Press Release
THE NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME
VISIT THE DINOSAURS IN A NGS GARDEN!
The National Gardens Scheme represent gardens of a high standard and interest. Chestnut Farm open garden in West Beckham, NR25 6NX, open on Monday May 26th 11 – 5, will show sculptures from the work of Graham High. Graham an animatronic model designer created models featured in the first three Harry Potter films. Other pieces of his work are featured in the Natural History Museum. Dinosaurs will be part of the garden sculptures on display at Chestnut Farm on the Spring Bank holiday open day, Adm £3.50. Natural garden material sculptures, the work of Judith Campbell will also compliment the garden of Judy and John McNeil Wilson.
Owner Judy McNeil Wilson said “It is a chance to exhibit not only our garden but local artists work. The open day is about fundraising for the worthwhile charities of the NGS. It is also an opportunity to support local artists and the local nursery will also be present. It is a chance for the enthusiast to pick up handy hints as well as plants. It is a garden that changes with the seasons. If you visited earlier this year, come again to see the difference. Bring a friend or all the family. Complete with home made refreshments enjoy a day out in some one else’s garden”.
Peter Williamson, Chairman of the Norfolk Tourist Attractions Association and Director of the Merrivale Model Village and Gardens in Great Yarmouth said ”The Norfolk National Gardens Scheme provide a variety of gardens. Seventeen new gardens open this year throughout the county including three new ones this Spring Bank Holiday. Whether you are a garden enthusiast or admirer the NGS has a garden for you. Using the comprehensive NGS brochure, plan your day out to private and commercial gardens, nurseries and enjoy great garden days out in Norfolk”
Saturday, 24th May 2008
• Woodlands Farm, Stokesby, Gt Yarmouth NR29 3DX 11 – 5
Large mature garden with trees, interesting shrubs and herbaceous plants. Good spring and autumn colour. Vegetable garden and woodland walk. Gravel paths. 2 miles east of Acle. From Norwich A47 to Acle, A1064 to Caister, 1st right after bridge over river to Stokesby. Turn left into Filby Road just past Bungalow Stores, 1st left after the end of 30mph limit. From Great Yarmouth A1064 via Caister, left to Stokesby & Runham then as above.
Sunday, 25th May 2008
• NEW Derwen, Whissonsett Road, Colkirk NR21 7NL. 11 - 4
Herbaceous borders, shrubs, fruit trees, ponds, gravel garden, vegetable plots, unusual plants and shrubs, lawned areas. 2 greenhouses, chickens. Gravel driveway, some narrow paths. 2m S of Fakenham. Between B1146 & A1065
• NEW Sol, Whissonsett Road, Colkirk NR21 7NJ. 11 – 4
Large front garden set to lawns and various flower beds, patio area, greenhouse and summerhouse. Some narrow paths. 2m S of Fakenham. Between B1146 & A1065
• NEW East Lode, Nursery Lane, Hockwold-cum-Wilton IP26 4ND. 11 – 5
Cottage garden of ½ acre, filled with colour throughout the yr by keen gardener/plantswoman. Many hellebores in spring, roses and clematis in summer, silver and evergreens for autumn and winter, tremendous underplanting of bulbs, plus wide range of unusual plants. Small pond, greenhouse, scree beds and conservatory. A haven for bees and butterflies. Small nursery. Member of Cottage Garden Society. 2m from Brandon. In Main St, Hockwold, turn down Church Lane, bear L at iron seat, then 1st house on right.
• Sheringham Park, Upper Sheringham NR26 8TL Dawn to dusk
50 acres of species rhododendron, azalea and magnolia. Also numerous specimen trees incl handkerchief tree. Viewing towers, waymarked walks, sea and parkland views. Special walkway and WCs for disabled. 2 miles south-west of Sheringham. Access for cars off A148 Cromer to Holt Road, 5 miles west of Cromer, 6 miles east of Holt, signs in Sheringham town.
