2010 DIARY DATES....GoY members' gardens open for charity.:o)

By terratoonie

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~ ANDREWR ~ SPRITZHENRY ~ KENSINGTON ~

JUNGLEJEN ~ FOURSEASONSGARDEN ~

Five GoY members with wonderful gardens ~

These are all in the Yellow Book National Gardens Scheme, which means that on specific dates, the gardens are open to visitors, in aid of charity.

I’ve written this blog to feature these five gardens and their open dates. Three photos of each garden.

This map was created …… with difficulty ….. Lol.
…Jungle Jen kept jumping into the Atlantic Ocean !

The Tour

We start at Andrewr’s home in Bracknell ……. This garden would be great for a TV show ! Can you imagine Carol Klein darting about enthusiastically, and then interviewing Andrew about his planting schemes ? Please, BBC ?

From Berkshire, we head west to Somerset, where we find Spritzhenry’s enchanting, exquisite English Country Garden…..pretty bridges, streams, flowers, climbers, cream teas ….. sounds a great idea to me !

Next we drive a few miles north-east to Kensington’s unique and special garden in Bristol…the smallest garden in the NGS Yellow Book, but what a lot they’ve got….wildlife pond, temple, stumpery, grotto… a huge amount of variety, presented with perfection.

Then it’s only a short hop across to visit the wonderful world of Jungle Jen …… Tree forests, ferns, fish, frogs, runner beans, bamboos, bananas…… a “must see” garden with plenty to interest visitors of all ages…

Our final destination, is FourSeasonsGarden in Walsall, up the motorway to the West Midlands. This glorious garden does what it says on the plaque…has colour and fascination at all times of the year.

The Five Gardens
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ANDREWR ~ DEVONIA ~ BERKSHIRE.

SUNDAY 25TH APRIL, 2010.

Devonia ~ The fabulous front garden

Andrew says ~

For our NGS Day, my garden is open with another which is about a mile way – I have plant sales and they do teas. Combined entry for both is £3:50.
By appointment, it’s £3 (or £5 including refreshments).

Devonia ~ beautiful back garden & raised pond feature

The garden is in Bracknell, Berks ~12 miles east of Reading ~ open on Sunday 25th April, 2010 ~ and also by appointment, that is, mutually agreed dates.

Travelling to Devonia, there is easy access from both the M3 Junction 3, and M4 junction 10.

Parking advice ~ the road outside the house is narrow and often busy, so the best place to park is in Sycamore Rise, a cul-de-sac about 200 yards away.

This is an interesting newly acquired area, which Andrew describes as his “bit on the side” Lol.

Andrewr’s GoY profile for Devonia ~

1/3 acre plantsman and plantaholic’s garden designed for all seasons, with careful planting to require minimal watering. Over 1200 shrubs, perennials, climbers, bulbs and alpines ~ many rare and unusual. Spectacular wisteria. New for this year – coloured foliage garden.

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SPRITZHENRY ~ SOMERSET.

THURSDAY 3RD JUNE, & THURSDAY 10TH JUNE, 2010.
2 pm – 5.30 pm.

Spritzhenry says ~

Part of my front garden looks across from the house to the lane. I love sitting in the sun, studying the different colours and shapes in this area. The weeping ash tree is about 250 years old.

It was lovely to meet GOY members here last year, and I’m hoping to meet more friends in 2010 ! We use the field opposite for parking. The local WI come down to serve cream teas, and we have plants for sale.

The garden has distinctly different areas separated by arches, walls, gates and the natural stream. There’s a very old stone bridge and a modern wooden one to cross to see the whole of the garden, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the different views.

I love flowers ~ perennials especially ~ as well as shrubs and clematis. I make good use of my greenhouse for seeds and plug plants. I’m always up for new projects in the garden.

The island bed is a recent project, with flowers blooming well into October. The colour scheme is a little different from the rest of the garden – white, cream, burgundy and lime green. Two clematis and a climbing rose mingle together on the obelisk.

Admission: £3.50. Children free.
Facilities:
Wheelchair access. No dogs except guide dogs.

