A WONDERFUL GARDEN : THE RIVAU ESTATE

The Château du Rivau, a RHS partner gardens

The Remarkable Gardens of the Château du Rivau are part of the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) network and promote horticultural excellence.

What are the selection criteria for International RHS Partner Gardens ?

1) Horticultural excellence : the garden demonstrates significant international horticultural interest which may include unusual design, inspiring planting schemes, notable plant collections, gardening heritage or emerging garden trends.

2) Free entry access : the garden is open at regular times and is prepared to waive the entrance charge for RHS members whenever they are open. Free entry applies to the Individual RHS Member only or the main member on a Joint Membership. Guests/non-RHS Members will need to pay the garden’s entry charge.

3) Acreage : the garden is of a size not less than 3 acres although this as the RHS Horticultural team’s discretion and some smaller gardens may be included to align with current RHS strategy.

4) RHS Values : the garden is sympathetic to the aims and aspirations of the RHS and will not bringing the RHS into disrepute through activities it undertakes.

5) Admission charge : the garden charges a minimum adult entrance fee of at least £5 and has a staffed collection point for this fee.

6) Carers : the admission charge is waived for one essential carer accompanying RHS visitors whose disability necessitates their support. Please see the RHS Partner Gardens carer policy for more information.

7) Visitor numbers : the garden will keep a record of the number of RHS free visits received each year and will supply these on request to the RHS in February each year. The garden will also supply total visitor numbers to the RHS if they wish to enter the International category of the RHS Partner Garden of the Year competition.

8) Website : the garden must have their own website, which is updated regularly, where RHS Members can look up details of facilities and check opening dates and times (and any unexpected closures for events). If you have advanced booking only, there must be an easy way for RHS Members to book in advance, for free.

9) Infrastructure : the garden has the necessary facilities (e.g. toilets, good access routes, car parking, signage and well-kept paths etc) to ensure a safe and engaging visit.

10) Good supporting features : such as a gift shop, plant sales and refreshments are desirable and benefits your garden due to secondary spend opportunities for RHS Members.

11) The charitable / membership status of the garden must not conflict with that of the RHS.