• Stody Lodge, Melton Constable NR24 2ER 2 – 5
(Celebrating opening for the NGS for ten years)
Spectacular gardens having one of the largest concentrations of rhododendrons and azaleas in East Anglia with both Japanese water gardens and formal garden. Stunning walks and vistas are enhanced by a large variety of mature trees, magnolias, acers and cedars. Daffodils in early May give way to carpets of bluebells. Featured in local press & on Radio Norfolk. 16 miles north-west of Norwich, 3 miles south of Holt. Off B1354. Signed from Melton Constable on Holt Road.
• Woodlands Farm, Stokesby, Gt Yarmouth NR29 3DX 11 – 5
Monday, 26th May 2008
• Chestnut Farm, West Beckham NR25 6NX 11 – 5
3-acre garden, incl herbaceous border, woodland walk, traditional kitchen garden, pond and small aboretum. Plant collection built up over 40yrs by keen gardener and plant enthusiast, which incl many rare and unusual trees and shrubs surrounding C16 farmhouse (not open). 2½ miles south of Sheringham. Mid-way between Holt & Cromer. 1 mile south off the A148 at the Sheringham Park entrance. Sign post indicates 'By Road to West Beckham'. Chestnut Farm located behind the village sign.
• NEW Derwen, Whissonsett Road, Colkirk NR21 7NL. 11 – 4
• NEW Sol, Whissonsett Road, Colkirk NR21 7NJ. 11 – 4
• Raveningham Hall, Raveningham NR14 6NS 2 – 5
Traditional country house garden with an interesting collection of herbaceous plants and shrubs. Restored Victorian conservatory and walled kitchen garden. Newly planted arboretum, lake and herb garden. Contemporary sculpture. 14 miles south-east of Norwich. 4 miles from Beccles off B1136.
• Stody Lodge, Melton Constable NR24 2ER 2 – 5
Friday, 30th May 2008
• NEW Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, South Walsham NR13 6DZ.
Evening Opening: 6 – 9 Hog Roast and Music
130 acres of ancient woodland and water garden with private Broad. Excellent bird watching from boat. In spring, masses of primroses and bluebells, with azaleas and rhododendrons in several areas. Candelabra primulas and unusual plants grow near the waterways. In summer, a variety of wild flowers. Special Evening Opening featuring the UK's finest collection of naturalised candelabra primulas. Scooter available to hire. 9m E of Norwich. At School Rd. Signed on A47 at B1140 junction.
Sunday 1st June
· NEW Swannington Manor and Manor House Farm,
Swannington NR9 5NR 11 – 5.
Two exciting last minute garden openings due to the garden owners desire to share their stunning gardens, full of unusual plants and topiary.
· NEW Swannington Manor gardens have been described as the most romantic in Norfolk. C17 Manor House (not open) creates a stunning backdrop to gardens framed by a 300yr old yew hedge thought to be unique in this country. Sloping lawns, mixed shrub and herbaceous borders, specimen trees, water garden, sunken rose garden and knot garden. 7m NW of Norwich. Almost ½ way between A1067 (to Fakenham) & B1149 (to Holt). In village look for black wrought iron gates opp post box in church wall.
· NEW Manor Farm House, a garden under re-development incl knot garden planted spring 06, terrace built autumn 06 and small rose garden planted spring 08. 7m NW of Norwich. From Swannington Manor Drive or via Romantic Garden Nursery.
For more information about opening your garden or advertising in the NGS leaflet contact County Organiser, Fiona Black on 01692 650247 To find out more about Norfolk open gardens visit www.norfolkgardens.org or visit your local tourist information centre for a leaflet
Notes:
The NGS support national, nursing, caring and gardening charities with a proportion of some openings going to other charities nominated by the garden owner. Major beneficiaries include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Queen's Nursing Institute, National Trust Horticultural Bursaries, Perennial - The Royal Fund for Gardeners' Children, Crossroads and Help the Hospices
Garden images can be supplied on request.
For press information contact Annette Bowler
Tel: 01603 301110 Mobile: 07979980623
E mail: annette.bowler@ntlworld.com
www.norfolkgardens.org
www.ngs.org.uk