The ever-present, soothing sound of running water is a joy, attracting different birds into the garden, such as herons, egrets and grey wagtails. Part of the retaining wall is clothed with a Boston Ivy – glorious when its rich autumn colours are reflected in the stream.

NGS Description: Tranquil cottage garden in a rural area. Approximately 2/3 acre, wrapping around 3 sides of early C16 cottage (not open). Colour-themed borders and flowerbeds including a recently-created island bed, with raised 40ft border reached by steps from either end.
A natural stream with planted banks runs through the garden. Children must be supervised at all times.
Disability information: Some gravel paths.

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KENSINGTON ~ BRISTOL

SUNDAY 6TH JUNE ~ SUNDAY 13TH JUNE ~
SUNDAY 4TH JULY ~ SUNDAY 11TH JULY, 2010.
1 pm – 5 pm.

Grenville and Alan say ~

We’re pleased that our garden will be featured in the new book ‘Dream Gardens of England’ to be published in March 2010.

Our garden is the smallest garden in the Yellow Book. The main charities supported by the garden open days are: Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices, The Queen’s Nursing Institute, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Crossroads Caring for Carers…..Besides opening for the N.G.S, the garden will be open from June 1st for private daytime visits, and all visits are by appointment only. Admission is £3.50 for adults.

Children under 16 years free. Details of how to contact us to arrange a visit are on our website. Parking is not a problem during daytime as there are usually spaces alongside the house. No dogs [except guide dogs].

Exotic garden in summer. Acid yellow is combined with brown and deep bronze foliage. Cannas, Dahlias and Coleus are incorporated, as well as Phormiums, Yucca ‘Silver sword’ , Bamboos and masses of yellow lilies.

Opening dates and times: By appointment only.
Sundays 6, 13 June; 4, 11 July. 1 pm – 5 pm.
Visitors also welcome by appointment on other days.
Please contact us to check availability.

Website:Kensington

An excellent example of colour and structure in the Kensington garden

NGS Description: Award-winning, small courtyard town house garden on 2 decked levels with classical features and statuary incorporating temple folly ruin in Italianate setting, exotic and S-hemisphere garden. Woodland garden, Stumpery, Grotto and wildlife pond all add to the romantic atmosphere. Luscious and exotic planting scheme with exciting colour themes. Featured on BBC TV & Radio & in gardening magazines.

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JUNGLE JEN ~ BRISTOL

Jen’s Gardyn…. as it has become known.

NGS 2010 Open Days: 2 pm – 5 pm.
SUNDAY 25th JULY and SUNDAY 15th AUGUST.

Adults £2.50. Children free. Plant Sales.
No wheelchair access – Parking available.

On NGS days the garden is open from 2.00pm – 5.00pm, and also by prior appointment throughout July and August for groups (max 10) and private viewings.

Dynamic designs and creative colour choices !

Jen says ~

Small garden …… BIG inspirations …..! We’re delighted to be in the National Gardens Scheme for a 2nd year.

Our ‘Mini-Jungle’ measures only 15′ × 31′, growing over 70 varieties of medicinal, culinary and aromatic herbs, and a dazzling display of scented shrubs and climbers.

The fern gully, wildlife stream and goldfish pond are home to resident frogs and local wildlife. Collared doves often nest in the tree houses.

Take a stroll through the Runner Bean Walkway, down Bamboo Alley, where the vegetables and herbs mingle with edible flowers.

Densely planted tree ferns, bananas, bamboos, cannas, palms, grasses and unusual exotics, make this a sub-tropical treat to delight the senses and revive the spirits. A totally tropical Tardis ! :o)

website: jen’sgardyn

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FOURSEASONSGARDEN ~ WALSALL

Open days in 2010:

Early Spring: bulbs, hellebores, camellias, conifers, jungle
February 14 Sunday (10 – 5pm) (National Garden Scheme)
March 14 Sunday (10 – 5pm) (National Garden Scheme)

Late Spring: acers, azaleas, conifers, jungle
May 8 Saturday (10 – 5pm) (Walsall National Trust)
May 9 Sunday (10 – 5pm) (National Garden Scheme)
May 15 Saturday (10 – 5pm) (Walsall Heart Care)
May 16 Sunday (10 – 5pm) (National Garden Scheme)

