Cally Gardens

Fascinating place. A cross between a walked garden and a nursery. The unkempt appearance is part of the charm of this place. It's pretty clear what it's about if you care to read about it before you go. A donation of £5 is suggested (which i gladly paid) to enter but I'd guess that most folk don't bother - the nursery is free to visit... I'll be back!

Not much to see in spring (end of April). Unusual selection of plants. Would expect it to look better in the summer. Slightly overrun but I suspect that this in part has to do with COVID lockdowns. Nursary small with a selection of home grown plant. Interesting selection at average price. £5 to view gardens. £7.50 for annual pass to view gardens. Free entry to nursary.

More than happy to each pay the £5 admission fee to support Kevin's endeavours in restoring both a garden but also protecting an ecosystem for nature to thrive on. Fascinating to talk to him on a variety of issues, you wouldn't get that at more sanitised visitor attractions. We bought a wide range of plants from his nursery that are hard to find elsewhere. If we lived in the area, rather than passing tourists, we'd definitely volunteer our time to help the project.

The last time I went there Kevin Hughes had recently bought the nursery. Since then he has done loads of work and the nursery is looking superb. The nursery is stocked with really interesting exotic plants. Kevin was very helpful and he certainly knows a lot about plants.

Garden not looking it's best and expensive for entry. Saying that it was nice walking round in the sunshine with some of the plants flourishing.Nice to see the birds at the feeders and butterflies were in abundance.

I know many reviewers give Cally a very poor review, but they misunderstand its nature. Ignore the negative reviews - this is a magical place. Yes, it is unkempt and untidy and wild looking. But that is the idea. Kevin’s (the owner’s) aim is to create a wildlife haven as well as a treasure trove of plants…and that he has done in buckets. The place hums with bees. Last time I visited, a few days ago, he enthused about the fact that he now had common Blue butterflies breeding in the garden. If you expect to find a manicured, neat and tidy garden and nursery at Cally you will be sorely disappointed. If you want to find a riotous jumble of colour and scents, insects and birds you will love it. And Kevin is an enthusiastic communicator - track him down and ask him a question and he will happily discuss and explain the gardens’ ethos and his aims and vision for it. Visit Cally with an open mind, forget your expectations, just enjoy it.

Really enjoyed our visit. Extraordinary collection of plants. Kevin is very knowledgable about both flora and fauna.

Cally Gardens is definitely a plantmans garden. Lovely plantings in the old walled garden, and lots of interesting exotics to buy from Kevin Hughes, who is now running the nursery.