>April Events / charities / Events in Norfolk and Suffolk / Gardens and Gardening / Tourist Attractions Norfolk and Suffolk / walks March 28, 2016
In April, spring really gets into its stride with plenty of colour spreading throughout the garden. The gardens opening for the National Gardens Scheme this month offer a rich array of plants and bulbs flowering at their peak.
On Sunday 3rd April Hindringham Hall, is a magical Tudor manor house surrounded by a moat dating back to the 13th century. The 10 acres of gardens come to life in early spring with thousands of narcissi in a sea of gold with over 30 varieties on show. A stream running through the grounds has banks covered with hellebores and primulas adding to a truly colourful display.
In complete contrast Desert World at Santon Downham specialises in tropical and arid plants and has greenhouses packed with fascinating curiosities. Owner Barry Gayton is a treasure house of knowledge keen to share his passion for plants.
The renowned gardens at The Old Vicarage, East Ruston open for the NGS on Saturday 9th April and there is always so much to see in 32 acres showcasing just about every style of garden you can imagine!
To complete the month on Sunday 24th April, 16 Witton Lane at Little Plumstead is a tiny cornucopia of plants and bulbs with some marvellous and rare species collected from around the world by owner Richard Hobbs, he will have plenty of intriguing tales to tell!
Chestnut Farm in West Beckham also opens on April 24 and its 3 acres have been gardened by owners John and Judy McNeil Wilson for over 50 years who are keen to share their extensive knowledge. A plant lovers garden where there is always something new to see!
Founded in 1927, The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) has donated more than £45 million to charity.
The NGS gave £2.637 million to its beneficiary charities in 2015 from money raised by opening gardens in England and Wales the previous year.
Charities supported by the National Gardens Scheme include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, The Queen’s Nursing Institute and Perennial.
Supported by Visit England, the National Gardens Scheme’s first Snowdrop Festival will see over one hundred gardens open for snowdrops over the month of February 2016.
The 2016 edition of Gardens To Visit (formerly called The Yellow Book) listing opening details of nearly 3800 gardens, is now available to purchase from the NGS website – www.ngs.org.uk.
Local contact: [email protected]