Summer: perennials, begonias, acers, conifers, jungle
July 24 Saturday (10 – 5pm) (Mayor’s Charity)
July 25 Sunday (10 – 5pm) (National Garden Scheme)
August 21 Saturday (10 – 5pm) (Macmillan Support)
August 22 Sunday (10 – 5pm) (National Garden Scheme)

Early Autumn: begonias, Virginia creeper, conifers, jungle
September 19 Sunday (10 – 5pm) (National Garden Scheme)

Late Autumn: acer and azalea leaf colours, conifers
October 31 Sunday (10 – 5pm) (National Garden Scheme)

Upper Garden ~ Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Marie and Tony say ~

We have won the battle with weeds, built a chalet store, summer house, large wooden oriental pagoda, smaller pagoda and created four water features, including a cascading 17 metre stream.

From early February huge numbers of hellebores, camellias and spring bulbs are flowering. The garden is breathtaking in May with a stunning array of azaleas and the new growth of acers and conifers.

In August the perennials are dramatic in the lower garden. By summer, children and adults love the exciting jungle with its mist and tropical bird sounds. Youngsters also enjoy the stone animals, windchimes and bridges.

Middle Garden ~ Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

In autumn, the rich hues of the virginia creeper are followed by vibrant colour change in the acers, azaleas, cotinus and other deciduous plants.

In winter, the red acer Senkaki stems are magnificent, offset against the blue and yellow conifers and bright holly. Lighting in the trees creates a magical atmosphere, especially when plants are draped in snow.

We now believe we have created a garden for all seasons and all ages.

FourSeasonsGarden entry price is £3 for adults. Children free.
The garden has some steps. Toilet at garden level.

Lower Garden ~ Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

LATEST NEWS :
“Four Seasons” – BBC2 Gardeners’ World Special
Rescheduled due to the Olympics to:

BBC2 – Sunday 14 February  11:30am – 12:00 noon
[ confirmed ] and
BBC HD – Thursday 18 February 6:30pm – 7:00pm
[ to be confirmed ]

Radio Times:

“Toby Buckland introduces a special programme following a year in the lives of passionate gardeners Tony and Marie Newton. Seventeen years ago the couple began transforming their traditional suburban garden in Walsall, West Midlands into a stunning Yellow Book garden. Tony hated weeding but loved building things. Marie loved plants. Together they began an incredible journey to create their dream outdoor space.”

“Gardeners’ World spent a year with Tony and Marie to discover why they are so passionate about their garden and to reveal the lengths to which they will go to achieve their perfect garden.”

Website : FourSeasonsGarden

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photo : Alan Elms

Above is this year’s book…

Grenville says ~
“When we opened the book we were surprised and delighted to see that our garden is included in the yellow book in a feature:
‘Inspiring gardens – Bright ideas’ written by Martyn Cox, the well known garden writer and author.

Two photographs of our garden are featured in the article. Martyn mentions that even in tiny spaces, the gardens can be stimulating and be big on ideas ! "

Martyn opens his own small garden in London for the NGS.

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You can find out more open garden information from our five members by going to their GoY home pages, and either clicking on their website links or sending a private message.

The National Gardens Scheme website also has further details..click on this link ………NGS
At the end of January, the NGS website had technical problems, so if you can’t access it, please try again in a few days’ time. Thanks.

If any other GoY members have their gardens open for charity this year, please send me a private message with details and I will add the information to this blog.

I hope everyone has a happy 2010 ~ gardening, and exploring enchanting open gardens. :o)

31 Jan, 2010
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Comments

Spritzhenry

Well, I got here first! This has been a real labour of love from Tt - and I think you've done a great job. Thanks for this lovely blog - I enjoyed reading it and looking at the photos.

I know what it's like preparing for the Open Days - hard work! - but it's worth doing, as the Charities supported by the NGS benefit by millions of pounds each year.

It would be a delight to meet any GOY members who could come and walk round my garden with me - as some did last year - and yes, there will be cream teas again!

31 Jan, 2010

2010 DIARY DATES....GoY members' gardens open for charity.:o)

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