Enjoy the September sizzle in Norfolk’s National Gardens Scheme “Open Gardens.” The last of the “New” gardens to open this year “The Grange” at Heydon launches the change in seasons. It is set in the historic village of Heydon, with a three acre garden in a romantic setting. The local tea shop set in the picturesque village completes the perfect garden day out. It’s location is only a few miles away from Holt, a pretty Georgian market town, nestled in the North Norfolk countryside. The garden features herbaceous borders surrounded by old walls with views to parkland, a pond with fountain and ancient yew topiary with a new walk of malus.
September promotes the classic and contemporary style gardens, from the plantpersons garden at High House Gardens, Shipham to the three halls, Mannington, Lexham, Bradenham and Bolwick Hall, contemporary garden, East Ruston closes the “NGS Open Garden” season on the 2nd October. These are gardens for all seasons and entice visitors to return and enjoy the revolving changes more than once.
NGS County Organiser Anthea Foster said “Despite the unpredictable weather this year the NGS Open gardens are forecasting good visitor numbers. Throughout the open garden season a combination of gardens can be enjoyed at a relatively low price. It is a chance to down the garden tools and admire the hard work of another gardener and pick up a few handy hints for garden planning for the next season while helping raise funds for the charities of the National Gardens Scheme.”
NGS Ambassador Alan Gray said “Few people realise that the “yellow arrow open garden” sign is the trade mark of the National Gardens Scheme. The charities which benefit from the NGS are: Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Crossroads Care and Help the Hospices, The Queen’s Nursing Institute, The Royal Fund for Gardeners’ Children, NGS gardeners’ careership (the National Trust) and Perennial – Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society. Founded in 1927, The NGS raises over two million pounds each year. Last year Norfolk raised nearly seventy thousand pounds. In one garden alone twelve gallons of tea were served this year. Refreshments and plant sales not only provide an enjoyable part of the garden visit but a valuable source of fundraising. It also puts Norfolk on the map as not only a tourist destination but one for garden enthusiasts. Thank you to all the National Garden Scheme Garden Owners and their visitors that have helped achieve this!”
If your garden is of high quality, character and at least forty-five minutes interest Contact County Organiser Fiona Black to discuss opening your garden. Tel 01692 650247
For more garden day out ideas visit your local Tourist information, garden centre, nursery or open garden to pick up a Norfolk NGS Garden Guide or visit www.norfolkgardens.org.
