The Norfolk National Gardens Scheme Garden Party is one Summer party not to be missed. The Old Cottage, Colby Corner invites visitors to a enchanting musical evening on the 10th July 2010, 6pm until dusk. Supper, drinks and music will ensure the evening will flow.

This is the first time that a Norfolk NGS garden has provided such a event. The host, garden owner Stuart Clarke is offering the scenic garden dining (a two course meal) to raise funds for the worthwhile charities of the National Gardens Scheme. With all the concerts attracting crowds to Norfolk, this is a musical selection to compete. It includes: Colby Hand Bells, Rod Davidson – The Celtic Harp, Trix and Stix – A percussion group, Hoofbeat – A street band. For those who enjoy the concerts, picnics in the park and dressing to dine (or not if chosen) book this NGS garden party now!.

Garden owner Stuart Clarke said “The garden is large enough for everyone to wander around during the evening or to just sit and enjoy the music and company. Many people enjoy visiting during the different seasons. This will give many the heavenly experience of the garden at night and much more”.

Norfolk NGS County Organiser Fiona Black said “This is an ideal fund raising opportunity for the nursing, caring and gardening charities of the National Gardens Scheme. The gardens that open are of high quality, character and interest, this musical evening will certainly provide that”.

Tickets cost £22 per adult. To book contact Stuart Clarke 01263 734574 or visit www.norfolkgardens.org Early booking is essential.

Visit your local Tourist information or garden centre, nursery or open garden to pick up a Norfolk NGS Garden Guide or visit www.norfolkgardens.org. 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

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– Joe Swift – The New President of the National Gardens Scheme

Joe Swift, the well known garden designer and TV personality who has presented BBC2’s Gardeners World since 1998, has joined the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) as President. Joe has had considerable first-hand knowledge of many NGS gardens and has filmed in several for various TV programmes, including 15 episodes of the popular BBC2 ‘Open Gardens’ series. One of Joe’s first duties as President was to host the launch of The Yellow Book 2010 at the Royal Festival Hall with Manor House Farm, Wellingham, Norfolk featured on the front cover.

– The NGS has 3700 gardens that open for charity. It is renowned for its gardens of high quality, character and interest.

– 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 has raised more than £25 million for charity in the last 10 years.

– The success of the National Trust’s careership programme can be measured by the number of post-careership gardeners that are now employed by the Trust and by major private owners. Many have risen to the horticultural heights of Head Gardener.

– The Old Cottage, Colby Corner, nr Aylsham NR11 7EB
The garden created by Judith Clarke is being redeveloped following her death in April 2008. The work will take approx 2yrs to produce a lower maintenance garden. Visitors are being invited to see the progress and purchase plants that are being removed. May for perennials and shrubs, July for exotic plants.

Founded in 1927, The NGS has raised more than £25 million for charity in the last 10 years.
www.norfolkgardens.org