Furzey Gardens

09/10/2026

We are saddened to share the news that Martin Lenaerts, who played such an important part in the history of Minstead Trust, has passed away.

Martin began the horticultural project at Furzey Gardens in 1986 in the corner of a field with just a shed and a minibus.

From that modest start he worked relentlessly to develop opportunities for people with learning disabilities and was instrumental in shaping us into the charity we are today.

Martin recognised that people's lives and ambitions extended far beyond any one activity or service.

He once said: 'It's not the distance travelled. It was more about how they got there.'

That belief in valuing people as individuals and understanding their ambitions and building support around their needs remains central to what we do today.

Martin was an understated but truly great man who played a monumental role in the Trust’s history. Our thoughts today are with his family, friends and those who knew and worked alongside him

We are saddened to share the news that Martin Lenaerts, who played such an important part in the history of Minstead Trust, has passed away.

Martin began the horticultural project at Furzey Gardens in 1986 in the corner of a field with just a shed and a minibus.

From that modest start he worked relentlessly to develop opportunities for people with learning disabilities and was instrumental in shaping us into the charity we are today.

Martin recognised that people's lives and ambitions extended far beyond any one activity or service.

He once said: 'It's not the distance travelled. It was more about how they got there.'

That belief in valuing people as individuals and understanding their ambitions and building support around their needs remains central to what we do today.

Martin was an understated but truly great man who played a monumental role in the Trust’s history. Our thoughts today are with his family, friends and those who knew and worked alongside him.

08/10/2026

🍂 Little legs, big autumn adventures!

Our next Furzey Toddle is just around the corner, and we've got a lovely morning planned for our littlest garden explorers.

Join us on Tuesday 13 October for a simple wand-making craft, followed by a gentle toddle through the gardens. Along the way, we'll be looking out for some familiar storybook characters and sharing a much-loved tale together.

Perfect for under 5s and their grown-ups, with a little creativity, fresh air and time to explore the changing gardens.

🗓️ Tuesday 13 October | 10am–11am

We look forward to seeing you - there's always room for one more on the broom! 🧹
Book your place here at https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0yZ06v0

07/10/2026

Mornings have been feeling just a little bit different at Furzey this week. The air thick with mist and fine drizzle pattering on the leaves, it is a reminder that the seasons are changing.

But then, but lunchtime, bright sunshine returns!

Sunlight on the vibrant tones in the trees make them look like they are on fire, and a carpet of red falls to the floor.

Beautiful landscapes, even when the sky is grey.

Intrigued by the changing colours? Book your visit for a wander under the changing canopy.

https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0yWtg20

05/10/2026

Curious about what to do at Furzey Gardens this month?

Here's a roundup of all our events, all in one place!

From Apple Day, a celebration of seasonal fruit and all things appley, to our October half term trail, and our special edition photography exhibition, there is plenty for everyone to see.

Whether you're looking for a tranquil wander through secret pathways and birdsong, or becoming a nature detective with little ones, Furzey is ready to welcome you.

Pre book your visit, and enjoy a visit to a magical place of discovery.

https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0yKmVr0

03/10/2026

How do you fancy becoming an autumn detective.... Because Larry the Leaf thinks autumn may have gone missing!

He's been looking everywhere, but needs your help to find it!

Armed with your newly decorated magnifying glass and spotter sheet, head out into the garden to find the clues that autumn has arrived... And maybe, along the way, you can spot Larry hiding in the gardens!

A fun new October half term event that is perfect for little ones that are curious about nature!

Larry the Leaf's Great Autumn Hunt | 24 October - 1 November.
Blank magnifying glass, spotter sheet and crayons are £3 per child. You do not need to prebook the activity, but pre-booking your garden entrance in half term is essential.

Book your half term visit now: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0yJNQf0

01/10/2026

If nature is the artist, then October may be it's grand, vibrant masterpiece!

Bright, beautiful tones of ambers, golds and russet red start appearing, a lovely watercolour wash that blends together perfectly.

And yet, when leaves fall from the trees, leaving a carpet of soft colour, the branches that bend and twist do not look empty, but rather, a new form to admire.

October at Furzey brings change, slowly, and then all at once. Mornings feel a little crisp, dew balances precariously on dancing leaves, and a brush past a low hanging branch brings a small shower!

If you have a chance to visit Furzey this month, we'd love to invite you to connect with your surroundings. Look up, look down and find the small details that accompany the changing season.

Here's what the gardens look like at the beginning of October - how will they look when you visit?

https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0yKmx30

30/09/2026

We'd like to take a moment to thank the supporter of our photography exhibition: Hampshire Flag Company.
We've worked with Hampshire Flag before and have always been impressed with their professional service and beautiful print services. They kindly printed the printed photographs for our exhibition, and we are so grateful for their support.

We also love that they value sustainability. All of the prints will go to new homes in November. We hope that some can go to Minstead Lodge and decorate the walls where the people we support have their breaks. A lovely reminder of the summer months, and the talent from the guys!

Thank you Hampshire Flag!
Read more from Hampshire Flag: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0yd8Lf0

29/09/2026

The creativity from our summer trail, Galactic Furzey, has been a joy to see!

Our space explorers had one more mission: complete their colouring page and post it through our letterbox.

The results were full of imagination, colour, and care. We originally said we’d choose five winners, but in the end we picked 10 across both categories because there was too much brilliant work to celebrate!

Thank you to everyone who shared their creativity with us this summer. And if you’d love to take home a piece from the trail, this is your last chance. Bidding closes tomorrow at midnight.

Make your bid here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0yHMWK0

25/09/2026

Joe has been part of Minstead Trust and Furzey Gardens for many years, we think it might even be over 20!

Joe has seen lots of people come and go at the gardens, but loves working at Furzey. He says: ‘I like watering Furzey Gardens and the nursery too. It’s a nice place. I like working with head gardener Alex!’

We love Joe's photo. It's a reminder to always look up, find a new way of looking at things and discover a new way of seeing what's right in front of you.

You can visit our photography exhibition: Nature through my eyes until 2 November. Free to enter, included with your entrance donation.

Book your visit: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0yd6NQ0

22/09/2026

Own a little piece of Galactic Furzey this autumn ✨

Our auction closes on Wednesday 30 September, and bidding starts at just £15.

If you loved spotting the trail creatures this summer, now’s your chance to take one home. Every bid helps support more neuro disabled people to thrive here at Furzey.

Place your bid before the auction closes here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0ytvnV0