The Japanese Garden, Compton Acres — Attraction in England

I visited these gardens many years ago now too long to mention. So I thought it time to try another visit in August 2018. On entering the gardens Italian style buildings have appeared around the car park and entrance. I must say it gives it a really beautiful appearance. I personally think the gardens should be signposted better to actually find them. I parked the car and went into the shop to pay for my entrance tickets. I must say though the price seemed a little on the high side as I feel the gardens looked a little tired and neglected. Apart from the Italian gardens which were outstanding. I guess due to the wedding venues held there. The rest of the gardens was not as I remembered from my first visit. The Koi carp were of poor colour also and not as many as my last visit, in the Japanese garden that is. The Italian Garden. The Grand Italian Garden design has a grandeur brought alive by the sound and movement of water and enhanced by the structure of the Italian Villa within the grounds, making this a spectacular wedding venue. Original statuary remains including Bacchus in his Domed Temple, the Wrestlers of Herculaneum and the old Venetian bronze lanterns also provide a taste of Italian history and culture. The planting features formal clipped yews and clematis between the stone columns and colourful seasonal bedding. A small Roman Garden, and the stately Chusan and Dwarf Fan palms of the Palm Court, complete the series of Italian gardens. The Wooded Valley Garden. This tranquil area supports a wide range of trees and shrubs protected by a canopy of mature Scot’s pines. Rock and Water Gardens. This outstanding example of the Arts and Crafts style of landscape design uses a combination of rock-work and water to create a realistic landform giving views from and above and under the bridges. The Heather Garden. The Heather Garden was once the home of Mr Simpson’s fine cactus and succulent collection, until the war years saw its demise. The Japanaese Garden. My favourite Garden ~ The Japanese Garden encompasses Thomas Simpson’s love for the unique elegance and incomparable beauty of Japanese horticulture and sculptures. He imported genuine stone and bronze artefacts to enhance the garden. The Tea House is draped with Japanese wisteria and plants native to Japan have been used including the spectacular Kurume Hybrid azaleas, Japanese cherries and maples together with hostas, Hakon grass and a Ginkgo. The pool is home to large Koi carp best viewed when crossing the water on the stepping stones. The Japanese garden is still regarded as one of the finest in the country. I would add was many of the items around this garden have seemingly seen...

First visit to Compton Acres. Lovely gardens, reasonably priced entry fee. An abundance of water features. Both easy and more challenging routes to each section of the gardens. However the brochures make a big emphasis on the spectacular views over Poole Harbour. We returned to the point on map from which this was supposed to be several times thinking we were somehow missing it. The last time, due to number of others doing the same, I went up a few steps to allow them to pass, and that was it. In the far distance, between the trees was a very small glimpse of the harbour! Very misleading. Had coffee and cake in the restaurant which was very nice and...

The Japanese Garden is just one area of the ever delightful Compton Acres. I have visited them regularly for over 50 years and have never failed to be amazed at all the different areas. The seasonal changes are a result of some hard work by the staff. The restaurant has an adequate range including a very palatable house red! The staff are very courteous and knowledgable about dietary requirements. One area the management needs to address is parking when there is a function in the Italian Villa. The overflow parking is on an adjacent side street and involves quite a walk to the main entrance. Otherwise today's visit came up to the standard I have...