visitors, customers, volunteers, suppliers and supporters who have been part of the journey. Your encouragement has helped transform an idea into one of Dorset's most distinctive public gardens. The last ten years have been remarkable, and the next chapter is only just beginning.