NGS – Afternoon Holly Tea by the Norfolk Broads


Visitors to a Norfolk National Gardens Scheme open garden are enticed to sample “Afternoon Holly Tea” at How Hill Farm Garden. Owned and tended by Peter Boardman, he has created three separate gardens here dating back as far as 1968. Peter opens his garden for the NGS on the 23rd May 2010 (1pm – 5pm), admission £3.50 with children free.

Peter Boardman – How Hill Farm Garden

Peter was invited to taste Holly Tea with James Wong on the BBC 2 series ”Grow your own Drugs.” Christmas Special. James, 28 is an ethnabotanist, which means he knows what use plants can be. His programme features many natural remedies. Here in Norfolk Peter Boardman is obviously of the same thinking as James Wong. Peter has a “Collection of Holly” with the ”Wolf-Fenton Award” from the Holly Society of America. (The Award is given to an individual or individuals for outstanding service and dedication to the Holly Society of America. It is their most prestigious award).

How Hill Farm garden consists of nearly twelve acres with two pretty gardens around the house. The third started in 1968 leading to a three acre Broad dug in 1978 with views over River Ant and Turf Fen Mill. The garden has a Broad, four ponds, the site of an old Broad with 5ft Tussock sedges, with about an acre of indigenous ferns under oak and alder. It features paths through rare conifers, rhododendrons, azaleas, ornamental trees, shrubs, bamboos and herbaceous plants and good vistas. Bordering on the Broads, the boats can be seen as they quietly sail and motor past. This is a really tranquil spot with windmills and magnificent gardens. There will be English tea and homemade cakes available in the thatched barn as usual, but also the opportunity to try South American Holly Tea.

Garden owner Peter Boardman said “it was a surprise to be asked to appear on the “Grow your Drugs” programme. I have always received a bit of interest in Holly over Christmas but this was quite different. It was not until after it was broadcast I realised how popular the programme was and how much interest Holly tea had created. Now visitors can try it for themselves. Holly tea is made from a species called “Ilex Paraguariensis” which is grown in South America, here in England the weather is too cold for it to survive. It is drunk by many millions of people there but we here drink tea derived from Camellias. Paraguariensis is recognised by chemists as a stimulant for the nerves and muscles as well as the brain.”

NGS County Organiser Fiona Black said “With the increased interest of edible plants, natural remedies and growing your own produce, gardening has a whole new concept. Not only is How Hill Farm a great garden to visit but it also has the magnificent view of the man made Norfolk Broads. Afternoon tea with a brew of Holly tea and home made cakes on the Norfolk Broads would just make a NGS garden visit complete”.

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 days 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

NGS Norfolk News

– 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.

May Gardens

Sunday, 16th May 2010
4 Mill Road, Marlingford NR9 5HL. Open 11 – 5 Adm £2.50
Lexham Hall, nr Litcham PE32 2QJ. Open 11 – 5 Adm £4
Narborough Hall, Narborough PE32 1TE. Open 10 – 4 Adm £4
The Mowle, Staithe Road, Ludham NR29 5NP. Open 1 – 6 Adm £4

Monday, 17th May 2010
Lexham Hall, nr Litcham PE32 2QJ. Open 11 – 5 Adm £4

Sunday, 23rd May 2010
Bolwick Hall, Marsham NR10 5PU. Open 1 – 5 Adm £3
New – 5 Batterby Green, Hempton NR21 7LY. Open 11 – 5 Adm £3
Derwen, Whissonsett Road, Colkirk NR21 7NL. Open 11 – 5 Adm £3
How Hill Farm, Ludham NR29 5PG. Open 1 – 5 Adm £3.50
Sheringham Park, Upper Sheringham NR26 8TL Dawn – dusk £4 per car
The Old Cottage, Colby Corner, nr Aylsham NR11 7EB. Open 11 – 5 Adm £4

Wednesday, 26th May 2010
New – Chaucer Barn , NR11 8RL. Open 2 – 8 Adm £3.50

Sunday, 30th May 2010
Holme Hale Hall, Holme Hale IP25 7ED. Open 11 – 5 Adm £4.50
Old Sun House, Damgate, Wymondham NR18 0BH. Open 12 – 5 Adm £3.50
Oulton Hall, Oulton, Aylsham NR11 6NU. Open 11 – 5 Adm £5
New -Warborough House , Wells Road, Stiffkey NR23 1QH. Open 1 – 5 Adm £3.50

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