NGS-2015-booklet

Bishop of Norwich Gets Garden Visits Underway

The launch of the 2015 National Gardens Scheme Yellow Booklet for Norfolk is a clear sign that spring is on its way for garden visitors.  The Booklet, a comprehensive guide essential for garden lovers to explore hidden gardens across the County, includes information and opening times on 66 gardens.  Of these, 6 are opening their gates for the first time for the NGS, and 10 gardens are making a welcome return after a short break.

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt. Rev. Graham James, and Mrs Julie James whose own garden is open on Sunday 12th July, hosted the launch on the 18th February at Bishop’s House Norwich. Bishop Graham and Julie who have supported the NGS for many years said“We are glad to open our garden for many charities each summer The NGS day brings many enthusiastic gardeners every year and a lot of people with a great knowledge of gardens. The NGS has also raised a lot of money for good purposes here and in many other Norfolk gardens.   We are glad to host the launch of this year’s programme for such an enterprising organisation.”.

Fiona Black (County Organiser NGS),  Bishop of Norwich Rt Rev Graham Jenkins launching booklet at Bishop’s House
Fiona Black (County Organiser NGS), Bishop of Norwich Rt Rev Graham Jenkins launching booklet at Bishop’s House

County organiser Fiona Black thanked the hard working volunteers and garden owners for helping to raise an incredible £86,000 last year, reminding them that approximately 80p in each £1 raised at the garden gate goes to the NGS beneficiary charities which include Macmillan Cancer, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Hospices UK. She also thanked Savills for their kind generosity in sponsoring the booklet for the past five years, and the many advertisers who have made it possible to produce not only a free guide but also one of such high quality.

The first garden to open this year will be Horstead House on the 21st February, followed by Bagthorpe Hall on 22rd February, and finally Chestnut Farm on 26th Feb and 1st March. All have wonderful displays of snowdrops and late winter delights, are open 11am to 4pm and will serve warming refreshments.

A perfect way to shake off the winter gloom!

Pick up a copy of the Norfolk NGS 2015 Booklet at your local library, tourist information centre, garden centre or local nursery, or visit www.ngs.org

Notes:

  • Founded in 1927, The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) has donated more than £42.5 million to charity.
  • The NGS gave £2.5 millionto its beneficiary charities in 2014 from money raised by opening gardens in England and Wales.
  • We have donated over £24 million to charity in the last 10 years
  • The NGS is Macmillan Cancer Support’s biggest ever donor and has given £14.8m in total
  • The NGS is Marie Curie Cancer Care’s biggest ever donor and has given £6.9m in total
  • In 2014 the donation made to Hospice UK was the biggest they have ever received
  • The donation made to Perennial in 2014 is the largest in the charity’s 174 year history

Spring at Hindringham Hall
Spring at Hindringham Hall

The three gardens opening for the National Gardens Scheme in Norfolk during March provide a final opportunity to see a display of winter snowdrops and the welcome arrival of spring with bold displays of daffodils.

Chestnut Farm near West Beckham, opens on Sunday March 1. Owners John and Judy Wilson have gardened here for 50 years collecting and nurturing plants from far and wide with a fantastic 90 varieties of snowdrops taking centre stage. There is much more to see, from hellebores to some rare scented winter shrubs, plus a display of metal sculptures by local blacksmith Toby Winterbourn. Local nurseries will also be visiting so plenty of plants to buy!

On Sunday March 29 at Hindringham Hall, Hindringham, this gorgeous Tudor Manor House complete with a 13th Century moat is an unrivalled setting for the thousands of daffodils on show with over 30 different varieties to wander through. There will also be plants for sale.

Also opening on March 29 is Gayton Hall at Gayton. Here you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through 20 acres of water side gardens and woodland glades all in a tranquil setting. Stream banks are carpeted with primulas, daffodils and the fascinating prehistoric looking skunk cabbage flowers!

All three gardens will have refreshments available including homemade teas.

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