It is a Norfolk tradition that has attracted many followers over the years. It is a “Snowdrop Walk” at Lexham Hall, nr Litcham, launching the National Gardens Scheme “Open Garden” season on Sunday February 7th 2010 (11am – 4pm), followed by Bagthorpe Hall on February 14th 2010, (A Valentines Day Walk).
When the first snowdrops start to appear it is a sign winter is finally coming to an end. So what better way to celebrate the change in seasons than by garden visiting. Not only do the snowdrops provide a ray of hope that spring is on its way but, each year money is raised through the National Gardens Scheme for many worthwhile charities.
County Organiser Anthea Foster of Lexham Hall said “The NGS gardens that open early in the year are really popular and most gardens admit children 16 and under for free, which makes a garden visit excellent value for money and a great day out. As well as blowing away the winter cobwebs, it is helping good causes too for charities, which include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices and Crossroads Cares, The Queen’s Nursing Institute, The Royal Fund for Gardeners’ Children, the National Trust and Perennial. Founded in 1927, the NGS has donated more than £25 million to charities in the last 10 years. Last year Norfolk raised over £71,000 as well as raising additional funds for local charities nominated by the garden owners. Lexham and Bagthorpe Hall received nine hundred visitors between them raising over £3700 pounds. What better way to start the New Year.”
If you are one of the garden visitors that have followed the “Yellow Arrow Sign” of the “ngs gardens open for charity” please continue your support in 2010. Or if your garden is of high quality, character and at least forty-five minutes interest visit www.norfolkgardens.org or contact County Organiser Fiona Black to discuss opening your garden. Tel 01692 650247.
The Norfolk Garden 2010 booklet will be available in early February and at the snowdrop walks or pre order a copy of The Yellow Book from www.ngs.org.uk
Lexham Hall
nr Litcham PE32 2QJ. Mr & Mrs Neil Foster. Adm £4, chd free. Sun 7 Feb (11-4); Sun 16, Mon 17 May; Wed 22 Sept (11-5). 2m W of Litcham. 6m N of Swaffham off B1145. Light refreshments (Feb), home-made teas (May & Sept). Fine C17/C18 Hall (not open). Parkland with lake and river walks. Formal garden with terraces, yew hedges, roses and mixed borders. Traditional kitchen garden with crinkle crankle wall. Extensive collection of scented, winter flowering shrubs and woods, carpeted with snowdrops. 3-acre woodland garden with azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, spring bulbs, and fine trees. A major new planting scheme commences in the walled garden autumn 2009. Dogs on leads welcome Feb only. Featured in ‘Country Life’
Bagthorpe Hall
Bagthorpe PE31 6QY. Mr & Mrs D Morton. Adm £3.50, chd free. Sun 14 Feb (11-4).
3½m N of East Rudham, off A148. At King’s Lynn take A148 to Fakenham. At East Rudham (approx 12m) turn L by Cat & Fiddle PH. 3½m into hamlet of Bagthorpe. Farm buildings on L, wood on R, white gates set back at top. Home-made teas and organic soups.
Snowdrops carpeting woodland walkGable House Suffolk
Halesworth Road, Redisham NR34 8NE.
John & Brenda Foster. 01502 575298.
Home-made teas. Adm £3, chd free (share to St Peter’s Church, Redisham). Sun 21 Feb (11-4).
Visitors also welcome by appt for groups, refreshments available.
Founded in 1927, The NGS has raised more than £25 million for charity in the last 10 years.
