“Tropical Fruit Growing North of Kendal”

Meadow House garden, Burneside, near Kendal is all set to open on Sunday 18th July.

This year there is a special surprise in store for visitors.  “A good upbringing, the right diet and lots of Cumbria’s June sun have induced my banana plant to flower and fruit” said Paul Burrill, owner of Meadow House and NGS Publicity Officer for Cumbria.

Paul is delighted that the 5 year old banana plant that he originally bought for £5 from a local nursery near Beetham is in bloom for the first time.  “People have often asked if it will ever flower and I have never said no, but I have never been sure” Paul said and then  “2 weeks ago I went to water the plants in my Garden Room and banged my head on a huge, 15 inch flower bud.  Wow! I was literally stunned”

Paul has opened Meadow House garden for charity since 2005; initially, inspired by his late wife, Anne-Marie, who sadly died of cancer in January 2008.

Paul says, “I like the buzz of opening, my visitors enjoy themselves, wonderful home-made teas are served in a beautiful setting and all the money raised goes to charity.  So, it is a success in many ways”.

This is a large 2 acre garden with many different compartments and with many surprises.  The garden evolved to make the best use of the land available and of its natural features.

At the centre of the garden is a large vegetable and fruit area with 2 glasshouses and a 56 foot long polytunnel.  They host 14 different varieties of tomatoes, aubergine, cucumbers, sweet and chilli peppers as well as vines and a peach tree as delicate crops.  All vegetable crops are seed raised by Paul.

There are numerous water features, some natural and some man-made but, says Paul with a grin, “this year some of my water features are more reminiscent of drought-affected Thirlmere and Haweswater!”

For 2010 there have been developments to ornamental planting, a new woodland and woodland trail has been started; a natural retreat with panoramic views is open for the first time and a magnificent start has been made to a dry stone wall has been made by local Master craftsman, Kevin Bateman.  The garden is located on the Southern slope of Potter Fell over-looking Kendal to the south and facing immediately onto the National Park to the North.  There are uninterrupted views for 30 miles to the forest of Bowland to the south and east to The Howgill Fells.

Paul adds, “Meadow House garden Open Days are famous for two distinctive features.  Firstly, we have an extensive and hugely productive vegetable and fruit garden and secondly, but most importantly, it is staffed by an army of enthusiastic, interested and happy helpers for the Open Days.  For 2010 there will be at least 20 helpers for each Open Day providing as warm a welcome as can be found in any NGS garden.  These people, my family and friends help to create the very special and lasting memories of a visit to Meadow House”.

Paul designed his garden to be a sanctuary from the hurly-burly of modern life.  It had to be a safe haven, o place of peace and happiness.  You are warmly invited to come, pass through the arched gateway and enjoy the pleasures of this private garden.

Meadow House will open to the public on Sunday 18th July, 1-5pm. 

Admission £3.50, children free.  Ample parking is available close by and there will be plant sales and home-made teas.

Meadow House will also open on Sunday 22nd August, 1-5pm.